Category: Cancer support

Posted by Christine Pope on in Cancer support, Diarrhea, Health Care, Homeopathy, probiotics

Supporting your gut through cancer treatment: practical ways to feel better and recover.
A woman sitting on a couch, appearing distressed, with her hand on her forehead and another hand on her chest, indicating discomfort or anxiety.

One of the most common questions I hear in clinic is, “What can I do to help my digestion during treatment?”
It’s no surprise — cancer treatment can be incredibly tough on the gut. You might notice changes in appetite, reflux, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, or just a general sense that your digestion isn’t working the way it usually does.

The good news is that there are gentle, practical things you can do to feel more comfortable and support your recovery. You don’t need a perfect diet or a long list of supplements — just small steps that nourish your gut and help it do its job.

Let’s walk through a few that make a real difference.

1. Start With a Gut-Friendly Way of Eating

During treatment, your gut responds best to foods that are nourishing but easy to digest. One of the most supportive eating patterns is the Mediterranean diet — and it’s less complicated than it sounds.

Think of it as building your meals around:

  • Plenty of colourful vegetables and fruit
  • Whole grains like oats, barley or brown rice
  • Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas and beans
  • Extra virgin olive oil (your daily healthy-fat hero)
  • Nuts, seeds and herbs for added flavour and fibre
  • Fish and seafood a few times a week
  • Smaller amounts of poultry, dairy and eggs
  • Very little red meat, processed food or excess sugar

This way of eating feeds your good gut bacteria, supports regular bowel habits, and helps manage inflammation — all incredibly important during treatment.

If your appetite is low or your gut feels sensitive, try softer textures: blended soups, slow-cooked vegetables or warm porridge. Even one or two Mediterranean-style choices a day add up.

2. Feed Your Healthy Gut Bacteria

Your microbiome — the community of bacteria living in your digestive tract — is heavily influenced by treatment. Giving it a little love can help with regularity, energy and even immune support.

Easy food-based prebiotics

Prebiotics are fibres that “feed” your good gut bugs. Some of the most helpful include:

  • Inulin – found in onions, leeks, garlic, artichokes
  • PHGG (Partially Hydrolysed Guar Gum) – one of the gentlest fibres for bloating or constipation
  • GOS – great for boosting bifidobacteria and calming inflammation
  • FOS – naturally found in fruit, veg and honey

These can come from food and there is more information in this blog What are the best vegetables for feeding your gut ?. The key is: start low, go slow.

Everyday foods that help

  • Cooked and cooled potatoes or rice (a great source of resistant starch)
  • Yoghurt or kefir (if tolerated)
  • Bananas, berries, citrus
  • Almonds, pistachios and ground flaxseed

Even adding one prebiotic food per day can gradually improve gut comfort.

A bowl of purple flowers alongside two brown bottles with droppers and small white granules scattered on a wooden surface.

3. Gentle Homeopathics for Common Symptoms

Many clients find homeopathics helpful alongside their treatment plan — especially when symptoms fluctuate.

Here are a few commonly used options:

  • Nux vomica – feeling like you have over-indulged (headache and mild nausea), constipated or never feeling like you are completely empty.
  • Arsenicum album – nausea or vomiting with diarrhoea.
  • Ipecac – persistent nausea that doesn’t improve after vomiting
  • Colocynthis – bowel pain better for bending over or putting pressure on the affected area.
  • Bryonia – constipation with dryness or pain on movement

As always, check in if you’re unsure what’s right for you. You will often need to dose more frequently than you would expect during treatment.

4. Gentle Lifestyle Habits That Support Digestion

None of these require big changes — just small actions done consistently:

  • Eat smaller meals more often
  • Sip water throughout the day
  • Keep meals at similar times to support natural rhythms
  • Try a short walk or gentle stretching after meals
  • Avoid highly processed foods and artificial sweeteners when possible

These little habits can make a noticeable difference in comfort and regularity.

5. Supporting Your Gut During Recovery

Once active treatment finishes, your gut may need time to settle. This is where rebuilding becomes important. Continue with:

  • Mediterranean-style foods
  • Prebiotics (food first, then supplements if needed)
  • Good hydration
  • Gentle movement
  • A slow reintroduction of foods if your digestion is still sensitive

Your gut has an incredible ability to repair — and these steps help guide it back to balance.

A Final Thought

Caring for your gut during cancer treatment isn’t about getting everything right — it’s about choosing small, supportive habits that help you feel a little better each day. With nourishing foods, gentle prebiotics, targeted homeopathics and a Mediterranean-style approach, you can give your digestive system the support it needs to cope with treatment and recover well.

