Therapeutic Touch

Therapeutic touch, one of many massage modalities, is an evidence-based approach combining skilled touch with compassionate presence to enhance quality of life for those in later life stages or end of life.

This intent of this massage therapy allows for anyone undergoing treatment, a survivor of a terminal condition, in recovery or beyond treatment to receive therapeutic emotional support for body, mind and spirit.

Essential aspects of this therapy are based on the informed understanding of pathophysiology of cancer, non-cancer, total pain, treatments and side effects of treatments namely surgery, medications, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Therapeutic touch massage is known by many different terms, including alternative therapy, alternative medicine, holistic therapy and traditional medicine. This is a system of healthcare that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms of illness or specific medical condition. It incorporates elements of lymphatic drainage massage and other modalities.

“We are able to give them a sense of relief which can turn a very grumpy personality into an immediate smiling face. When their mood is improved, their appetite is improved and their relationship with their carers is strengthened too. It really helps people to sleep better and allows them a safe, sacred space where they can speak from their heart,” Chandrika P. Choo, the complementary therapist explained to Ipoh Echo.

While it is particularly beneficial for terminal patients, otherwise healthy individuals can also benefit with a regular programme of treatments.

The symptoms that therapeutic touch addresses are physical (pain, nausea, vomiting, swelling and circulation), emotional (fatigue, insomnia, depression, anxiety and stress), social (loneliness and carer fatigue), spiritual and bereavement.

With seven years of palliative experience under the Perak Palliative Care Society, Chandrika now moves into independent practice at the Academy of Phytobiophysics in Ipoh Garden. She also provides home care.

“The best part of the job is making a difference in people’s lives. A person who is approaching the end of life will be going through many emotional stages. The toughest part is losing someone that you have journeyed with. The most satisfying part is getting the really difficult people to become friends,” the Ipoh girl shared.

To date, she has worked with 359 patients, mostly referred by doctors and nurses, and has  provided 3413 massages.

Clients will be treated with utmost respect, both physically and emotionally. The therapist will ensure that modesty of a client is respected at all times. Frequency of session will be at the need and discretion of the client.

Depending  on the case, some therapeutic touch goes hand in hand with the phytobiophysics lymphatic drainage / stimulation. It is unique because muscle testing is done to check on possible energy blockages and weakness of lymphatic flow and function starting from the abdomen. “It complements the lymphatic massage,” Yeap Heong Moi, practitioner of phytobiophysics healing system said. It makes use of flower formulae and a non-invasive skin technique.

Mei Kuan