July2012_How can such a light touch make a difference
I have recently been doing some more training in Oncology Massage which is used for people who have cancer or are frail. This article is inspired by the amazing results I see when Oncology Massage is used.
People often wonder or are amazed by the results they feel after such a light touch massage. And I have to say that when I first experienced Oncology Massage myself, I too was astounded by the total relaxation I felt.
How does it work? When we give Oncology Massage we connect with the Fascia. The fascia is made of proteins, collagen, elastin, reticulum fibres and water. The immune system cells move through the fascia as the body needs them. Interstitial cells move throughout the fascial matrix and inform the body about the immune response required to meet any biological or structural challenge.
The fascia is a web of connective tissue that holds us together from head to toe. Excessive heat depletes the fascia and causes constriction. Therefore it is important to stay well hydrated to have healthy fascia. To assist with constriction it is essential to move your body. This could be in many forms such as yoga, 30 minute walks, gardening and Oncology Massage.
To get an idea of what the fascia is meant to be like, imagine two sheets of gladwrap and in the middle is some water which allows both pieces of gladwrap to glide and slip. Without water the gladwrap sticks. This may be a helpful visual to understand how the fascia is in our bodies.
When gently massaging the fascia the relaxation response is turned on. From an article “The Relaxation Reflex” by Lee Miller Ph.D – Harvard cardiologist Herbert Benson identified the human body’s natural relaxation reflex as the Relaxation Response. The relaxation reflex is the stress off switch, negating the harmful effects of the Flight/Fight reaction more simply known as stress. Prolonged stress and the resulting cascade of harmful biochemical reactions are extremely damaging. The by-products of stress are the most cellular eroding chemical reactions the body can experience. This molecular damage is the primary cause of aging and degenerative illness. He goes on to say that if clients continue to have regular treatment, one each week for example, their body anticipates relaxation while assuming the treatment position on the massage table, beginning the relaxation reflex sequela.
Oncology Massage is very helpful for conditions such as anxiety, fear (around treatment or diagnosis for example), depression, stress and conditions such as PTSD. It is supportive and nurturing and gives the body that much needed rest and time to heal. A recent client described the Oncology Massage she received from me as “feeling wrapped in a warm blanket.”
Thanks to Oncology Massage Training for the core information on Fascia. Oncology Massage Training website is www.oncologymassagetraining.com.au if you would like further information on their training program. I personally believe it is very important that you source a well trained Oncology Massage Therapist and there is a list of trained therapists on their website.
SPECIAL OFFER – For the Month of July I am offering a $10 discount for anyone booking in for an Oncology Massage that mentions this Grapevine article. The cost will be $60 for an hour Oncology Massage.
OTHER NEWS – I am very excited to share that Denise Eagleton, a Gestalt Psychotherapist from Kobble Creek has taken one of the rooms in the Rainbow Atma clinic. She is available for counselling sessions and can be contacted on 0403 222 132.
May you all be well and may you all be happy
Linda
Linda Conyard
Rainbow Atma
Ayurveda & Oncology Massage Clinic
0402 811 742
linda@rainbowatma.com.au
www.rainbowatma.com.au
