Massage has long been utilized as a method of relaxation for general and medicinal purposes. Many individuals who have experienced injuries or certain illnesses turn to massage as an additional method of easing pain, including cancer patients.

Massage promotes a sense of overall wellbeing and works to relax the body and restore a sense of calm and balance to the mind. Individuals who suffer from mesothelioma, a debilitating and painful form of lung cancer, may greatly benefit from massage.

Massage is not a curative treatment option, but when combined with traditional cancer treatment methods, such as chemotherapy, massage can be an integral part of a mesothelioma patient’s healing plan. Patients who experience massage in conjunction with other treatments have reported a lessening of pain and an overall feeling of calm and relaxation.

Massage focuses on the working of specified muscles in attempt to manipulate the tissue and blood vessels below the surface, increasing blood flow throughout an individual’s body. As the muscles are stimulated, oxygen supply within the body improves, which eases soreness, aches, and pains that cancer patients may experience as a result of their disease.

In the United States, the traditional Swedish massage is the most popular option, but there are various other areas of massage, including shiatsu, deep tissue, hot stone, and Thai massage. While massage will not cure or lessen the severity of mesothelioma and other forms of cancer, it can certainly ease the effects and promote a sense of relaxation in cancer patients. Massage is most helpful in the event that a patient is experiencing anxiety or emotional imbalance due to their traumatic disease, as it relaxes the entire body and thus induces a general feeling of peacefulness and balance within the mind and soul. Alternative treatment therapies, including massage, have been shown to vastly improve the overall health of cancer patients.

Patients who wish to implement massage into their treatment plan should consult with their physician prior to beginning any new methods.

What are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments?

Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.

• Ease medication dependence.

• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.

• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.

• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts. • Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.

• Increase joint flexibility.

• Lessen depression and anxiety.

• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.

• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation. • Reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling.

• Reduce spasms and cramping. • Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.

• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.

• Relieve migraine pain.

A Powerful Ally~There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen. Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:

• Decreased anxiety.

• Enhanced sleep quality.

• Greater energy.

• Improved concentration.

• Increased circulation.

• Reduced fatigue.

• Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage.

The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits. Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic.

Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.

========================================================

Sherry Perkins, Certified Raindrop Therapist
Call: 734-646-5582 for your appointment today.
www.raindroptherapy.net
Email:  Raindroptherapy.net@gmail.com