In clinic I usually recommend a comprehensive digestive stool analysis as a good way to get information on how well your gut is functioning and to direct treatment to improve your health. Currently I refer people to Microba for that testing. The testing is simple and can be delivered directly to you at home.

If you need more support book in for an online or in person consultation at Elemental Health .Christine in in clinic on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Posted by Christine Pope on in Cancer support, exercise, Fatigue, Health Care, Healthy Ageing, stress

Beating Cancer Fatigue: How to Support Recovery with Rest, Nutrition and Gentle Movement
Two jars of green smoothie with striped straws, surrounded by fresh cucumber and leafy greens on a wooden surface.

One of the most common and frustrating side effects of cancer treatment is fatigue — the kind that doesn’t always go away with a good night’s sleep. It can linger for weeks or months after treatment, leaving you feeling flat, foggy and frustrated.

Cancer-related fatigue is different from ordinary tiredness. It’s a whole-body exhaustion that affects your physical energy, mental focus, and motivation. The good news is that with the right mix of nutrition, gentle movement, supplements and restorative rest, you can gradually rebuild your strength and vitality.

Understanding Cancer-Related Fatigue

Cancer fatigue has many contributing factors, whether its the stress of the diagnosis and difficulty sleeping, medications that impact you with different side effects, inflammation as you recover from surgery or chemotherapy, low red blood cell counts or even changes in hormones. Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation will deplete the body’s reserves, affecting energy metabolism and muscle recovery.

This means that recovery requires a whole-body approach: nourishing your body, rebuilding muscle, and supporting your nervous system to rest and repair.

1. Nourish with Adequate Protein

During and after treatment, protein needs are often higher than usual. Protein supports muscle repair, maintains blood sugar balance and helps regulate energy levels throughout the day. Without enough protein, your body struggles to rebuild tissue and produce essential enzymes and hormones that support recovery.

Usually people need around 1g per kilo of weight of protein daily however after surgery or treatment that will increase to 1.5- 2.0 g depending on your overall health.

How to include more protein:

  • Start the day with eggs, Greek yogurt or a protein smoothie.
  • Include lean meats, fish, tofu, legumes or lentils with lunch and dinner.
  • Add nuts, seeds, or hummus for healthy snacks.
  • For those with reduced appetite, protein powders or soups can be an easy way to boost intake.

Aim to include a source of protein at every meal — even a few mouthfuls can make a difference in stabilising blood sugar and maintaining energy.

2. Balance Blood Sugar for Consistent Energy

Many people recovering from treatment notice energy crashes after meals or when skipping food. This is often due to unstable blood sugar, which can worsen fatigue and brain fog.

To keep your energy steady:

  • Eat regularly, ideally every 4-5 hours.
  • Combine protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats in each meal (for example, chicken and quinoa salad with mint and shredded snow peas and cranberries with an olive oil dressing).
  • Avoid relying on sugary snacks or caffeine, which cause temporary energy spikes followed by a crash.
  • Stay hydrated — even mild dehydration can sap energy and concentration.
A woman practicing gentle yoga in a cozy, well-lit room, stretching her body with a focus on relaxation and recovery.

3. Move Gently to Rebuild Strength

It might sound counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to reduce fatigue is to move more — gently.

Gentle exercise improves circulation, oxygenation and mood, and helps reduce inflammation. It also stimulates muscle repair and improves sleep quality, all of which support recovery. Again its essential if you haven’t exercise in a while to go low and go slow.

Start slowly and build up gradually:

  • Begin with short walks, stretching or gentle yoga.
  • Aim for 10–15 minutes daily and increase as tolerated.
  • On low-energy days, focus on movement over intensity — even a few minutes counts.
  • Listen to your body and prioritise rest when you need it.

Regular movement helps reset your energy rhythms and supports your body’s natural repair processes.

4. Support Recovery with Targeted Supplements

While food provides the foundation, certain supplements can help support energy metabolism, muscle recovery and cellular repair. These should always be tailored to your individual needs, but some that may help include:

  • Magnesium: Supports muscle relaxation, energy production and sleep quality.
  • B Vitamins: Essential for energy metabolism and nerve repair, often depleted during treatment.
  • CoQ10: Supports mitochondrial energy production, particularly after chemotherapy.
  • Adaptogenic herbs such as Withania or rhodiola may help regulate stress response and resilience. Personally I do like the 5 mushroom Chinese combinations for energy and immune support however these are best suited to being supported by a practitioner to check on interactions with medications.

