Eeris Kallil is working with a client
Every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer around the world. Eeris Kallil, a Certified Massage Therapist in Boulder Colorado, has lost three members of her close family to breast cancer and is a survivor her self.
Once Eeris completely recovered, she committed to working with women who are going through this difficult journey.
Her mission statement is to provide a space for clients so they can find comfort and courage and empower their inner strength by connecting to their body on physical, emotional and spiritual levels.
The benefits of massage and bodywork:
There are many benefits from receiving bodywork at any time, needless to say at a time of stress and health crisis. Some of the benefits are:
•Massage is relaxing and rejuvenating
•Calming the nervous system
•Helps you cope with mental and emotional stress
•Relief of physical pain and fatigue
•Increase flexibility and range of motion
•Speeds recovery from surgery and treatment
•Reduces build up of scar tissue
•Improves circulation and immune system
•Improves skin tone
•Speeds the removal of metabolic waste
There are different types of bodywork that support a cancer patient, depending on what stage they are in their treatment process. Eeris specializes and combines the following styles:
Energy work is soothing and balancing and helps with calming the nervous system. It is recommended for the first stages during crucial decision-making and is safe before treatment starts. It may include visualization and meditation.
Shiatsu is a form of bodywork that is based on Chinese medicine. It’s focus is on restoring Chi/Qui, rather than stimulating muscles. Chi/Qui, is believed to be the life force behind our existents. Shiatsu will help balance the flow of energy in the body, support the immune system, increase the release of toxins and decrease fatigue due to treatment.
Shiatsu uses thumb and palm pressure on specific energy pathways (meridians) along the body.
Swedish massage is soothing and relaxing and especially good for recovery time after surgery and chemotherapy. Massage will restore range of motion; decrease scar tissue and speed release of toxins and healing of wounds. Due to the relaxing nature of the work it helps with relieving mental and emotional stress that accompanies dealing with cancer.
Questions and answers about massage and cancer:
Q: Can I get massage and bodywork during chemotherapy and radiation?
A: Yes, however a waiting period of 3-6 days after treatment is recommended before getting any bodywork, depending on the treatment and the individual. After surgery it is recommended to wait 7-10 days before receiving bodywork, however, energy work and gentle massage to non affected areas can be administered as soon as the client feels up to it. During radiation massage should not be administered to the radiated area.
Q: Since massage stimulates the blood flow will it increase the risk of spreading the cancer cells to other parts of the body?
A: According to research and discussions with surgeons and oncologists, there are no studies that support this assumption. There are many studies however, that show massage to strengthen the immune system, induce release of toxins and assist in the reduction of stress. These are fundamentals which help fight disease and promote healing. More and more hospitals and cancer center include Massage Therapy in their programs. However, this is an individual decision, which each patient should discuss with their doctor and practitioner and judge by his or her comfort level.
Q: What about massaging around tumors?
A: It is preferable to wait until the tumor is removed. In cases where the tumor cannot be removed, direct pressure to the area should be avoided to prevent shedding of cancer cells.
For more information please go to www.bodyworkwisdom.com
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
