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Wisdom To Be Massaged 3.2
July 2008
Massage as a Complimentary Therapy for Cancer Treatment Symptoms In this issue...
Massage as a Complimentary Therapy for Cancer Treatment
Christine Alyward, BA, RMT
Some benefits of massage during cancer treatment include:
Ways that massage can be helpful for prevention:
Accessibility of Massage:
References
Massage as a Complimentary Therapy for Cancer Treatment
Christine Alyward, BA, RMT
Massage Therapy can relieve the symptoms associated with cancer treatment as well as symptoms or conditions that may occur after treatment. Many studies have shown the benefits and both the Canadian and American Cancer Societies recommend Massage as a safe, alternative therapy to compliment conventional Cancer treatment.
Some benefits of massage during cancer treatment include:
A decrease in stress hormones that cause anxiety resulting in an improved ability to deal with Pain. An increase in oxytocin, the calm and connect hormone. A decreased need for non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). A decrease in
psychological distress
nausea
heart rate and respiration
feelings of isolation Enhanced immune function by an increase in natural killer cells and lymphocytes. Increased ability to sleep.Improvement of depressed mood and feelings of anger.
Ways that massage can be helpful for prevention:
Decrease stress hormoneds that make us susceptible to disease.Helps to connect us to our bodies and therefore become more health conscious. Manual Lymphatic Drainage, a very gentle, superficial technique can help cleanse the body of toxins by draining excess fluid or increasing lymphatic flow. A massage therapist can detect changes in the skin or tissue which can lead to early detection. Breast massage can help drain the breast tissue and maintain health, (most Massage Therapists are trained specifically in breast massage). Massage improves digestion, blood circulation, respiration and posture which help the body function smoothly.
When choosing a Massage Therapist it is important to insure that they are properly trained and are registered with a provincial association. While it is safe to recieve massage, some modifications will need to be made so that symptoms such as pain or fatigue are not worsened.
Accessibility of Massage:
The type of massage most often used is Swedish. Techniques such as gentle muscle squeezing, stroking, light kneading of the tissues and hand and foot massage are most appropriate. However this can be expanded based on the clients health and needs.
Accessibility of Massage:
Doctor Vodder's Website has a list of certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) practitioners in your area. Betsy Webb at Be Massage Therapy is fully certified. Be Massage offers discounts to students, seniors, and YMCA members. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Most extended health insurance plans cover Massage Therapy. The sunshine room at Victoria General Hospital in Halifax offers free massage and other services to cancer patients. 11th floor VG, 902-473-6567. Massage Colleges in Halifax and Bedford offer student massage at a discounted rate.
References
Ahles TA, Tope DM et al. Massage Therapy for Patients Undergoing Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 199918(3):157-63. Billhult A, DahlbergK. A Meaningful Relief from Suffering, Experiences of Massage in Cancer Care. Cancer Nursing 2001 24(3):180-4.
Cassileth B, Vickers A. Massage Therapy for Symptom Control, Outcome Study at a Major Cancer Centre. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 200428(3):244-49. Curties, Debora RMT. Breast Massage. Curties-Overzet Publications Aug 1999. Hernandez-Reif M, Field T, et al. Breast Cancer Patients Have Improved Immune and Neuroendicrine Functions Following Massage Therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Research. 2004 July; 57 910:45-52. Ironson G, Field T, et al. Massage Therapy is Associated with Enhancement of the Immune System’s Cytotoxic Capacity. International Journal of Neuroscience.1996; 84:205-217. Uvnas Moberg, Kersten, The Oxytocin Factor: Tapping the Hormone of Calm Love and Healing. Da Capo: Export Ed Edition Oct 6, 2005. Visit your Doctor to see if Massage Therapy is an appropriate therapy for you.
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