Massage and Cancer

I wanted to Blog a little about massage. I have mentioned it several times as an alternative treatment, but I wanted to discuss why massage is so good. One of the hardest things that a person has to do while going through Cancer treatment is probably the mental issues that come along with it. What I mean is that getting a diagnosis, especially that of Glioblastoma, is life-changing and, with some, is viewed as a death sentence. Glioblastoma typically affects the young, and most young people have not really contemplated death or even thought about what leaving this world would be like. So, to be placed into this situation abruptly has its issues like depression, anxiety, and sadness (a person can only drink so much tension-tamer tea).

The Mayo Clinic states that "a 60-minute massage can lower cortisol by an average of 30 percent. When cortisol levels decline, serotonin—one of the body's anti-pain mechanisms—increases by an average of 28 percent after a massage. By lowering cortisol and increasing serotonin, you boost your body's ability to fight off pain, anxiety, and feelings of sadness." This type of reaction that massage produces in the body is excellent in helping combat sadness. I have started doing two massages a week now. I was kind of shocked at how much I craved them. Still, now I have a better understanding as by lowering cortisol and increasing serotonin, you boost your body's ability to fight off pain, giving the feeling of decreased sadness and anxiety. Cancer Research UK states, "Several small studies have looked at massage. They wanted to see if massage could help reduce pain, feeling sick (nausea), anxiety, depression, anger, stress, and tiredness (fatigue)." Massage Therapy won't cure cancer, but it does help with the symptoms.

Cancer is analogous to a puzzle board, where we must identify the appropriate pieces that fit together and treat each symptom as it arises. While massages can be costly, many massage centers, such as Massage Envy or Massage Heights, offer membership packages. I suggest exploring these options and trying different therapists until you find the one you like. I highly recommend aromatherapy. I prefer Eucalyptus or Lavender. The only recommendation is to be careful not to get too strong of a scent that will cause headaches or nausea.

Works Cited:

Conrad, I. (2022, March 22). Benefits of massage therapy. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/benefits-of-massage-therapy

Massage and cancer. Massage therapy | Complementary and Alternative Therapies | Cancer Research UK. (2022, November 21). https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/massage