Always ensure your healthcare team is aware of any new supplement, especially during or soon after treatment.

5. Prioritise Rest and Recovery

Rest is not a luxury — it’s essential to healing. Cancer treatment places enormous stress on the body, and deep, restorative rest helps rebuild the immune system, hormones and nervous system balance.

Try to:

  • Create a regular sleep routine, aiming for 7–9 hours nightly.
  • Build restorative breaks into your day — even 20 minutes of lying down, meditation or quiet time can recharge you. Download the free meditations on The Meaning Of Life.TV for 30 days of options.
  • Avoid pushing through exhaustion; your body needs signals of safety and rest to heal.
  • Try mindfulness or gentle breathing to calm an overactive stress response and promote deeper sleep.

Recovery is not linear — some days will be better than others. The key is consistency over perfection.

6. Rebuilding Your Energy: A Holistic Perspective

Cancer fatigue is multifactorial — which means recovery needs to be multi-layered too. The most effective approach combines nutrient-rich food, balanced movement, stress management, and rest. Over time, these habits help restore your body’s energy systems, reduce inflammation and support emotional wellbeing.

Many years ago I remember asking a very experienced practitioner which change made the most difference? The response was that each intervention added about 16% so decide on how many of those changes you are prepared to implement.

Even small steps — like preparing a protein-rich breakfast or taking a slow walk in nature — signal to your body that you’re rebuilding. If you are not up to a walk by the beach to recharge then just start with a cuppa at a cafe somewhere peaceful.

🌿 Finding Your Energy Again

In my clinical practice, I often work with clients to create personalised recovery plans after cancer treatment — focusing on restoring energy, rebuilding strength and supporting overall vitality. Fatigue doesn’t have to define your recovery journey. With the right nutrition and self-care strategies, you can gradually reclaim your energy and quality of life.

If you’d like help creating a nutrition and recovery plan tailored to your needs, visit christinepopenutritionist.com to book a consultation. If you would like a meal plan that gets you started on recovery download my Better Brain Health recipes to get started today.

Posted by Christine Pope on in Cancer support, Health Care, Healthy Ageing, Research

Red meat, protein and cancer risk – Clearing up the Confusion
A plate of roasted meat with gravy, served alongside roasted potatoes and green beans.

For a lot of people when they are diagnosed with cancer they feel guilty about the choices they have made and worry that they may have contributed to the diagnosis. One of the more common dietary choices raised is protein and a recent study published looked at the evidence from a review of ten studies.

We hear a lot about the link between red meat and cancer. But is it really the meat itself, the protein, or something else? A large review of the research has just taken a closer look, and the results are interesting.

Just a heads up too on the type of research that is done in nutrition, most often its based on people completing questionnaires about how often they ate certain food over the period in question. These studies are generally considered a lower level of evidence but are helpful to see if there is a risk with certain dietary choices.

The other aspect of these studies that is important to understand is that the participants were generally consuming a moderate amount of protein – in the range of 70-129 g a day. These studies are not relevant to higher protein diets, which may create a problem by replacing other nutrients. Plus 70g of protein is equivilant to the amount in 2 eggs (6g each), a small can of tuna (20g)and a small chicken breast fillet. Most animal sources of meat are about 25% protein by weight.

A healthy salad featuring greens, boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, olives, tuna, and roasted potatoes, served in a bowl.

Is protein itself the problem?

The review looked at protein intake (from all sources) and cancer risk. Overall, eating more protein was not linked to a higher risk of cancer. That includes common cancers like breast, colorectal, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer.

So, protein itself doesn’t appear to be the issue. The real story seems to lie in where the protein comes from.

Red and processed meat – why the concern?

When studies zoomed in on different foods, the picture changed:

  • Red and processed meat (like bacon, sausages, ham and steak) have consistently been linked with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. This isn’t because of the protein, but other compounds in the meat. For example:
    • High-heat cooking (like barbecuing or frying) creates harmful chemicals.
    • Processed meats often contain nitrates and nitrosamines, which are considered cancer-causing.
  • White meat (like chicken or turkey) doesn’t show the same risks – in fact, some studies suggest it may be protective.

