The benefits of massage are well known, it’s all about making people feel great, giving a sense of wellbeing, helping reduce stress and to feel revitalised. Massage promotes relaxation and boosts the body’s production of endorphins, which can help reduce pain levels and swelling, loosen aching tense muscles, improves quality of life and adds a positive touch. Massage is not used as a treatment for cancer but as a method of helping with symptoms and the side effects of treatment. Apart from the direct impact of the treatment itself, the social interaction and opportunity to talk about any problems are invaluable. All holistic treatments can help you to restore your body’s natural state of balance. They help to combat stress, depression, poor mobility and circulation, amongst many other ailments of the body and mind.
Massage therapists working with cancer patients must be extra careful and thoroughly informed as cancer and cancer treatments affect the entire body, leaving the patient in a fragile condition. It is vital that the therapist obtains medical clearance for massage from the client’s healthcare provider. With this in mind, and with proper training, I can massage with confidence everyone including people who have experienced cancer, so you should be able to access the benefits of massage. It can lead to improved physical and emotional confidence and provides the best holistic treatment to meet individual needs.
Massage increases lymphatic flow, moving fluid around the body which stimulates the lymph vessels to contract so the lymph circulation will continue on its own. Our lymphatic system drains all regions of the body of toxins and waste and transports fluid throughout the body to combat infection. During exercise, the lymphatic circulation increases, and deep breathing exercises are great for improving lymph circulation. Warmth also improves lymphatic flow, so long as it is not too hot. Hot Stones and Lava Shell treatments can really help. It is considered safe to provide gentle massage to areas that have not been affected by cancer, elevation helps to allow gravity to assist the lymph flow in the right direction. A diet high in salt can make us retain more lymphatic fluid so try and reduce this by drinking more water & keep doing regular exercise to free up any lack of movement. Light, relaxing massage can safely be given to people at all stages of cancer avoiding the tumour and treatment sites so theirs no feeling of discomfort or pressure on the affected area and underlying organs. Some people worry that massage can spread cancer cells throughout the body via the lymphatic system. Cancer may metastasise into the lymphatic system via the lymph nodes, or it may start in the lymphatic system itself. However, the circulation of lymph from massage or other movement does not cause cancer to spread. Researchers have shown that cancer develops and spreads because of changes to a cell’s DNA genetic mutations and other processes in the body.
Our experience has shown that regular massage can lead to improved physical and emotional confidence and that better outcomes for people with cancer could be achieved with massage. Consistent massage can reduce anxiety and depression and help lower nausea and pain. Positive thinking and meditation alongside surgery can help, rather than the demands that radiation and chemotherapy have on the immune system, massage supports it. Swedish massage applied carefully and with consideration is appropriate to give patients time where they know nothing medical or invasive is going to happen. They allow themselves to forget what is happening and go to a more tranquil place. Some patients like having a treatment not for the massage but for the touch therapy as it enables them to relax, forget or just feel normal again. There is no contraindication to good quality therapeutic massage for people with cancer. Massage may be offered to cancer patients in some hospitals and hospices. Ask your doctor or nurse if massage is available at the centre where you are having your treatment. Some patients can have chemotherapy and a hand or foot massage at the same time, or you may prefer to have the massage after the treatment has finished. You can also have a massage from a private practitioner in their own rooms. Some massage therapists have undertaken specialist oncology massage training.
Zen Pamper Company is proud to offer ‘Wellness for Cancer Massage’ a safe and nurturing massage for those with cancer at any stage of treatment. I passed my specialist cancer massage training with the Amethyst Trust and am passionate about working with people with cancer. I have worked voluntarily for some time at Cheltenham Oncology with the hospital charity Focus, offering beauty therapy treatments for cancer patients on the wards and also hair services for patients who’ve started to lose their hair due to treatment. The therapies I offer are suitable for people of all ages and I adapt treatments to suit your individual needs. If you are wishing to experience the wonderful world of massage, then have a look at my website below for more information. I can ensure your experience is exactly what you need and provides a place of space and healing. My focus is on you to help you feel more positive and empowered on your journey, whatever that challenge may be.
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