Happy 2005!   Hope your spring is blooming! Spring time is a good time for detoxing, and planning. It’s a good time to get some of your old plans that you always wanted to do. Now is a good time for planting seeds- literally in the ground but also plant seeds for your future.   What's new this year? This past May I celebrated a full year at my new office. I am amazed how fast this year has gone by. I just looove the new space. If you haven’t visited here yet- please do, you will love it too!   My Web site www.bodyworkwisdom.com Is finally coming together, thanks for my client Dan Willkinson who patiently put it together for me. We added some pictures so please visit.   More training: This past year my continuing education training included Manual Lymph Drainage technique. MLD is a specialized technique that supports the function of the lymph system. It helps drain and detox the lymph, will relief conditions of edema, and post surgery lymph drainage problems. (Based on the Voder technique)   Massage and Breast cancer: I also continue to work with and teach about massage and breast cancer patients. As a survivor I am dedicated to helping women who are going through breast cancer. It is very important for the patient to become involved in her own healing process. I provide her the opportunity to connect to her body on physical, emotional, spiritual and energetic levels. Its about empowering her to help herself. Common Questions and answers about massage and cancer:   Q: How can massage and bodywork help?   A: 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 ·        Improves circulation and immune system ·        Improves skin tone ·        Speeds the removal of metabolic waste   Q: What style of massage/bodywork is best for cancer patients?   A: There are many types of bodywork that will support a cancer patient, depending on what stage they are in their treatment process; Energy work is soothing and balancing and helps with calming the nervous system. It is recommended at the first stages during crucial decision-making and is safe before treatment starts. Shiatsu is an excellent form of bodywork, since it’s focus is on restoring Chi, rather than stimulating muscles. Chi, or life force is believed to be the power behind our existents. If there are imbalances in the flow of this energy, it can lead to disease.Shiatsu will help restore the body Chi/Qui flow and will help the client thrive through surgery, chemo treatments and radiation. Swedish Massage is good for recovery time especially after surgery and chemotherapy. Massage will restore range of motion; decrease scar tissue and speed release of toxins and healing of wounds.   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. After surgery it is recommended to wait 7-10 days before receiving bodywork, however, energy work can be administered as soon as the client feels up to it.    Q: Since massage stimulates the blood and lymph flow will it increase the risk of spreading the cancer cells to other parts of the body?   A: 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   Q: What about massaging around tumors?   A: It is preferable to wait until the tumor is removed. In cases where the rumor cannot be removed, direct pressure to the area should be avoided to prevent shedding of cancer cells.   Teaching: I still enjoy teaching Shiatsu at the BCMT, and this year I will also be teaching movement. My core Alignment and breast cancer workshop for massage therapists are still happening and this time I am planning to teach the breast caner workshop in Chicago in October. I would like to workshop “massage for couples” going again, so please if you are interested let me know!