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.

A Free Resource for Men and Women with a Cancer Diagnosis in San Diego

Moores Cancer Center 

Patient and Family Resource Center 

in San Diego

by Kathleen Lisson

I am fortunate to be able to volunteer at the Patient and Family Resource Center at Moores Cancer Center in San Diego. My role is to provide smiles and support to men and women with a cancer diagnosis as well as their caregivers and loved ones. The Patient and Family Resource center has computers for the patients to find information on their diagnosis and treatment, a wide variety of brochures and booklets as well as flyers and information on lectures, programs and activities. The center also has a free collection of books and magazines on all subjects as well as a lending library of books on cancer and related topics.

A few of my favorite things to do are simple. I can make patients a cup of coffee or tea and be a friendly presence while they sit and relax for a few minutes. I can share a smile with families who make dropping by a part of every visit to Moores. I can help patients find a soft, comfortable hat that fits their style.

I have taken advanced training in Oncology Massage and Exercise Science, but sometimes my most basic skills are what is truly needed during the toughest times. Just giving my full, gentle attention to someone and Being There for them and allowing others to be where they are in that particular moment.

Moores Cancer Center Lending Library in San Diego

Free Books and Magazines for Patients of Moores Cancer Center in San Diego

You can help! If you have recent magazines, popular books or soft beanie-type hats to donate to the Moores Cancer Center Patient and Family Resource Center, please contact us at 858-822-6152.

Find out more about the Patient and Family Resource Center at Moores Cancer Center in San Diego here: http://cancer.ucsd.edu/coping/resources-education/Pages/patient-family-resource.aspx

Summer 2016 Meditation Class in San Diego

How to Meditate in San Diego - 2016 Mindfulness Classes

by Kathleen Lisson

I am pleased to announce my Summer 2016 Mindfulness & Meditation class at IPSB, the International Professional School of Bodywork. Based in San Diego. IPSB is one of the oldest and most successful schools of massage therapy and integrative health in the nation.

Students will learn various meditation techniques used around the world to enhance body/mind awareness including guided meditation, body scan, chanting, movement, touch, breath, sound, music, eating and walking the labyrinth.  Although these methods may be used in various religions, our focus will be the practice of mindfulness and meditation both for self-care and with clients as a stress-reduction tool.

Recommended books include:

The Relaxation Response, Herbert Benson, M.D.
Buddha’s Brain, Rick Hanson, Ph.D
Full Catastrophe Living, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D
Simple, Easy, Everyday Meditation Method, Sarah McLean
How God Changes Your Brain, Andrew Newberg, M.D.

Fully Present, Susan Smalley, Ph.D and Diana Winston

Find out more about the class on  Page 8 of the IPSB Summer / Fall 2016 newsletter and schedule - http://ipsb.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/SUMFALL16.pdf

MAP Training - Do you meditate before you run?

What is MAP Training for Runners?

by Kathleen Lisson

MAP Training for Runners - Meditate with Your Running Shoes on! 

As a RRCA certified running coach in San Diego, I was interested to find out more about the concept of MAP or Mental and Physical Training. Scientists at Rutgers University have found that in a study of 52 participants over an 8 week period, practicing MAP twice a week for an hour each workout resulted in a reduction in depressive thoughts in persons with a diagnosis of nonpsychotic Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and "individuals without a clinical diagnosis of MDD also reported significant reductions in depressive symptoms." 

MAP training consists of a three part workout. First, the athlete will practice 20 minutes of meditation that focuses on the breath. Then, there is a transition to 10 minutes of walking meditation with a focus on the feet. Finally, after a five minute warm up, the athletes participate in 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise. Keeping the intensity to 50 - 70% of VO2 peak can be monitored by paying attention to one's heart rate. The workout ends with a 5 minute cool-down. 

If you or someone you know could benefit from less anxiety and rumination and more motivation to exercise, consider adding MAP training to your workout schedule. 

Read the study in the February 2016 issue of Translational Psychiatry here: http://www.nature.com/tp/journal/v6/n2/full/tp2015225a.html