It's not just a "massage" when you have breast cancer.

There are some interesting statistics about breast cancer put out by the American Cancer Society.  Between 2006-2010, the median age at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis was 61.  In that same time, a woman living in the USA had a 1 in 8 lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, up from a 1 in 11 risk in 1970.  Caucasian women appear to have more occurrences of breast cancer, especially in later years.

As of January 1, 2012, there were 2.9 million women who were living with a breast cancer diagnosis, cancer-free and not.  Survival of breast cancer was increased by 34% between 2000 to 2010, due in part to early detection and more effective therapies.  Some keys to healing from breast cancer are strengthening the immune system, diminishing stressors on the body, improving mood (positive attitude), dealing with the side effects of treatment, and finding positive avenues to deal with the variety of emotions that arise with a diagnosis of breast cancer.

A study, published in the July 2004 Journal of Psychosomatic Research, showed positive benefits for women with breast cancer.  It was concluded that “Women with Stage 1 and 2 breast cancer may benefit from thrice-weekly massage therapy for reducing depressed mood, anxiety, and anger and for enhancing dopamine, serotonin, and NK cell number and lymphocytes.”  Why might this be? Various massage studies have shown that:

Massage is effective in reducing stress by reducing the level of cortisol (stress hormone) in the blood.

Massage is an effective treatment for reducing pain and muscle tension.

Some people enjoy massage because it can be a safe, comforting place, and it provides a connection with another person.

Anxiety and depression are relieved with massage therapy.

                  Massage can boost white blood cells count. 

Massage therapy, in this day and age, is not just another pamper session.  I would encourage you to schedule regular sessions with me, or with a local-to-you valuable therapist.  And if you are facing the cancer monster, it is vital to your success that you include massage therapy in your treatment plan.

Pregnancy and The Foot Massage, part 1

How often does swollen, tired feet come to mind when you think of a pregnant woman?  And, if you have been pregnant, or currently pregnant, have you hear the one about not having your feet massaged during pregnancy?  Maybe your feet very ticklish, and the mere thought of someone touching your feet brings on that sensation right before you get tickled?  

Your Feet are super-duper important any time during life.  There is so much going on with your Feet.  They move you.  They bare your weight, up and down.  They help heal you (think reflexology, meridians, nerve endings, relaxation, etc).  They are a great conduit to absorb negative ions from our great Earth when you walk barefoot outside.  And there is a lot of things that get unbalanced with your Feet.  

Add in being pregnant, and your Feet need some extra love and attention.  A competently trained pregnancy massage therapist will know the wheres, whens, and hows about working on your Feet.  You are pregnant, not super fragile or someone who is gonna break with the slightest of pressure.

I enjoy working with Mommies-to-be, because they really appreciate the attention that I am able to afford them.  I have been doing pregnancy massage for almost 15 years and studied with Industry greats.  I keep in contact with my Client on the table (before, during, after the session), to make sure that She is comfortable.  I have worked with Mommies who have pitting edema in their legs and feet, working with the Body to move the fluid up towards the trunk.  I have worked through socks for those who have "sensitive" Feet.  I work with intention, and because I know what I'm doing, I know that working those tired, swollen, achy Feet will add an additional layer of relaxation for my pregnant Client.  

Massage is only part of the picture for the Feet during pregnancy.  If you only see your Therapist once a month, there are a lot of days between sessions where you can tend to your Feetsies.  

1.  Movement: get up and move.  If you are sitting, slavishly 

working  away, get up and walk around...each hour.  If you stand 

all day long in one place, again, move.  If you are moving all over 

the place during the day, see #4.    

2.  Drink plenty water: yes, I understand that you might have to 

pee more.  H2O will help with #1, and 

a hydrated Mommy means a healthy Baby

3.  Micro-nutrients (trace minerals or cell salts): I was shocked one day to 

learn that I was dehydrated.  I drink 96-128 oz of water a day, and 

thought I was good.  When you don't have the micro-nutrients to 

absorb the water, your cells, thus your Body, becomes dehydrated.  

There are simple solutions to balance this...talk with a Naturopath.

4.  Elevate those glorious Feet: above your heart for 10 min, Missy....several 

times a day.  Give those puppies a rest.  And if you are concerned 

about laying on your back, put a small pillow under your right hip.  

As a Midwife with many years of experience told me once, "If there is 

a problem, your Body will tell you."  If you are really concerned, talk to

your Midwife.    

If you are in the North San Diego County area, near Carlsbad specifically, I'd be happy to do a special 45min Footsie-Tootsie massage for you.  If you find yourself a little further away, then find a therapist you enjoy working with, or get a pedi, or have the FOB massage your feet, or...