Embracing Comfort with The Barróg Rituals for Cancer Care
When faced with the challenges of cancer, self-care becomes more than a luxury; it becomes a necessity. At GROUND we understand this deeply and have developed a collection of purposeful cancer care massage rituals known as The Barróg Rituals, inspired by the Irish word "barróg," which means "hug" or "embrace." These rituals offer not only comfort and relief but also a gentle, nurturing embrace at a time when it’s needed most.
What Are the Barróg Rituals?
Our Barróg Rituals were thoughtfully created to support the wellbeing of those who have been touched by cancer. These spa treatments focus on providing comfort to compromised skin while promoting calm, rest, and relaxation; something that is often difficult to find during or after cancer treatments. Each ritual has been developed with the highest level of care, empowering therapists to adapt massage treatment to the unique needs of each individual client.
As Christine Clinton, a leading voice in cancer care massage, founding member of SATCC (Standards Authority for Touch In Cancer Care) and a graduate of Leading Cancer Center Memorial Sloan Kettering, says, "We are not treating the cancer, we are treating the client." Our commitment to heartfelt, bespoke treatments reflects this philosophy, ensuring each person is treated with the utmost care and attention. There are 4 massage rituals to choose from:
1. Barróg Full Body Massage
This is the foundation of the Barróg Rituals. The Barróg Full Body Massage is a tailored, thoughtful massage designed to bring comfort to sensitive skin and support overall wellbeing. It not only helps soothe the skin through the use of Fortify Superseed Face & Body Oil but also encourages a deep sense of calm and rest. This massage provides gentle, effective relief while helping to quiet the mind and soothe the body; a much-needed reprieve for those going through a challenging time.
2. Barróg Soothing Ritual
For those seeking a little extra care, the Barróg Soothing Ritual offers the benefits of the full body massage with the added bonus of a hand and foot ritual. Unfortunately there are many unpleasant side effects to cancer drugs & treatments such as peripheral neuropathy, hand and foot syndrome, changes to the fingernails and toenails as well as very dry, sore skin on the hands and feet. Soothing massage techniques in this ritual, combined with our deeply nurturing, dermatologically tested, products, namely Support Hand & Foot Balm and Fortify Nail & Cuticle Oil work to provide deeply calming nourishment and relief.
3. Barróg Calming Ritual
The Barróg Calming Ritual includes the deeply relaxing full body massage with the addition of a calming scalp ritual. Hair loss or thinning are all too common side effects of cancer treatments and so to provide nourishment for the skin of the scalp while gently stimulating circulation we created a scalp ritual using our Support Scalp Oil. This nurturing blend soothes the skin of the scalp while Rosemary helps to promote healthy hair growth. Nourishing Coconut Oil and Avocado Oil infused with antioxidant-rich Red Algae contributes to fortifying the skin barrier. A comforting embrace to promote scalp health & wellness.
4. Barróg Restful Ritual
The Barróg Restful Ritual combines our full body massage with a lymphatic support ritual using the deeply calming infusion of Mandarin, Frankincense and Roman Chamomile in the Support Face & Body Oil. Rhythmic, guided, deep belly breathing acts as a pump for the lymphatic system, an effective way to commence this ritual which also includes lymphatic support techniques and abdominal massage. This ritual is ideal for those who are feeling their digestive or lymphatic system are sluggish as a result of cancer treatment. When we consider that about 70% of our immune system is housed in our gut, it makes this ritual a sincerely effective way to support overall well being for all.
The Benefits of Massage for Cancer Care
Massage therapy provides more than just physical relief; it also supports emotional and mental wellbeing, making it an ideal form of self-care for those faced with a cancer diagnosis. Here are some key benefits:
1. Improves Mood and Quality of Life
A cancer diagnosis often brings increased anxiety and emotional strain. Regular massage can help reduce anxiety and create a sense of calm, improving overall mood. It provides much-needed space, offering clients time to breathe and relax, which can be key to feeling our best during difficult times.
2. Enhances Sleep Patterns
With reduced pain and stress levels, it’s easier to rest well at night. Many people find their sleep patterns improve after massage therapy, which is especially beneficial for those whose sleep may have been disrupted by cancer treatments or anxiety.
3. Provides Positive Touch
Cancer treatments can be lifesaving but they are not always pleasant. The gentle, caring touch of massage therapy adds a positive and nurturing element to an otherwise difficult experience. It can make patients feel cared for in a soothing and non-invasive way, creating a moment of peace and comfort amidst the challenges of treatment.
Why Barróg Rituals Matter
At a time when individuals living with or beyond cancer may feel vulnerable, the Barróg Rituals offer a comforting embrace. These treatments are more than just massages; they’re acts of care & kindness, providing relief, calm, and a sense of sincere wellbeing. Whether it’s through soothing compromised skin, reducing pain, or simply offering a moment of connection and compassion,, the Barróg Rituals remind us all of the healing power of touch.
