From mesothelioma.com:

In recent years the role of alternative therapies in cancer care has transformed the way many patients cope with illness and related side of effects. An older paradigm suggested that cancer could only be effectively treated with traditional treatments like surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Many patients refused this notion and sought alternative therapies outside of their treatment regimen not were not only relaxing but eased side-effects associated with traditional treatment regimens, including those caused y chemotherapy drugs.

Today, not only patients but also the medical establishment recognizes the importance of alternative therapies, and particularly the importance of massage therapy in comprehensive cancer care. Massage, like most alternative cancer therapies, is most effective when used in conjunction with traditional treatments.

Massage is unique in alternative cancer therapy because it is able to remedy feelings of isolation that many patients battling a difficult disease encounter. The experience of human contact is particularly important when facing a difficult diagnosis and massage can provide that unique experience to cancer patients, who often succumb to feelings of being overwhelmed by the nature of their diagnosis, family implications, and other difficulties associated with cancer treatments.

Often, the most valuable treatments to patients battling a difficult diagnosis are those which can allow the patient to be as comfortable as possible. Patients battling aggressive cancers, such as mesothelioma, often forgo traditional treatments which will put their body through a great deal of stress and discomfort in favor of those such as massage, which provide peace of mind and comfort. Patients undergoing chemotherapy often find that treatments which are able to relax their mind and body, will dramatically lessen side effects like nausea, restlessness, and fever.

As with any treatment, massage therapy may or may not benefit a particular patient’s treatment regimen. However, given the positive experience many patients have benefited from, it is certainly worth exploring. Maximizing your cancer treatment with cooperation between patient, family, and physician will allow patients to live longer, healthier, and be more comfortable, which is the goal of all comprehensive therapies.

Reiki provides healing energy to the body, mind and spirit.

I got my first Reiki attunement in the early part of April.  My first “assignment” was to do daily Reiki self-treatments for a month and document my state of mind, body and spirit before and after that month.

I’ve done Reiki self-healings for a little more than a month now.  Re-reading my first paper, I see many similarities, but also some intrinsic changes.  Since starting Reiki, I’m more optimistic that I’m heading in the right direction.  I’m walking the right path.  Since my first attunement, I’ve noted the following changes in my life:

1)      I’m now Journaling daily.

2)      I’m now Reading Anatomy of the Spirit.

3)      I’m now Learning Toe Reading.

4)      I’ve taken a Level 3 HT class and made connections with the instructor.

5)      I started a monthly HT clinic for free/donations.

6)      I bought a Wii and have started doing exercises at home.

7)      I’ve started a facebook page for my business.

8)      I’ve been blogging more on my web page.

9)      I’ve been finding tidbits to post on the benefits of massage and bodywork.

10)   My neck and arm pain are improved.

11)   My sciatic pain is improved.

12)   My healing touch work is more intense.

13)   I am seeing more energy when I work.

14)   I am seeing more of people’s auras when I talk to them.

15)   I’m seeing patterns I’ve created in myself and recognizing them…although I haven’t fixed them all yet.

16)  I feel more in tune with my family and friends, and am enjoying life more.

I’ve been getting better at self-care.  At times, I had a hard time doing the daily work on myself.  Make that I HAVE a hard time making sure I work on myself, especially after a rough day.  But I found if I spend an extra 30 minutes at work with the doors locked, I have a much better evening.

Working on myself has been an interesting sensory experience.  I had to figure out how to time 2-5 minutes without watching the clock all the time – so I found CDs with music that is 2-5 minutes long per track.  It keeps me on schedule quite well…and much of the music is also healing…I sometimes see colors, especially when working over my eyes.  I always feel heat and “spinning” in my hands.  I sometimes feel like the table is rocking. 

I’ve been much more engaged with the world around me.  I’ve been much more engaged with the world within me.  I’ve spent less time in a fog and more time challenging myself.  I’m nowhere near a miracle change, but I see progress.

My second attunement is coming up soon.  I am looking forward to seeing how it will change me.  One thing I know, change is inevitable.

I finished my Level 3 HT class last weekend, and to celebrate, I’m offering Healing Touch sessions for $25 (regularly $45) from now until June 30.  Call me at 479-981-9995 to book your appointment. Also, don’t forget that the second Tuesday of the month we offer Healing Touch sessions for donations only.  We still have three openings for the June 9 clinic.
Healing Touch is an energy therapy.  Using light or near-body touch, it is intended to help clear, balance, energize and support the human energy system to promote healing for the mind, body and spirit.  

Research suggests that healing touch can help reduce pain, reduce anxiety, relieve stress and depression, provide support during chemotherapy, strengthen the immune system, enhance recovery from surgery, as well as reducing the effects of trauma and chronic pain.

I will be in Texas getting my Level 3 training in Healing Touch.   Look for Healing Touch specials later this month!

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Reflexology is the art and science of using alternating pressure on specific areas of the feet, hands or ears with the intention of providing relaxation and improving overall health.

Reflexology has its roots in ancient Eastern and Western cultures, where foot massage is evident as a treatment in hieroglyphics and other archeological finds.

Dr. William Fitzgerald introduced “zone therapy” to the modern medical community and Eunice Ingham is credited with providing training and information to non-medical practitioners.

Recent research has shown that people can develop accumulations of nerve endings and other tissue in their feet.  These are what reflexologists call “deposits” or “crystals.”  By working on these areas, the theory is that the overall health of the body can be improved.

Some conditions for which reflexology might be helpful are:  allergies, arthritis, backaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, constipation, headaches, high blood pressure, insomnia, PMS, and stress.

Like all forms of bodywork, a single session can provide help; however, regular sessions can provide longer-term benefits.

Ancient Paths offers both 30 minute and 60 minute foot reflexology sessions.  We use a combination of traditional reflexology, as taught by Ingham, and Integrative Reflexology, which was developed by Claire Marie Miller.

References:  Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals; Stories the Feet Can Tell Thru Reflexology by Eunice Ingham

For more information:

http://www.reflexology-usa.net/

http://www.reflexology-usa.org/

http://www.reflexology-research.com/

Don’t forget to book a massage!

Events in February include the Chocolate Festival on the 14th and Eureka’s Mardi Gras celebration on the 19th-24th.  There will be a parade, a pub crawl and many other events for Mardi Gras.

Lavender:  “Every home should have a bottle of lavender, if no other oil, because of its effectiveness on scalds and burns.” (The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy).  Lavender is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative and detoxifier. 

Uses: 

·        1 drop of lavender in 1 c. water makes antiseptic lavender water that is soothing and cleansing for wounds and acne.  It can be used as a wash for puffy eyes, bruises, bites and minor external sores, and as a hair rinse to reduce oiliness.

·        Add 5 to 20 drops of lavender oil to a tub of water for a soothing bath. 

·        Add a few drops of lavender to the laundry for a natural fresh scent.

·        For a fresh and clean feeling when you are hot and tired, wipe your face and neck with a few drops of lavender on a wet washcloth.

·        Put a few drops of lavender on a pad in an electric diffuser for a relaxing aromatherapy.

·        Use in massage oil to aid relaxation.

·        Blend with chamomile, bergamot and neroli (and diluted in a carrier oil) to aid in treating eczema and psoriasis (Edwards, The Aromatherapy Companion).

·        Blend with other essential oils to add a light floral note.