Bodywork - More than a Massage

Many people may be turned off when pathology, the study of disease, is mentioned but it holds so much knowledge that could be used to empower and protect yourself. Take for example cancer, one of the most common and widespread diseases of our time. As my anatomy instructor once said, everything happens at the cellular level. Cancer is no different. And while many people inherit genes that give them a higher probability for cancer, there are precautions that can be taken.

At the cellular level, our body deals with all the stress our lives entail. And stress, of any kind, leads to injury. Causes of injury to a cell can include: lack of oxygen (hypoxia); physical agents such as trauma, radiation, and extreme temperatures; infectious agents like fungus, bacteria, and viruses; immunologic reactions (allergic reactions); genetic derangements like UV lights and Down Syndrome; nutritional imbalances and aging.

Our cells don't just take this lying down. They have adaptations to deal with injury. The adaptation that can be cause for concern is when the body takes a cell from one part of the body that has similar functions as the injured or dead cell, and basically makes it a substitute. This is called metaplasia. This process is reversible, my guess would be if the injured cell regenerated or if other cells of the same as the injured split, replacing the lacking cell.

What may happen after metaplasia is the danger point - Dysplasia. This is when the substitute cell(s) rebel; they decide that instead of working for the body, they want to work for themselves. So they begin to replicate and damage the cells around them because they're competition for oxygen and nutrients. Once a cell changes, it is irreversible. These rogue cells are what cancer is made of. The only way modern medical science has right now to fight these cancer cells is something akin to nuclear war. Drugs and chemotherapy are currently all we have, and their function is to take the human body to the brink of death, hoping to kill those cancer cells and not the entire body. There are many casualties of this war, too many to number but I'm sure everyone understands at least some of them. And if even one cancer cell somehow survives this bombardment, it will begin its deadly colony all over again.

What gives me hope is the fact that several of the causes of cell injury can be prevented. Healthy lifestyles, exercise, rest, good diet, and lowering other stress agents in our lives could have a big impact on whether we are opening ourselves to the possibility of obtaining cancer at some stage in our life. Even those whose relatives have had cancer can work to ensure their health. I myself hold the high probability that I may at some time or another contract malignant melanoma. I do what I can to lessen that risk - I stay out of the sun when possible, which means no tanning and excessive outdoor activities. I use a strong sunscreen when I am outdoors, and cover my skin and moles as much as possible. When I have the means to, I get the larger moles removed and biopsied, and I keep a close eye on them, watching for any signs that they may have turned malignant. I'm eating better, drinking more water, and I try not to let stress rule my life.

I hope for the best of everyone out there, whether they read this topic or not. I have promised myself that once I'm out in the world as a massage therapist to do the best I can to improve the health and overall wellness of those I come in contact with. I want to wake the nation up, to let them know that they can take their health into their own hands and not passively allow disease to strike where it pleases and fill their thoughts with fear.