Francesca Manzi, who unfortunately was previously diagnosed with cancer shares her journey and experiences with Spas and The Power of Touch.
Statistically 1 in 3 people will suffer from cancer in their lifetime. It is believed that people worry massage will cause cancer cells to move around the body, however according to Macmillan and Cancer Research UK this has never been proved.
Francesca Manzi said;
Many spas do not treat people with cancer unless they have been clear for 2 years; and I was one of those who got turned away from a spa because I had cancer. Approximately, 1 in 8 women will suffer breast cancer and 1 in 3 people will suffer from cancer in their lifetime.
Although there is a heavy loss in potential clients, many therapists do not like to treat people with cancer for the fear of not getting insurance to support their needs.
I was lucky enough to be able to visit a local charity, Integrated Cancer Therapies. I found weekly reflexology, reiki or Indian Head Massage invaluable. It was like an oasis in the middle of a desert of constant visits to hospital for blood tests, treatments and scans.
Undergoing Chemotherapy affects hair, skin and nails. Consequently clients essentially need the help of their therapist or hairdresser even more. Facials and manicures can be carried out with care. Massage will need to be adapted to suit the client’s needs.
The awareness of the benefits of therapy treatments for people with cancer has increased. Oncology departments specialise in tumour treatments and they often support the use of complementary therapies to help boost morale and reduce the side effects of treatment.
TPOT – The Power of Touch is a charity that works to educate spas and clinics about treating clients with cancer. For more information or details on training go to www.tpot.org.uk
Find out more about iTEC Spa Therapy qualifications here