Benefits of Massage for Cancer patients

There have been many studies done on cancer patients and massage therapy to find out if there really is any benefit. The following is just a sample of studies that have been performed and their results:

*One study performed on women with breast cancer showed significant results in favor of massage therapy as a form of complementary treatment. In this study, the women who received regular massages had lower levels of stress and depression (these are often experienced very strongly by women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer). In addition, since high stress levels are linked to a lower count of NK (“natural killer”) cells in women, the reduced stress helped raise the number of these cells in the women’s bodies who were massaged. This is a very beneficial finding, because NK cells are immune cells that can help prevent and destroy abnormal cells as well as tumors. This essentially means that this study shows an increase in immunity for the breast cancer patients who received massage therapy.

*One study on cancer patients (a variety of forms and stages of cancer) was performed to assess the effectiveness of acupressure for nausea and vomiting as a chemotherapy side effect. This study concluded that 66% of the patient's; nausea was alleviated due to the acupressure.

*Another study was performed on the effects of energy healing techniques (this could apply to a variety of massage therapies including Shiatsu, etc.) on the growth of tumors. This study showed possibly very positive results: the results themselves were very positive because the tumors that had healing energy techniques performed on them showed inhibited growth when compared to the tumors that did not receive healing energy techniques. Their effects have to be researched further to determine whether this is actually a helpful technique for cancer patients, though, because the study was performed on tumors in a laboratory setting as cultures. Researchers are not aware yet if the healing energy techniques will have the same effects on tumors while they are inside the human body.

*A study performed in Australia discovered that most cancer patients who received foot reflexology experienced less nausea and pain, as well as increased relaxation. The study was so promising, there will be more clinical trials performed to determine the exact effectiveness of foot reflexology in cancer patients.

The above studies are just a few of the many that have been performed with positive results. There are studies currently ongoing on many other forms of massage therapy and the effects that those therapies have on cancer patients.
It is important to consult your doctor before receiving any form of massage therapy, but once your doctor gives you clearance there are many benefits to be achieved with massage therapy.