Trigger Finger/Thumb exercises
I've found a Youtube presentation that explains how Trigger Finger/Thumb occurs & some rubbing & exercises that may help it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0FfMzemLnU The info from the 2min 20sec mark is more about locating the nodule at the base of the thumb/finger that is restricting the tendon from working smoothly - and how deep tissue massage may help to help break down the scar tissue. This is very similar to what my husband has done in the past when he gets a running injury - he will give deep massage to the muscle, to 'free it up'. I found that I have quite a BIG nodule at the base of my left thumb - it is much smaller on my right thumb. I started the rubbing of the nodule quite aggressively yesterday & I am surprised to say that it already feels 'freer' today! I still can't bend the thumb tho the pain is less (the magic oil may also be helping here too!) - so I am stretching it & forcing it to bend as well, to try & free it up more. Good luck - it is definitely worth a try!
Thermal Hot Springs and Massage Treatments
Well its over a year since I finished Chemo, Radiation and Surgery. We are now SKIing, my first trip to Europe. It now seems that once you have had cancer no health centre will do any Beauty Treatments. I have been on Dr Google and it's very unclear. I contracted a Spa in Budapest and oh no, no treatments for you, see your Oncologist. Well I see her just before I go, I still have a port, as there is some uncertainty, but who cares about that small issue. I wondered if anyone has thoughts about this issue, I still want to try the thermal springs, and being sensible,I won't choose the hottest pool. I suppose I will just have to go in undercover in the pool, but hard to do that for a health mud body wash. But seriously, Is it true that cancer spreads by massage?? They certainly seem to think they will get sued, but all is forgiven if I survive 5 years, then I might just scrape in.....lol.
Has anyone tried acupuncture for lymph build-up ?
I had a non-skin-sparing and non-nipple-sparing mastectomy in late 2014. (No reconstruction was offered). I have been seeing a masseur for the treatment of fluid build-up and she used the Chinese cups when it was really bad. I have now moved and have not been able to find a reasonably-priced masseur with the remedial training. An acupuncturist has been recommended. If you have had acupuncture for this can you please let me know how often you need it to be done ? Thanks in advance Summer
Counterpart
I attended a Cancer and Wellbeing day run by Counterpart this week. We did Feldenkrais, some light aerobics and theraband work, Qi Gong and a fantastic deep meditation. There was a very good lunch and lots of time to chat and connect with the other participants. For Melbourne and Victorian folks (they're running a wellness day in Gippsland later this month), if you haven't heard of Counterpart check them out. They do all sorts of workshops and seminars. The events I've attended have always been very well run and they are free. Their new calender is coming out soon but there are also several events on in the rest of April. https://www.counterpart.org.auTherapies, Reiki, Reflexology
Hi! Just thought I'd start a discussion with regard to alternate therapies like Reiki or Reflexology? I did have a session of Reflexology not long after my mastectomy surgery but I must admit I couldn't relax into it properly as it just felt like a stranger was playing with my feet. She didn't pick up on my thyroid issues so I decided against any further sessions. Today my hairdresser has been talking Reiki. Only know what I can read on the internet and it would seem it is more about a mindset, commonsense things like do not become angry, worry about nothing, express one's gratitude, be diligent in work, be kind to others. Interested in if others have benefitted
crystal bowl meditation
hi everyone, Last nite a friend took me to try this crystal bowl (sound bath) meditation and WOW it was amazing, never tried anything like it. I have done meditation in the past but nothing like this. While doing it I swear I could not feel the horrible feeling I normally have in my fingers and feet from nerve damage (in fact it was like they were not there for 45 mins). I did struggle at first to stay focused but then I was hanging out to hear and feel the next sound and vibration from the bowls. Sometime during the session I swear my mind just went somewhere and I did not have a care in the world, it was like I was not there. It was not until the guy spoke to tell us it was finished that I realized I was in the room again. I highly recommend it to anyone to try at least once. They told me that each persons experience was different. I will definitely be going next week. I think this is the perfect type of meditation for people going through cancer. I only wish my friend had discovered it earlier in my diagnosis but better late then never I guess.
Mindful Mondays Blog Post Five: Mindful Colouring
Image Source: borderlinebabble.com Colouring-in may be something you remember fondly from your childhood. It has become a popular past-time for adults recently and for good reason. It might seem strange that something as simple as using a coloring book could actually be beneficial, but research continually supports this idea. Colouring is a form of active meditation, which focuses attention on simple tasks that require repetitive motion. The gentle activity of repetitive action focuses the brain on the present. Needing to concentrate this way replaces negative thoughts and creates a state of peace, and people who have a difficult time with concentrative, traditional meditation or relaxation techniques may find this easier. Studies have been conducted into the neurological responses of people whilst they colour-in. Three key elements have been found to prompt positive neurological responses; repetition, pattern and detail. The activity of colouring is said to calm the amygdala, the part of the brain related to the fear/stress response, while stimulating the parts of the brain responsible for creativity and logic. Group colouring time is becoming an increasingly popular activity in many places such as clubs and social groups. While coloring does take focus and promotes relaxation, it isn’t such a difficult activity that it can’t be done while talking or spending time with others. Have you given colouring a try as an adult? Here are the links to the BCNA mandala colouring page and the calendar. https://www.bcna.org.au/media/files/BCNAmandalacolouringpages.pdf https://www.bcna.org.au/media/files/2016BCNAMandalacalendar.pdf Or free printable coloring pages http://www.everythingetsy.com/2015/08/printable-coloring-pages-for-adults-15-free-designs/ Don’t forget that if you post about your mindfulness experience you will be in with a chance to win the mindful prize pack (which includes an adult colouring book and 12 Derwent pencils). Post a picture, a quote, a story, a tip or show us your colouring. References: Wellness Mama 2016, Health Benefits of Adult Colouring Books, http://wellnessmama.com/77075/adult-coloring-books/, viewed May 2016 ABC, The science behind adult coloring books, http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/booksandarts/why-are-australian-adults-drawn-to-colouring-in-books/6750808, viewed May 2016
Barb
After having councelling for post-chemo depression (realloy bad depression) I decided to do some meditation or my style of mediation. I wait til Saturday afternoon when husband Rod is playing golf, get comfortable on the couch (usually joined by my cat, Casper!) burn some incesnse and listen to Enya on my IPod..It is so relaxing. I can pray, just let my mind wander, think of our favourite holiday destination, Yamba in northern NSW or more often than not, fall asleep. But it does help, whatever way you want to do it. Try it!! It is very theraputic. Love to you all Barb
