“All disorders serve as messengers for us to learn from” Australian Aboriginal Teaching

Surgery is one of the miraculous developments of our time.  A serious decision, it is one that often saves and/or enhances the quality of life.  How far can we extend the concept of healing touch?  Can surgery, in addition to being a much-needed medical procedure, also be a significant part of a sexual abuse survivor’s restoration?  Can it be a turning point for the recovery of health and well-being?  In my experience, the answer is an unequivocal yes.

This first came to my attention in the early 1990’s when I had several clients who had surgery under both of the above-mentioned conditions. Utilizing my services before and after the procedure, these clients experienced less difficulty in recovery and a faster recovery time than was usual. In 1996, I had a major surgery of my own. I found out first hand what it meant to have a serious surgical procedure and how effective my services could be to others.

My journey accompanying clients into surgery started with a desire to prevent additional trauma for the client before, during and after surgery.  The results have been much broader than I could have imagined.  An important component of my work is to facilitate partnership between the client, the surgeon, and the surgical team.  This partnership activates practical application of two essential principles of the Intentional Touch ™ model of health care: “Health depends on the interrelationship of all people and all things” and “An environment of safety and comfort is necessary for promoting healing in clients”.

Surgery by its very nature is invasive – a forcible removal or alteration of a part of the body.  Survivors of sexual abuse are often leery of even the most benign medical procedures.  Examining experiences of survivors going through this extreme form of medical intervention reveals important information about touch and the process of recovery from the wounds of sexual trauma.

I have discovered that the cut of the surgical knife can be approached in such a way that it is included in the category of healing touch. The men and women who enter this specialty are dedicated to human life and function from only the best intentions for their patients. Surgeons are known for their precise, technical ability in fixing the human body.  A common stereotype of the surgeon is a doctor who is cold, abrupt, and completely businesslike.  This stereotype is fading as the medical profession opens to new influences and gains deeper understanding of the holistic nature of the healing process. As patients demand a more complete and equal relationship with their physicians and the inclusion of complementary medicine, patient and doctor are forging a path that leads to a redefined therapeutic relationship.  This structure influences and enhances the final outcome of the surgical process as well as promoting healing from sexual trauma as a benefit.

Surgery can be an option that you have time to prepare for or an emergency necessity to save your life. Either way, the intelligent partnership of conventional and alternative medicine can positively influence the success of your system’s response to the procedure as well as the length of recovery time.

The results are very encouraging. I enjoy working with the surgical team, and their feedback is always very positive. My clients enjoy faster recovery time and a psychological result of feeling empowered, in partnership with, and fully confident in the surgical team.

An overview of the surgical services available:

• 1-3 sessions (depending on circumstances) before surgery consisting of hands-on and developing intentions for the surgery. (Usually a week before surgery unless the surgery is an emergency. It can be the night before surgery or the hours before surgical prep if needed).
• Format the intentions into a prayer/intention setting to be used in the Operating Room
• A consultation with your physician by phone or by accompanying you to your pre-op visit
• An energy balancing 1-2 hours before surgery preparation at the surgical facility
• Accompanying you into the operating room (with your physician’s permission) to perform energy balancing and set your intentions with you and the surgical team. This can also be done in pre-op.
• Being present in post-op (with your physician’s permission) to give you energy balancing.
• One or more follow up hands-on sessions at an appropriate time after surgery during your recovery.

Call Donna Cerio at (831) 475-5472 for information about her participation in the many aspects of the surgical process.