The benefits of oncology massage, reviewed and researched for as long as I have been working in cancer centers as a Massage Therapist, encourage us, as Massage Therapists, to become vital support team members. Research indicates the possibilities of helping with the side effects of cancer treatment when patients, staff and physicians recognize what massage can do throughout treatment. Just as important is engaging with survivors and asking them the question, "What hobby gives you peace and comfort in difficult times?"
During massage therapy encounters in a chemotherapy unit I often have conversations with individual patients in regards to their art or craft history; painting, pottery, knitting, scrap booking, music, jewelry making, weaving, dance and other healing arts that are equally important. These conversations allow us to share our creative endeavors and serve as distraction therapy during their chemotherapy treatment. A simple lesson on the mindfulness of creative arts helps patients to realize how important it is to maintain their interests during treatment. Engaging in art keeps our brains busy with good feelings. I share how my time at a pottery wheel or on a dance floor allows me to be in the moment to be fully present to the experience which I believe for me is as good as yoga or a sitting meditation. I love inspiring each patient to fully understand how their creative energies are truly healing for them. Their creative energies can be a source of comfort and control as they go through cancer treatment. The ability to be in the moment, can brings feelings of comfort and control. The feeling of joy increases while using their creative energies, which can temporarily decrease the anxiety of cancer treatment. The hopeful end result can be good feelings of determination and recovery.
In one recent conversation a new patient told me she use to paint but with three children and a new cancer diagnosis she doubts that she will have the time. I offered a simple idea of bringing a sketchbook to her treatments and using that time in chemotherapy to draw in the sketch book. She loved the idea and I hope to see the sketchbook filled with images of what is most important to her soon. Another patient sings professionally and it is the highlight of her week to sit at a local tiki booth and sing. During her treatment cycle she might not have the energy to set up her speakers or tear her equipment down. However, she does have a supportive husband who can be her one man crew, and with that help she can still sing to her heart's content. Another patient shares her love of art and I share how much I love creating my pottery pieces and sharing photos of my work. Conversation about art and craft history, creative energies, and being in the moment make time spent with a patient fly for both of us. I always leave a few minutes for quiet massage after we share our passions with each other. Conversations and encouragement to continue an arts and craft hobby that centers us on what we are doing at the moment, helps patients realize the importance of being in that moment during cancer treatment. With massage therapy and conversation they smile with gratitude and continue the good fight. I always encourage the Massage Therapists that I train to understand the value of these conversations with their clients, as well as have creative moments of joy for themselves.
By Toni Muirhead
Article Source: Oncology Massage and Healing Arts Conversations
Showing posts with label Massage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Massage. Show all posts
Health and Fitness - Four Reasons To Consider Adding Massage Therapy to Your Health Care Plan
When it comes to taking care of your health, you have the basics down...
proper exercise,
good nutrition, and
possibly some daily stretching to reduce soreness and keep up your range of motion.
But, have you considered the benefits massage therapy can bring to your body? Many people completely overlook this treatment option either due to the cost involved or because they consider it a luxury and not something they should be indulging in. It is time to change this thinking. While you may not be able to afford a massage each week, treating yourself once a month can be a great way to pamper your body and do your health good. Plus, various health care plans do cover this type of treatment, so be sure to look into your care plan to see what coverage you have.
Here are five good reasons why you might want to consider having a regular massage...
1. Stress Reduction. Relaxing on the table while the massage therapist goes to work is one of the best ways to take some time out and slow down your busy world.
Do you realize there are different types of massage? There are those purely for stress reduction and relaxation, and then there are deep tissue massages designed to help sore, tense muscles. Choose the appropriate one given your goals.
2. Injury Prevention. Next, massage therapy can be ideal for injury prevention purposes. If you are experiencing muscle tension and knots in any area of your body, therapy can help to work those out and as a result, contribute to reducing the occurrence of injuries down the road.
Remember, a small tight muscle today is one likely to become problematic later if not taken care of. Slowly this tightness can build and scar tissue may even form which will then lead to a lack of motion range.
