In this episode I have a great conversation with Ashley Brzezicki, an RMT and death doula, whose personal narrative and cultural insights bridge the gap between massage therapy and end-of-life care. Exploring this tender intersection, we shine a light on the human touch in healthcare—a touch that offers solace to those grappling with terminal illnesses and envelops their loved ones in the warm embrace of empathy and understanding. 

Ashley's tapestry of narratives threads through our conversation, from confronting the cultural discomfort around death to the art of finding meaning amidst life's final chapter. We delve into the vital role of hospice care, a misunderstood haven offering more than just comfort in dying—it's about living each moment to the fullest, with dignity. Our discourse challenges the medical community's preoccupation with cure over care, advocating for a holistic approach where every healthcare provider, from the massage therapist to the hospice nurse, becomes a guide in the patient's odyssey of self-discovery and acceptance.

This episode calls out some of the noticeable absences in healthcare education, and we advocate for massage therapy to become a university-level degree. We dissect the ethical implications of outdated teachings and the significance of evidence-based practice, as well as the challenges practitioners face in the evolving landscape of Continuing Education. Our exchange extends beyond academia to the essence of patient-centered care, weighing the merits of various modalities against the need for genuine relief. Join us, as we unfurl the importance of compassionate healthcare and the enduring impact of a simple human touch in the profound journey of life's sunset.

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