A diagnosis of cancer can be frightening, but for many cancer patients, it is no longer the death sentence it used to be. Further more, medical experts have begun to understand the importance of including other modalities into an overall cancer treatment program. Places like the Mayo Clinic include Aroma therapy, Nutritional Programs, exercise and they even advocate massage. Some cancer treatements are very aggressive, which can also be quite painful and stressful. Aroma therapy can help calm some of the stress and massage therapy will help with pain relief.

From the Mayo Clinic’s Website:

Massage. During a massage, your practitioner kneads your skin, muscles and tendons in an effort to relieve muscle tension and stress and promote relaxation. Several massage methods exist. Massage can be light and gentle, or it can be deep with more pressure.Studies have found massage can be helpful in relieving pain in people with cancer.

It may also help relieve anxiety, fatigue and stress.Massage can be safe if you work with a knowledgeable massage therapist. Many cancer centers have massage therapists on staff, or your doctor can refer you to a massage therapist who regularly works with people who have cancer.

 

Don’t have a massage if your blood counts are very low. Ask the massage therapist to avoid massaging near surgical scars, radiation treatment areas or tumors. If you have cancer in your bones or other bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, ask the massage therapist to use light pressure, rather than deep massage.”

I have been doing massage for over 25 years know and I know first hand that a gentle massage will help my clients feel better. I use essential oils to stimulate the relaxation centers of the brain, and when I am finished, my people are more calm and relaxed. Their pain is lessened and they can have a more productive day, or a more relaxed rest.

 

Valentina Boonstra