3. Greater Mobility. Speaking of a range of motion, this is something else you will want to think about. Massage can help to boost flexibility by bringing more blood into the tissue area, reducing stiffness and helping you loosen up surrounding tissues.
If you feel tense and sore, this could impact your physical performance. Massage therapy can get you back on track so you can engage in the activities you enjoy.
4. Enhanced Sleep Quality. Finally, let us not forget about the sleep benefits from massage therapy. Go for one massage and you will see how deeply you sleep through that night. Since sleep is critical for optimal health, this again is a benefit to consider.
If you are a poor sleeper, a relaxation massage scheduled late into the evening may just help you find relief.
Keep these points in mind and consider booking a massage today. It really can help you feel better and become healthier overall.
Although managing Type 2 diabetes can be very challenging, it is not a condition you must just live with. Make simple changes to your daily routine - include exercise to help lower both your blood sugar levels and your weight.
For nearly 25 years, Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.
The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.
By Beverleigh H Piepers
Article Source: Health and Fitness - Four Reasons To Consider Adding Massage Therapy to Your Health Care Plan
proper exercise,
good nutrition, and
possibly some daily stretching to reduce soreness and keep up your range of motion.
But, have you considered the benefits massage therapy can bring to your body? Many people completely overlook this treatment option either due to the cost involved or because they consider it a luxury and not something they should be indulging in. It is time to change this thinking. While you may not be able to afford a massage each week, treating yourself once a month can be a great way to pamper your body and do your health good. Plus, various health care plans do cover this type of treatment, so be sure to look into your care plan to see what coverage you have.
Here are five good reasons why you might want to consider having a regular massage...
1. Stress Reduction. Relaxing on the table while the massage therapist goes to work is one of the best ways to take some time out and slow down your busy world.
Do you realize there are different types of massage? There are those purely for stress reduction and relaxation, and then there are deep tissue massages designed to help sore, tense muscles. Choose the appropriate one given your goals.
2. Injury Prevention. Next, massage therapy can be ideal for injury prevention purposes. If you are experiencing muscle tension and knots in any area of your body, therapy can help to work those out and as a result, contribute to reducing the occurrence of injuries down the road.
Remember, a small tight muscle today is one likely to become problematic later if not taken care of. Slowly this tightness can build and scar tissue may even form which will then lead to a lack of motion range.
3. Greater Mobility. Speaking of a range of motion, this is something else you will want to think about. Massage can help to boost flexibility by bringing more blood into the tissue area, reducing stiffness and helping you loosen up surrounding tissues.
If you feel tense and sore, this could impact your physical performance. Massage therapy can get you back on track so you can engage in the activities you enjoy.
4. Enhanced Sleep Quality. Finally, let us not forget about the sleep benefits from massage therapy. Go for one massage and you will see how deeply you sleep through that night. Since sleep is critical for optimal health, this again is a benefit to consider.
If you are a poor sleeper, a relaxation massage scheduled late into the evening may just help you find relief.
Keep these points in mind and consider booking a massage today. It really can help you feel better and become healthier overall.
Although managing Type 2 diabetes can be very challenging, it is not a condition you must just live with. Make simple changes to your daily routine - include exercise to help lower both your blood sugar levels and your weight.
For nearly 25 years, Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.
The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.
By Beverleigh H Piepers
Article Source: Health and Fitness - Four Reasons To Consider Adding Massage Therapy to Your Health Care Plan
9 Health Benefits Of Massage
If you have health conditions, such as high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes or anxiety, you may benefit from massage. Massage offers a huge number of benefits. It boosts your blood circulation, skin health and the operation of your digestive and urinary systems. Aside from this, it improves the sleep, growth and immunity of an infant. As a matter of fact, regular sessions of massage ensure your physical and mental health. Read on to know more.
Health Benefits Of Massage
The benefits of massage can change your lifestyle. As a result, you will be able to enjoy your life more. Given below are some of the prominent health benefits of it:
Anxiety
There is no need to explain that anxiety and other psychological problems are all the rage these days. If you want to reduce your anxiety, getting a massage is a good idea. Kids and adults can reduce their stress as well.
