Pamela Murphy came up with the idea for the treatments after her own experience with chemotherapy.
So she started R.E.S.T., for Relief. Energy. Synergy. Touch. The non-profit employs massage therapists to work at the NYU Clinical Cancer Center. Patients don't have to make an appointment. They just sit back and, as the poison drips into their body, their therapist goes to work.
The therapists are mindful of cancer-related conditions, such as neuropathy or sensitive skin. And the patients seem thrilled.
There's no definitive evidence that massage heals patients, but it certainly does some good.
NYC Clinical Cancer Center Dr. James Speyer says cancer treatment cause significant stress, and the massages clearly reduces that stress, in addition to helping with pain and nausea.
The R.E.S.T. initiative is so far only at NYU, but the hope is to expand to other facilities. And you can help. Get a R.E.S.T. massage at Bliss Spa, and they'll give 20 percent of the profits to the program.
BlissWorld.com/spa for spa locations.
Also, donations can be made at RESTInitiative.org. For every $15 R.E.S.T. raises, another cancer patient will receive a free massage!
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WEB PRODUCED BY: Bill King
NEW YORK AND TRI-STATE AREA NEWS
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