Hi there

Has anyone had any experience working with cancer patients? I was thinking of volunteering and I was wondering whether there are any contra indications to massage.

Would be great to hear from you.

Jx

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Hi Janet

Just look up your local Cancer Support Group / Marie Currie/ Sue Ryder. I volunteer for Bradford Cancer Support and don't worry they will usually give you all the specialist training you need, providing you have your basic qualifications. Most are desperate for volunteers and with the current climate I think it is essential that all therapists stay busy and apply themselves where there is need. Give to get! Best of luck. Jayne x

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There is a view from the medical profession and some natural therapsits, that you should NOT give cancer patients a massage because it will spread the cancer. I have found this to be not true.

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Hi Jon, I found it not to be true through some research that I have done and from speaking to some cancer experts. Just need to be gentle with massage therapy and it all depends on how far gone it is. The centre that I will be doing some volunteering will be taking care of who can or cannot be massaged and making sure that all consultations are done, glad I got that out of the way as there are too many stories about this subject.

Cheers!

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Hi Janet,

I'm glad you are taking the requisite care with your clients and massage, to be commended. However....
You will find that on this site, many therapists and practitioners have gone beyond the limitations of the old tradition medical establishment and here you will find a body of knowledge and experience that supercedes the limited knowledge of prescriptive medicine. Refering back to your acid reflux thread, you said "better to be safe than sorry" when asking your GP for help.

A new member on Holistic Local came out with a funny quote:

2000 B.C. - Here, eat this root.
1000 A.D. - That root is heathen. Here, say this prayer.
1850 A.D. - That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion.
1940 A.D. - That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill.
1985 A.D. - That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic.
2000 A.D. - That antibiotic doesn't work anymore. Here eat this root.


Working as a hypnotherapist, I have learned through experience (and its been a journey and a half!) that even though a GP is a GP, their experience and approach may not be the best or even correct. Our implicit trust in the medical establishment is programmed into us in the times that we live in. You work as a massage therapist and in a way do some energy work, mention that to a GP and they will laugh you out of the drug prescribing room (supported by the recession-proof)pharmaceutical industry.

And dont get me started on swine flu hoax!

Janet, trust yourself and what you know, have a healthy cynicism for "established" medicinal practices, there is a lot of commercialism involved and its not all about the welfare of the apatient, whereas conversely you quite clearly are.

I hope my post has illicited some questions in your mind, you are on a path to help people to get better, in order to do so, challenge your beliefs, questions them. If they stand up to scrutiny, you were right to believe if not, you continue on your journey.

Either way, good luck, you have a good intention and desire to help people, wish there were more like you!

Peace

Asif

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Good morning Asif!

Thank you for taking the time to respond, your kind words touched my heart this morning, it is as if you tuned into me or something, thank you! thank you!

I totally agree about the GP situation... just a little tip that my mother always told me.. only use doctors for referrals... dont trust or lean on what they say as they dont have the time to really listen to you as a person, they are more interested in getting "bums off seats" and the fact that "you can only tell them one problem at a time" and "your appointment only lasts for 10mins". So I alway use them for referrals if a referral is needed say to a hospital, or other kind of health professional care.

I am also feeling strongs vibes that doctors do not really like complementary therapists... that's a shame! Their loss and our TOTAL GAIN!

BIGGING IT UP TO ALL COMP THERAPISTS IN THE WORLD TODAY!

Have a nice day ASIF x

Last edited: 1-04-2010 05:01:58 AM

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A possible relevant quotation:

"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society."
~Krishnamurti~

(Agree totally with what Asif has said, btw,)

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