Description

In the preface to her book, the author shares a story about a call from a panicked massage therapist who had learned, only after administering massage to an individual, that the individual had once been diagnosed with cancer. The massage therapist, like many others, had been taught that cancer is always a contraindication for massage. In order to help undo this misperception, MacDonald wrote Medicine Hands, with an eye towards soothing practitioners’ fears, and more importantly, fostering a healing modality that can greatly ease the suffering of cancer patients. In her own words, “The goal of this book is to instill the idea that touch can always be safely administered to cancer patients, regardless of the severity of their condition.”

Sections included cover the “Myths of Metastasis: Facts About How Cancer Spreads”; treatments for hospitalized patients; bodywork for people living with cancer; and an honest discussion of death and loss. Appendices include sample forms, terminology, extensive resource-lists, and a very helpful “Summary of the Potential Benefits of Bodywork for Cancer Patients.” This is a wonderful, complete, and compassionate work