Cancer Research UK (CRUK) is the world’s largest independent cancer research charity. Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Reports the following:
How Massage Works[i]:
Gentle forms of massage such as aromatherapy affect your nerve endings. This could release chemicals called endorphins which can reduce pain. Stronger methods, such as Swedish massage, aim to stimulate your blood circulation and lymphatic system, relax muscles and ease knotted tissues that can cause pain and stiffness. Some types of massage such as shiatsu may also gently stretch parts of your body to release stiffness.
Why people use massage with cancer:
One of the main reasons people with cancer use massage is because it helps them feel good. It is a way they feel they can help themselves. Generally, massage therapy can help lift your mood, improve your sleep and enhance your well-being. There is some evidence to help support these benefits.
Massage for people with cancer is promoted as a natural way to help people relax and cope with:
- stress
- anxiety
- headaches
- pain
Research into massage and cancer:
There is no scientific evidence that massage can treat cancer. But it is commonly used to help people feel better, and to reduce some cancer symptoms and treatment side effects.
In 2011, a UK review looked specifically at trials using massage for women with breast cancer. There were 6 trials and the reviewers said that massage seemed useful as a supportive therapy. Massage seemed to help with symptoms of depression, pain and tiredness.
Specialty oncology training should be completed prior to practicing massage on anyone who has cancer, to review precautions, contraindications and more. You can find oncology bodywork and massage training at our school here at: https://ceinstitute.com/collections/oncology
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[i] “General Cancer Information.” Massage Therapy | Cancer in General | Cancer Research UK, 12 Jan. 2015, about-cancer.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/massage?_ga=2.61722852.999167709.1558910339-1995383506.1558910339.
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