Massage Therapy is Recognized as a Way to Help Cancer Patients Cope

While massage doesn’t treat the cancer itself, it may help reduce the side effects caused by conventional treatments and improve quality of life and wellbeing.

As well as improving physical symptoms, some people with cancer say that having a massage:

• makes them feel whole again
• helps them to relax
• helps them share feelings in an informal setting
• makes them feel more positive about their body
• rebuilds hope.

In a recently published article entitled, “Massage Therapy for Cancer Patients Gains Popularity,” author and expert, Lorraine Kember, writes:

“Massage therapy is a form of healing that dates to ancient times when civilizations in the East and West used natural healing and massage to heal injuries, relieve pain, as well as prevent and cure illness,” adding, “The medical community recognizes the healing qualities of massage, and it has earned its place alongside other therapies used in hospitals and treatment centers across the globe to improve the quality of life for people suffering from all kinds of diseases, including mesothelioma.”

Light, relaxing massage can safely be given to people at all stages of cancer. Tumour or treatment sites should not be massaged to avoid discomfort or pressure on the affected area and underlying organs.