Can Spicy Food Stop Muscle Cramps?

How to Stop Muscle Cramps - Pickle Juice and Spicy Foods?

by Kathleen Lisson

A fascinating article was published in the Wall Street Journal today discussing the effect of overwhelming the nervous system as a method for easing muscle cramps. 'A New Way to Prevent Muscle Cramps' discusses Rod MacKinnon's data that shows a shot of spicy liquid reduces muscle cramps. This may be the real reason pickle juice works so fast for a cramp. 

I ran two half marathons while my in laws were living with us (they are from Trivandrum, Kerala in South India) and I never felt a cramp, though I do get them sometimes in my foot. We ate super spicy food three times a day. My favorite condiment is the mixed pickle, which is delicious in small amounts but not cucumber related (other vegetables are pickled instead). 

Yet another reason to have 'hot sauce in my bag.' Have you tried spicy food for relieving cramps? 

Read the article here: http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-new-way-to-prevent-muscle-cramps-1468256588

My Cancer Journey in Photos - Basal Cell Carcinoma and Actinic Keratosis in San Diego, CA

Post-surgery Basal Cell Carcinoma Scar Photos

By Kathleen Lisson

I was diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma in June 2016 and underwent Mohs surgery about a week later. Today I had my stitches removed. My dermatologist told me I am free to have a facial as long as the esthetician does not go near the scarred area on my cheek. The scar is rather red. I have to keep it lubricated with ointment and not wear sunscreen over it for a week. 

 Photo taken after surgery with stitches underneath steri-strips, 

before I had my actinic keratosis removed on the right side of my nose and my forehead.

Kathleen Lisson San Diego, CA

Photo taken July 6, the day I had my stitches removed. 

The basal cell carcinoma is barely visible on my face and looked like a pimple on my right cheek directly beneath my iris earlier in June when I finished a half marathon. 

I started today off with meditation and practiced awareness of breath during the removal of the stitches. I am being very kind to myself today and focusing on all the things I am grateful for, including being cancer-free. 

Why Get a Lomi Lomi Massage in San Diego?

Origins of Lomi Lomi Massage

by Kathleen Lisson, CMT, CLT

There are a few massage styles that immediately come to mind when I think of massage that can increase wellness and my emotional quality of life. Lomi Lomi is one of them. I was attracted to learning about Lomi Lomi massage in my massage school in San Diego because long flowing strokes felt so soothing to my body. I have received Lomi Lomi massages from the Ocean Crest Spa in Carlsbad and from Keoni Salgado in Encinitas and felt more in touch with my body and spirit after both of them.

It is fascinating to learn about the history of Lomi Lomi and discover that I wasn’t alone in connecting with the massage style’s power to increase wellness and peace of mind.

Lomi Lomi is the massage practice indigenous to Polynesia and learned when communities came into contact with sailors from islands near and far. It is practiced in Hawaii, and the first foreign observation of the practice was by Captain King and Captain Cook in 1779 (Chai, 2005). Lomi lomi was more than an invigorating massage for the muscles. Therapists were extensively trained, respected members of the community who use massage techniques as well as prayers and chanting to treat the whole person. According to Chai (2005) “lomi lomi happens in a particular place, with prayers, sounds, smells and at atmosphere that evoked healing before the massage ever began” (Chai, 2005).  According to Emerson (1918) “Hamoea is the principal goddess of those who practice the art of massage.” Chai (2005) writes that Hamoea can  be translated as “hamo, to rub gently and ea, spirit… ‘spirit massage’ it may imply that … the spirit is in massage and that massage restores the spirit” (Chai, 2005). Martha Noyes (1996), a Lomi Lomi therapist’s family member, describes the treatment room thusly. “what struck me most as I sat waiting was that aloha that permeated the room, the aloha that came from Papa Kalua. That, to me, is the essence of the healing environment” (Chai, 2005).

When I practice Lomi Lomi strokes as a massage therapist, I strive to bring Aloha to my client and give a massage that truly restores the spirit.

Resources:

Chai, R. M. (2005). Nā mo'olelo lomilomi: The traditions of Hawaiian massage and healing. Honolulu, Hawai'i: Bishop Museum Press.

Lymphatic Drainage after Mohs Surgery for Basal Call Carcinoma

What Helps Reduce Swelling After Surgery?

by Kathleen Lisson, CMT

Reducing swelling after plastic surgery

I was recently diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma on my right cheek and underwent Mohs surgery to remove the cancer. I do not spend a lot of time in the San Diego sun without sunscreen and a hat, but my skin is very fair. The surgery was successful, but I was experiencing swelling around my eye area, much like puffy eyes from crying. I found it a little hard to read. I went to a massage therapist colleague and received lymphatic drainage and felt much more relaxed after the session. She also remarked that my eyes were less puffy.

Lymphatic drainage massage has been studied and found to be an effective post-surgery treatment for swelling. Instead of waiting for the swelling to go down by itself, I wanted to help my body reduce the swelling and move the excess fluid away from the surgical site.

Read how Lymphatic drainage provides benefits after surgery here: https://www.massagemag.com/manual-lymph-drainage-benefits-cosmetic-surgery-patients-12794/

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

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.