cancer massage

Massage Therapy For Cancer Patients

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Healing Massage: Healthy Therapy For Cancer Patients

by guest blogger Melanie Bowen
Awareness Advocate for Natural Health

cancer massageFew things in life are more stressful than a diagnosis of cancer and the subsequent treatments that follow. Stress, however, is a known contributor to poor health and diseases, which makes controlling stress for a person going through cancer treatments all the more important.

A gentle soft-tissue massage is clinically proven to lower stress levels, decrease anxiety and depression, as well as have a positive effect on fatigue and pain. All of this in combination may better equip the patient in their battle against cancer, by improving their mindset and increasing their strength.

A major consideration of the administration of many of the more powerful treatments against cancers is the over-all health of the patient. Regular massage therapy can empower the cancer patient to greater heights both mentally and physically, enabling them to withstand chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy and even clinical trials with greater success.

Massage therapy is also shown to aid in hormone balance, which will further benefit a cancer patient. The soothing and relaxing massage will stimulate serotonin and dopamine production, while controlling cortisol levels. The hormonal harmony achieved through massage therapy, even in short doses, can strengthen the immune system as well as improve the mental disposition of the recipient.

When facing the devastating effects of the most serious types and stages of cancer, such as lung cancer, which has metastasized to lymph nodes or mesothelioma, a patient has a long and difficult road ahead of them, filled with great anxiety, pain and uncertainty.

For a few short minutes, this person can escape the overwhelming burden of what they are going through, with a massage that serves as complementary therapy. Physical relief in the form of pain and tension reduction, along with the soothing sensation that only a professional, caring massage can bring.

The American Cancer Society recommends massage in addition to prescribed cancer treatments, and patients receiving massage therapy show considerable reductions in stress hormones and symptoms of anxiety. Facing cancer treatments is a brutal battle that is not fully understood except by those who have gone through them.

Despite all of the achievements of modern medicine, advancements in technology and pharmaceuticals, the healing touch of human hands still plays a very vital role in treating cancer patients. Consult your doctor and find a therapy that will be the most beneficial to you and your cancer recovery and give your mind, body and spirit a vacation from some of life’s everyday stressors!

Melanie Bowen: Awareness Advocate for Natural Health

Melanie Bowen: Awareness Advocate for Natural Health

Melanie Bowen joined the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance in 2011 as an awareness advocate for natural health and cancer cure initiatives. You will often find her highlighting the great benefits of alternative nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness. Melanie also assists in social media outreach in her efforts to spread awareness.

Check out her other great blog post Relax Your Mind, Body, and Spirit: How Massage Therapy Can Be Beneficial in Cancer Care

Comments 2

  1. Love the photo on this page. Can i purchase so I can use it in a flyer. I am also happy to give credit to you for the supply of the photo .
    I live in Australia and have just started in the oncology massage and I am finding it extremely difficult to find good photos to use.

    1. Post
      Author

      Hi Liz, I’m glad to hear you’re doing wonderful work and spreading the word. Unfortunately, the image I used was purchased with a license, so I can’t share it. I did photoshop the woman’s hair off the photo b/c I also had trouble finding good images. I can’t remember where I purchased it, but likely at istockphoto.com. Best of luck!

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