Dairy, soy and plant proteins

  • Dairy: While some studies have linked dairy (especially milk) to a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer, dairy foods also seem to lower the risk of colorectal cancer – it was thought in the studies because of the calcium content but it may also be because of the benefit of fermented food in the diet.
  • Soy and legumes: These plant-based protein foods may reduce the risk of breast cancer, but this benefit is linked to their phytoestrogens rather than the protein itself.
A plated dish featuring a fried protein patty topped with a creamy sauce, surrounded by a colorful salad of mixed greens, sliced avocado, and cherry tomatoes.

What about IGF-1?

One theory is that high protein intake raises levels of a hormone called IGF-1, which helps cells grow. The theory is that too much IGF-1 may encourage cancer development. While animal and dairy proteins can raise IGF-1 slightly, the changes are small (estimated at about 1% increase in risk for those eating the highest level of protein versus the lowest) and probably not enough to make a big difference for most people.

The bottom line

Protein is important for good health – it’s an essential nutrient. But the type of protein-rich foods you eat matters:

✅ Enjoy protein from a variety of sources – beans, lentils, soy, nuts, fish, chicken, eggs.
✅ If you eat dairy, it may help protect against bowel cancer. Fermented types are better for your digestion.
❌ Limit red and processed meats – save bacon and sausages for the occasional treat, not a daily habit.
🍽 Focus on a balanced diet full of plants, wholegrains and healthy proteins.

It’s not about cutting out protein – it’s about choosing the right sources most of the time.

For more tips on reducing recurrence risk after cancer treatment you may want to read this recent blog What are the best functional foods to reduce your recurrence risk ?

For more guidance on putting together a plan to reduce your risks of recurrence Christine Pope is at Elemental Health at St Ives and is available for both in person and telehealth appointments. For bookings click here.

(1) Kühn T, Kalotai N, Amini AM, Haardt J, Lehmann A, Schmidt A, Buyken AE, Egert S, Ellinger S, Kroke A, Lorkowski S, Louis S, Schulze MB, Schwingshackl L, Siener R, Stangl GI, Watzl B, Zittermann A, Nimptsch K; German Nutrition Society. Protein intake and cancer: an umbrella review of systematic reviews for the evidence-based guideline of the German Nutrition Society. Eur J Nutr. 2024 Aug;63(5):1471-1486. doi: 10.1007/s00394-024-03380-4. Epub 2024 Apr 21. PMID: 38643440; PMCID: PMC11329548.

Posted by Christine Pope on in Cancer support, Energy, Fatigue, Health Care, Nutrition, Pain

What were my top ten takeouts from the Lipoedema Symposium ?

Regular seminars are a key part of my professional development. One of the insightful comments shared at this year’s symposium in regards to Lipoedema diagnosis, “Lipoedema is a common presentation in women but is not commonly diagnosed.” That statement was my first key takeout as Lipoedema prevelance is estimated at up to 11% of the population. Given its a disease which largely affects women it is not surprising that it takes a significant time to diagnose and treatment options are often limited. One of my reasons for attending was to improve my understanding of the condition.

The second takeout was the importance of diagnosing Lipoedema and differentiating it with Lymphoedema. Lipoedema is a connective tissue disorder that causes abnormal buildup of fat in the connective tissue predominantly the legs and sometimes the arms accompanied by pain and swelling. Lipoedema is usually bilateral as in that it will appear on both sides and will also present with spider vein or varicosities. Another common issue is that weight loss won’t result in a reduction in volume in the affected limbs. In fact weight loss is more difficult for those experiencing this condition.

Lipoedema often presents with other concerning symptoms including pain, brain fog, fatigue and even hypermobility conditions like Ehlers- Danlos syndrome.

The fourth takeout concerned the importance of managing obesity through slow patient weight loss. Avoiding fad diets and nourishing the body with adequate calories that exceed or meet the client’s basal metabolic rate is essential. Protein is a critical part of weight management and maintaining muscle, particularly once you start transitioning though menopause. Protein requirements are also higher as you age so protein needs to be adjusted.

Lipoedemea can, like many chronic conditions , be expensive to manage with the cost of treatments, compression garments and appropriate exercise to name just a few items. Four of my other learnings were useful self care techniques which were shared at the event and were low cost ways of managing symptoms. These included breathwork, meditation, movement and gentle techniques for your own lymphatic massage. We had a demonstration on the day however the speaker, Lisa Higgins, also shares details of the home lymphatic techniques on her youtube channel – click here .

Deep breathing activates the lymphatics and there are a couple of options. One is to breath in for five counts and then breath out for five. Another simple technique is to practice box breathing. Breath in for four seconds, hold for four, breath out for four and then hold for four seconds and repeat. Repeating either of these sequence four to five times a day is a good way to regularly activate lymphatics and improve the clearance.

