Speaking the language of healing
“To create the optimum environment for my healing – body, mind, and spirit – what I needed was not a mighty sword but rather a mighty heart: a heart that could hope, love and remain faithful in the shadow of mysteries that were beyond my comprehension.” ~Carol Matzkin Orsborn
Speaking the language of healing
The human touch is truly a powerful medicine. From a gentle hug, to a hand on the shoulder in time of sadness, or even a greeting hello, everything we want to convey that we don’t have words for can be translated through touch.
For cancer patients, massage therapy is more than just a way to relax; it is, in its purest form, medicine. At its core, oncology massage differs from all other types of massage because the massage therapist has a deeper, more intense understanding and knowledge of the effects of cancer and cancer treatments on the human body. Massages are tailored based on the type of cancer and modifications are made to ensure maximum comfort through the healing process.
“The stress that accompanies a cancer diagnosis can create an environment in which disease thrives,” said Emily Farrell, massage therapist at Mercy Comfort Health Center for Women. “Relaxation is a crucial aspect of the healing process, and massage therapy can help create the necessary foundation for whole body health.”
Farrell, who has studied oncology massage since 2015, focuses her attention beyond the basic knowledge of the human body. She strives to understand the entire healing process for each client, from the point of diagnosis, through the treatment plan and ongoing health goals.
“When it comes to a person’s health, a person’s life, these health goals become gold,” said Farrell. “They become the standard to which the long and short term revolves.”
Goals for people undergoing cancer treatment may include getting a good night’s sleep, eating without feeling nauseous, or simply feeling normal again. Massage therapy customized specifically for cancer patients is designed to help patients reach these goals, and get back to living life.
As a massage therapist, Emily Farrell, LMT, CMLDT, focuses on creating an environment to facilitate healing and put patients at ease. She is currently offering massage therapy services at Mercy Comfort Health Center for Women. Learn more.
