It seems everywhere I turn these days someone has cancer. It’s either someone in my immediate circle or some celebrity being reported on.
Cancer is the great leveler. No matter the stature or prominence of the individual, when cancer enters a family, it is usually an isolating and fear-provoking experience.
I want to share the power of reflexology as a safe and positive addition to other cancer treatment approaches; one that has proven to change suffering to healing, desperation to hope, anguish to contentment and fear to peace.
I also want to introduce my friend and colleague from Israel, Moshe Kruchik – a man moved to create a testament to the gift we give our fellow human beings when we honor and respect their body’s innate drive to heal.
A number of years ago, Moshe took it upon himself to organize the first International Symposium on Reflexology and Cancer. Out of that memorable event came the book, Reflexology for Cancer Patients, a selection of 53 papers from 12 medical doctors and reflexologists who have used reflexology to improve the quality of life for cancer patients. The book also tells the story of survivors who claim reflexology as an integral part of their recovery process.
The book reveals how reflexology closed the lonely chasm that develops between family members and patient by including the family as part of the reflexology team. Being able to offer purposeful, loving touch removed the fear that the patient was too fragile to approach, to touch; and in doing so strengthened the bonds that always existed.
An appendix at the end of the book provides useful information regarding Complimentary and Alternative Medicine Therapies in Palliative Care (CAM) including definitions of therapies recognized by CAM; prevalence of use in various populations; cost effectiveness; risks, benefits, contraindications; which therapy is best for individual disease processes (based on evidence-based research).
I think Reflexology for Cancer Patients is much more than worth a read. It’s inspirational – and imperative for any reflexologist wanting to provide care to those people in their life who are suffering with cancer.
The book can be purchased directly from Moshe’s website or through the book’s Facebook page.
Dear Karen,
I’ve seen your Youtube video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrvnnf7wzj4#t=182
I’m going to use the technique you have shown in my practice.It’s great what reflexology can do, and I now see it can do something for cancer.
I wish you a lot of success!
Marijke Boer
Pijnacker
The Netherlands
marijkeboer@hetnet.nl
Thanks for taking the time to write back Marijke.