Thursday, June 16, 2016

Oncology Nurses recommend aromatherapy massage and meditation to combat cancer related fatigue

Cancer Fatigue Prevention Recommendations from the Oncology Nursing Society


by Kathleen Lisson

Massage can reduce cancer fatigue

I am an associate member of the San Diego Oncology Nursing Society and received the following article in my email this week. 'Four Ways to Help Patients with Cancer Overcome Fatigue' offers tips nurses can pass on to their patients. I was surprised to learn that cancer related fatigue can last for years after treatment ends. How can patients with cancer prevent and reduce fatigue? Hannah West suggests exercise, meditation, aromatherapy massage. Read the article here for more of her advice: http://connect.ons.org/ons-connect-blog/4-ways-to-help-patients-with-cancer-overcome-fatigue

This ONS article links to several research studies showing how massage and aromatherapy massage can affect patients with cancer: https://www.ons.org/intervention/massagearomatherapy-massage-6

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Study Shows Meditation Can Improve Sleep in Cancer Patients

How to Use Meditation to Improve Sleep in Oncology Patients


Kathleen Lisson

I read with interest in this month's issue of the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing that a small study had found that patients with a cancer diagnosis improved their quality of sleep using a 15 minute meditation before bedtime. The title of the article is 'A Self-Administered Sleep Intervention for Patients With Cancer Experiencing Insomnia' and authors include Nancy (Surya) A. Absolon, Lynda G. Balneaves, Tracy L.O. Truant, Rosemary L. Cashman, Margurite E. Wong, Jeremy D. Hamm and Manisha B. Witmans. The article can be found here: https://cjon.ons.org/cjon/20/3/self-administered-sleep-intervention-patients-cancer-experiencing-insomnia

A similar study was published in 2014 in the Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal and can be found here: http://www.canadianoncologynursingjournal.com/index.php/conj/article/viewFile/63/72

This study has a sidebar listing the specific meditation technique. For the first part of the meditation, even, fluid belly breathing is established. Then the meditator focuses on his/her pineal gland. Finally, the meditator uses the sound OM to relax the mind and encourage sleep. Both studies found an improvement in sleep in study participants who faithfully used the technique.

I personally use mantra meditation to help me calm myself and fall asleep after a stressful or exciting day when my mind is still 'on' at bedtime. I am encouraged that natural methods for increasing sleep are being studied in oncology patients.

Meditation Class for Massage Therapists in San Diego


Meditation Class for Massage Therapists 
in San Diego


by Kathleen Lisson

Massage Therapists - You're Invited!

San Diego Meditation Class

Learn to facilitate your clients in a breath or guided meditation as part of their massage experience. Both experienced meditators and those curious about the practice are welcome!

Mindfulness & Meditation Class for Bodyworkers at IPSB College with Kathleen Lisson, CMT

Cost: $250 We meet on 7/12-8/9 | Tuesdays from 6-9 pm

To sign up, visit IPSB.edu or call 877-238-1813.

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