Caring for a loved one with an incurable disease like mesothelioma is a harrowing experience, but it is also a privilege, you are in the position to make a huge difference to the quality of life of your loved one.
thinking back to my travel care, there was nothing I would not do for Brian. From the moment he was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, well-being became my reason to live. All I was thinking was how he felt and how I could help her feel better.
At no time during the two years I took care of Brian fact I step away from my role as helping to focus on how I felt and what I could do to feel better.
Not surprisingly, I lost my sense of self in the process. Although I am aware of it at the time, I did not know how to change the situation, or that I really wanted. Everything I did, I did for love.
Looking back, I came to understand that if I allowed myself a little time away from Brian, it would not mean that I liked or loved her no less. It would, however, have helped me to love and take care of myself.
One thing that was very beneficial for me was complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Through my work with the Cancer Support Centre SolarisCare, I learned a lot about complementary therapies and witnessed the physical and emotional benefits they bring to both cancer patients and their caregivers.
What are complementary therapies?
complementary therapies are those who work alongside treatments and traditional cancer procedures for providing support and to help improve the quality of life
complementary therapies are divided into three categories :.
- mind-body
- based Touché
- based energy
What Mind -Body Therapy?
mind-body therapy is designed to help people focus on what their cause emotional stress and give them the tools they can use to help create positive change that will influence their physical and emotional well-being.
Some types of therapy mind-body and the benefits they provide:
- counseling
When you take care of a loved one with cancer, it can be difficult to tell them about how you feel. A counseling session with a trained professional gives you the opportunity to talk about anything that causes you emotional stress. Being able to freely express your concerns and have them recognized can provide a huge relief. The counselor can also help you think about your concerns another perspective and help you move toward a resolution.
- Creative Visualization
Creative visualization therapy ?? sometimes referred to daydream as controlled - helps you use the power of your imagination to create and store an internal image in your mind of something that brings you pleasure
Once you have created this image memory, the therapist. will help you clear your mind of disturbing thoughts by focusing on the image. This therapy is very relaxing and can even make you fall asleep. With practice, you'll be able to use this technique at home.
- Meditation
Meditation can free the mind of its endless chatter. One method focuses on a particular object, like a flower, a candle or a picture and focus on that one. With practice, it is possible to free the mind of its endless chatter and become totally relaxed in mind and body.
What is Hit-Based Therapy?
As the name suggests, touch therapies are those that involve touch. These therapies are very popular with cancer patients and their caregivers for their immediate effect on the body
Some touch-based therapies and their benefits :.
- Relaxation Massage
Massage is well known for its relaxing effect on the body. It may also be useful for lowering the levels of pain and improvement of energy. For cancer patients, a very gentle massage is given in order to relieve stress and relax the patient. For the caregiver, firmer massage is possible.
- Reflexology
Reflexology is derived from the Chinese practice of acupressure, which focuses on different points on the palm of the hand or the sole of the foot which are connected with the body organ system. Reflexology therapy involves the therapist systematically putting pressure on these points. Patients have reported many benefits of having this treatment, including improved breathing, lower blood pressure and improved sleep.
- Bowen
Bowen therapy is designed to stimulate the body to restore health and balance and consists of a series of gentle rolling movements over the body to activate a systemic response. A pattern of these movements with breaks between the two continue throughout therapy, which can be very relaxing. Many people doze off during the session.
What is the energy-Based Therapy?
basic energy therapies are gentle therapy, noninvasive that revitalize the body's energy levels. energy therapies provide a deep sense of relaxation, and many patients drift off to sleep during these sessions
Here are some energy-based therapy and the benefits they offer :.
- Reiki
Reiki therapy is a gentle treatment that erases the energy fields within and around the body to promote a deep sense of relaxation.
- Healing Touch
Healing Touch is a very gentle and relaxing therapy that works with the energy fields of the body to help its natural ability to heal.
- Qi Gong
Qi Gong therapy involves the repetition of a slow, rhythmic breathing and body coordinated movements to balance the vital energy. The technique of slow breathing, rhythm can help to meditation and is also good to use during exercise to avoid becoming breathless. This type of therapy is suitable for groups.
I hope I've whet your appetite for some complementary therapies. I highly recommend and suggest you try at least one of the three categories that cover all the mind, body and spirit.
I am delighted to hear about your experiences on Facebook.
careful.