Meditation is considered a useful technique for stress management and a reasonably useful free series is The Meaning of Life.TV which is a 30 day series of ten and twenty minute meditations. Regular meditation can reduce stress levels which is a critical area for those diagnosed with Lipoedema who often suffer from anxiety and depression.

Appropriate movement for Lipoedema needs to focus on gentler movement and if you can’t afford a personal trainer or sessions with an Exercise Physiologist then look out for Pilates or Yoga classes. There are lots of great online options now as well as local classes. Another effective option is walking waist deep in water, the pressure gently acts in a similar way to lymphatic massage. You can always access local pools or if you have the chance ocean pools.

Overall Lipoedema is a complex condition requiring holistic treatment. The final takeout is the importance of a support network to manage your condition. This could include a good lymphatic practitioner with appropriate training, a nutritionist and an exercise physiologist as well as a doctor who really understands the condition and as and when required a pyschologist.

Posted by Christine Pope on in Ageing, Cancer support, Health Care, Healthy Ageing, Research

What the hell are senescent cells and why should I care ?
Christine Pope Naturopath

One intriguing aspect of aging is the accumulation of senescent cells—cells that have stopped dividing and in fact contribute to conditions that are associated with age-related decline. In this blog post, we’ll explore what senescent cells are, how they relate to aging, and which foods, including green tea, can help mitigate their effects.

What Are Senescent Cells?

Senescent cells are damaged or dysfunctional cells that have exited the cell cycle but do not undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis). Apoptosis is a healthy process of removing damaged cells. While this process can be protective by preventing damaged cells from dividing uncontrollably (a hallmark of cancer), the accumulation of senescent cells in tissues over time can lead to a range of problems. These cells secrete pro-inflammatory factors, growth factors, and proteases, which contribute to chronic inflammation—a condition often referred to as “inflammaging.”

As we age, the number of senescent cells increases, leading to tissue dysfunction, impaired regenerative capacity, and various age-related diseases, such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions. Learning how to manage these cells is crucial for promoting healthier aging.

The Impact of Senescent Cells on Health

Senescent cells can significantly affect our health. Here’s how they impact our bodies:

Weakened Immune Response: More senescent cells can weaken the immune system, making it harder for our bodies to fight off infections and illnesses. This means you take longer to recover from an infection or may get ill more often. These cells rely on the immune system to effectively remove them so if the immune system is struggling with the burden of trying to reduce these cells it becomes less effective over time.

Chronic Inflammation: These cells cause ongoing inflammation, which can lead to many age-related diseases. It’s important to keep inflammation in check as we get older.

Reduced Tissue Repair: When senescent cells build up, our bodies become less able to repair and regenerate tissues. This can lead to weakness and a decline in overall health.

Berries high in antioxidants

Foods That Help The Body To Remove Senescent Cells

While researchers are actively investigating ways to selectively remove senescent cells (a field known as senolytics), they are already foods which can assist in reducing their negative effects and promote overall health. Here are some foods that can be beneficial:

  1. Green Tea: Rich in polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), green tea has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest that EGCG may help modulate senescence and reduce inflammation, making it an excellent addition to an anti-aging diet. For those who are sensitive to caffeine may find that the 3-4 cups of green tea necessary are too much, however the first pot of tea will be higher in caffeine so if you reuse the leaves you get the benefit without as much caffeine.
  2. Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals that combat oxidative stress. Their anti-inflammatory properties may help lower the burden of senescent cells.
  3. Cruciferous Vegetables: Foods like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts contain sulforaphane, a compound that may promote the removal of damaged cells and support cellular health.
  4. Turmeric: Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory effects and has been shown to combat cellular senescence. Incorporating turmeric into your meals can be a flavorful way to enhance your diet.
  5. Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is rich in healthy fats and polyphenols. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce the negative impacts of senescent cells.
  6. Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation.
  7. Dark Chocolate: High-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) contains flavonoids that can improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, making it a delicious addition to an anti-aging diet.
  8. Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, and other nuts are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. They can support cellular health and may help reduce the effects of aging.

Understanding the role of senescent cells in aging is an exciting area of research that offers hope for developing strategies to promote healthier aging. By incorporating foods that are nutrient dense and have a high level of anti-oxidants, we can support our bodies in managing the effects of senescent cells and inflammation.

