Relaxation, meditation, Therapeutic Touch, are all useful tools.
Swollen ankles = swollen legs = aches and pains in knees, hips and back. After a hysterectomy and radiation treatments for cervical cancer, my G.P. and radiation oncologist both said that there was nothing I could do with the swelling of my legs and that I would just have to put up with it. They prescribed that I eat less salt, drink lots of water and sit with my legs up. They said it would be worse in the hot weather. Lunching with other patients in the V.C.C. cafeteria after one of the regular relaxation groups, I learned:
1. something can be done.
2. the sooner I did something, the better.
3. many patients recommended the same physiotherapist.
I had many successful appointments with the recommended physiotherapist which included a leg pump machine. The swelling decreased and the aches and pains went away.
The Relaxation Group also introduced me to Therapeutic Touch. Learning T.T. has given me a tool to barter with. I can do exchanges with other body/energy practitioners. I have had sessions that I probably wouldn't have had because of cost, which includes Craniosacral Therapy which I have found most beneficial. T.T. has saved me money. Research shows that I also physically benefit when I do T.T. on someone else.
Having something as comforting as T.T. to offer someone that I am visiting makes me feel useful. I have also been able to teach T.T. to patients and their family and friends. Having something as simple as 'foot stroking' to do makes them feel useful as opposed to useless.
Learning T.T. has changed my life. To begin doing T.T. I take a moment to take care of myself by grounding and centering. Choosing to be in the present moment with the other person the center of my universe for our time together, not thinking of grocery shopping etc. When I am grounded and centered, I find that I respond to lifes situations instead of reacting. I can use this step on it's own anytime and anywhere. Store line ups, red lights, difficult situations, missed buses etc. are experienced differently now. Life changes because I have changed. I continue to become more confident in my abilities and to be more tolerant and accepting of myself and others. Using T.T., I continue to learn to tune into and trust my intuition. Being in the present moment is a connection with clarity and answers. I am more aware of my life's journey.
These joys and benefits are also reflected in the practices of meditating and journalling which I continue to learn at the relaxation groups.
Networking with others is where I learned that there was a question to ask, let alone what the question should be. The new lunch table friends that I continue to make are a valuable resource socially and supportively.
July 8, 1999
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