Cinco Vidas

Think a facial is an extravagant expense during cancer treatments? Think again! Since your skin is especially dry and fragile during chemotherapy and radiation, and your stress levels are up, a facial is just the thing to bring you some much needed moisturization and relaxation—and to help promote your healing.

“Treatments for breast cancer are so draining,” says survivor Sylvia. “I felt wonderful after my pedicure and mini-facial.” According to Nicole Martin, writing for Bella Magazine (June/July 2005), “Facials were once considered luxury only for the wealthy, but now they are considered as important as going to your dentist. They are known to help resolve current problems and prevent future ones.” (more…)

“Does anyone know anything about the use of ayurveda in treating cancer?” says caregiver auberon. “My brother-in-law has cancer…I just want to know all alternatives.”

Ayurvedic medicine is no magic bullet for curing cancer, but it may help some cancer patients better manage side effects. An ancient system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago, ayurveda (meaning science or knowledge of life) is a holistic way of diagnosing illness and bringing the body and mind back into balance to help restore health. Treatments and techniques can include special diets, medications, detoxification, herbal medicines, massage, meditation, Yoga, and breathing and relaxation techniques. (more…)

“In the world we live in,” says massage therapist and Cinco Vidas expert, Jean Lazar, “we’re so full of stress. To feel good has become the exception rather than the norm.”

A sobering observation, but if you take a moment to think about it, you realize it’s true. If you’re going through cancer treatment—or caring for someone who is—you may find “feeling good” to be an even rarer experience. Yet it’s during challenging times that feeling good becomes even more important. According to life coach Carol King, “If you want to change your circumstances, you must change your feelings. If you want to change your feelings, change the stimulus that you subject yourself to.” (more…)

It’s easy to forget to take care of ourselves the way we used to. We feel so tired and fatigued; overwhelmed with so many things to think about. However, we must not underestimate the power of touch while we’re in treatment—a hug, a neck or back massage, even a facial. When we’re trying to heal, these little touches provide hope, love and strength. (more…)