Aging is inevitable, but the way we age can be influenced by our lifestyle choices. Embracing a diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods not only nourishes our bodies but also empowers us to age outrageously well. So, grab a cup of green tea, enjoy some berries, and make those dietary changes that can positively impact your health.

For more information on ageing well have a look at my free webinar 6 Tips for Ageing Outrageously. In this webinar we review four foods for brain health, ways to improve your brain health and supplements that can help.

There are other ways to support removal of damaged cells that are also useful to add to your regime and it may be useful to look at Is Fasting for me ? and Heat and cold, stressors which boost energy and slow ageing for some more information.

References

  1. Diwan B, Sharma R. Nutritional components as mitigators of cellular senescence in organismal aging: a comprehensive review. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2022 Jun 18;31(9):1089-1109. doi: 10.1007/s10068-022-01114-y. PMID: 35756719; PMCID: PMC9206104.
Posted by Christine Pope on in Cancer support, exercise, Health Care, Pain, Research

Which bodywork therapies help you manage chronic pain more effectively?

For many people bodywork therapies, such as massage, chiropractic and osteopathy are an effective way to support themselves when they are managing pain and particularly chronic pain. At a recent symposium on pain it was surprising to hear that the research really wasn’t there to support the use of bodywork therapies for reducing chronic pain long term, however there were studies to show that it did have benefit in the short term for symptom relief. The absence of studies does not mean that it doesn’t work it just means that not a lot of research has been done.

The research that has been undertaken does show the value of an holistic approach to treatment for chronic pain and include the use of graded exercise therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy as well as bodywork. So what are the best options for people when they are experiencing pain and how do you decide what will work for you?

Generally if the problem is structural its ideal if you can be assessed by a chiropractor or osteopath. An osteopath can support patients with manual therapy interventions including exercise prescription, needling and education to improve movement and reduce pain. Osteopaths also work on soft tissue with either massage or gentle activation. Chiropractors tend to focus more on the spine and alignment and will do manual adjustments to improve the nerves and their function.

When you are considering massage therapy look at what type of pressure you can cope with? For example for those who cannot deal with a strong massage it might be worthwhile looking at lymphatic massage, reflexology or gentler therapies such as craniosacral therapy. Let’s consider the relative strengths and benefits of each style so that you can decide what will best provide you with support.

Remedial Massage

Remedial massage assists in improving soft tissue or muscle function by improving the flow of blood to the area. It can also support you through recovery from an injury and reduce pain. Remedial massage can be tailored to the pressure that you can tolerate but generally involves a stronger style of treatment.

Lymphatic Massage or Manual Lymph Drainage

This is a gentle style of massage which works on the superficial lymph structures that sit below the skin. This is ideal for anyone recovering from surgery or an injury with significant swelling. The gentle flowing strokes can assist to improve the flow of lymph and reduce swelling and pain. Ideally with a lymphatic therapist look for someone who has done additional training such as the Dr Vodder course in Applied MLD. The therapists who complete this training are often qualified in other tools such as low level laser, taping and bandaging. This type of therapy works well for those who have been treated for cancer to support them particularly after the loss of lymph nodes.

Reflexology

Predominantly working on the feet , reflexology can assist with pain management through pressure on the soles in areas related to the underlying source of pain. By identifying areas that are congested or unbalanced the therapist can assist with the flow of energy to assist in healing. Reflexology can slow down nerve transmission which may interrupt pain pathways. It also helps with releasing endorphins which can then make you feel better. Reflexology assists with circulation and increases the flood of blood and nutrients around the body. Reflexology by promoting the relaxation response is an effective way to release stress and tension.

Reflexology is often used in palliative care settings as it is a gentle therapy where the client does not need to be mobile.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a type of bodywork that relieves compression in the bones of the head, sacrum and spine. It uses gentle pressure on the head, neck, and back to relieve the stress and pain caused by compression. It’s thought that through the gentle manipulation of the bones in the skull, spine, and pelvis, the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system can be balanced which then improve the body’s ability to heal.

Craniosacral therapy is deeply relaxing and it will often take 48-72 hours for the full benefit to develop. It is common to see improvements in sleep after a treatment and it is useful for people who have had a history of concussion or indeed other trauma.

To find a practitioner who is appropriately qualified make sure you refer to the natural therapy association websites such as atms.com.au and also look for referrals from your other practitioners.

If you are recovering from surgery or an injury and would like more information about the best strategies for managing chronic pain please have a look at the recent Understanding and Managing Chronic Pain webinar on my website.