Infant Growth
Doctors from all around the world suggest that infants should also get massage. The reason is that it helps the infants gain weight, especially the premature babies. Aside from this, it strengthens the muscle tissues of the newborn babies.
Diabetes
Apart from anxiety, it helps you control your blood sugar level. That's why experts recommend massage sessions to prevent diabetes in kids.
Immune system
The immune system of your body is strong enough to fight infections and viruses. And to make your immunity stronger, you should get a massage on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, it will build your protective cells for neutralizing viruses that may cause cancer. Moreover, a strong immune system plays a vital role in keeping you in good shape.
Cancer
Massage sessions can reduce the pain and anxiety in cancer patients. The fact of the matter is that it is a gift for cancer sufferers.
Proper Sleep
If you can't sleep, you can get a massage for some relief and relaxation. As a result, you will be able to get better sleep at night, especially if you have a sleep disorder. At the end of a busy day, you can get yourself massaged to get rid of the exhaustion and to recharge your batteries.
Cardiac conditions
If you have a malfunctioning cardiac system, you can get a massage to return your heart to its optimal operational level.
Pain
After surgery, message can help patients reduce their feelings of pain. Aside from this, it can also give you relief from lower back pain and migraine pain. One weekly session is enough to make a considerable reduction in your pain and suffering.
Blood circulation
Massage improves the blood circulation in your body. Your heart gets enough oxygen and you are less likely to have a heart attack.
Do you have neck pain or lower back pain? If so, you may be looking for a good specialist. Well, you can definitely see a doctor, but before you do that, we suggest that you give a go to a message therapy. These therapies have been known to work for many people and they may work for you too.
If you have been suffering from neck pain, we suggest that you look for the best neck massager today. This natural therapy will help you a lot.
By Shalini Madhav
Article Source: 9 Health Benefits Of Massage
Health Benefits Of Massage
The benefits of massage can change your lifestyle. As a result, you will be able to enjoy your life more. Given below are some of the prominent health benefits of it:
Anxiety
There is no need to explain that anxiety and other psychological problems are all the rage these days. If you want to reduce your anxiety, getting a massage is a good idea. Kids and adults can reduce their stress as well.
Infant Growth
Doctors from all around the world suggest that infants should also get massage. The reason is that it helps the infants gain weight, especially the premature babies. Aside from this, it strengthens the muscle tissues of the newborn babies.
Diabetes
Apart from anxiety, it helps you control your blood sugar level. That's why experts recommend massage sessions to prevent diabetes in kids.
Immune system
The immune system of your body is strong enough to fight infections and viruses. And to make your immunity stronger, you should get a massage on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, it will build your protective cells for neutralizing viruses that may cause cancer. Moreover, a strong immune system plays a vital role in keeping you in good shape.
Cancer
Massage sessions can reduce the pain and anxiety in cancer patients. The fact of the matter is that it is a gift for cancer sufferers.
Proper Sleep
If you can't sleep, you can get a massage for some relief and relaxation. As a result, you will be able to get better sleep at night, especially if you have a sleep disorder. At the end of a busy day, you can get yourself massaged to get rid of the exhaustion and to recharge your batteries.
Cardiac conditions
If you have a malfunctioning cardiac system, you can get a massage to return your heart to its optimal operational level.
Pain
After surgery, message can help patients reduce their feelings of pain. Aside from this, it can also give you relief from lower back pain and migraine pain. One weekly session is enough to make a considerable reduction in your pain and suffering.
Blood circulation
Massage improves the blood circulation in your body. Your heart gets enough oxygen and you are less likely to have a heart attack.
Do you have neck pain or lower back pain? If so, you may be looking for a good specialist. Well, you can definitely see a doctor, but before you do that, we suggest that you give a go to a message therapy. These therapies have been known to work for many people and they may work for you too.
If you have been suffering from neck pain, we suggest that you look for the best neck massager today. This natural therapy will help you a lot.
By Shalini Madhav
Article Source: 9 Health Benefits Of Massage
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)