Massage
Massage Treatment is the manipulation of muscles and soft tissue through kneading, rubbing, pressing, etc.
Studies have shown that a massage will decrease stress, anxiety, depression, pain and fatigue. Therefore, it is very beneficial in any cancer protocol. The connection between physical well-being, touch and relaxation is very strong and can enhance the body’s own abilities to heal.
Touch and close relationships are lacking in our society today, especially for elderly people. Massage can add tremendous benefits to every treatment protocol.
Special massages, like lymphatic drainage, are successfully used in many cancer clinics to help the body move lymph through the lymphatic vessels, remove toxins and boost the immune system.
There are some special situations with cancer patients, which should always be considered before applying a massage treatment.
- Coagulation disorders and low platelet count
- Medications: coumadin, acetylsalicylic acid and heparin
- Metastases to bone, complicated by fracture
- Open wounds or radiation dermatitis can cause pain and infection
In these situations, avoiding massage or lightening the touch over regions of risk may prevent complications. No evidence suggests that massage therapy can spread cancer, although avoiding direct pressure over a tumor is a sensible precaution.
Different massage techniques:
The Swedish massage consists of continuous systematic strokes, deep kneading and stretching to loosen tight muscles and to reduce stress.
A Deep Tissue Massage is applied with greater pressure and on deeper muscles than the classic Swedish massage. It generally focuses on a specific problem area.
Soft-tissue release is a technique that uses specific compression and precise extension, administered in a systematic manner, to release muscle spasm and scar tissue.
Neuromuscular therapy uses static pressure on specific myofascial points to relieve pain. This technique manipulates the soft tissue of the body (muscles, tendons, and connective tissue) and is thought to balance the central nervous system.
Lymphatic drainage is a very slow, light-touch, rhythmic massage that helps the body move lymph throughout the lymphatic vessels. It reduces edema and is also believed to remove toxins and boost the immunity.
Trigger-point therapy (myotherapy) consists of stretching the myofascial tissue through sustained specific contact with pressure points, which helps to release tension and pain.
Craniosacral therapy is a treatment approach that focuses on a gentle, hands- on technique used to evaluate and enhance the function of the cranial–sacral system. This hypothetical physiologic body system comprises the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Craniosacral treatment is said to enhance the body’s natural healing processes, improving the operation of the central nervous system, dissipating the negative effects of stress, enhancing health, and strengthening resistance to disease.
Shiatsu, meaning “finger pressure,” is a Japanese massage; a form of physical manipulation of acupuncture points and meridians. The latter are thought to channel vital energy.
Acupressure is an ancient Asian healing art that uses the fingers on the surface of the skin to press key points that modulate energy flow through meridians and chakras. Manipulation of energy flow is speculated to stimulate the body’s immune system and enhance self-healing.
Reflexology consists of firm pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears. Reflexology is based on the principle that these regions contain links that correspond to every other part of the body.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a health care speciality that has its primary focus conditions of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. The idea is that injuries or dysfunction related to the musculoskeletal and nervous system can affect overall health. When the nervous system is free of interference from misalignments in the spine, the body’s function can be carried out at optimal levels.
Chiropractic is not an one of treatment but rather a series of treatments which bring balance back to the body and improve function. After time the body resets neurologic path energy and feels better generally.
The benefit for cancer patients is manifold. Very often the stress of the diagnosis of cancer alone is powerful enough to cause muscle tightness that creates pain and decreases spinal motion.
Side effects from chemotherapy, such as neuropathy, headaches, nausea, joint stiffness, muscle aches and painful changes in muscle tissue from radiation therapy, can also be managed by chiropractic treatments.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. It involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the skin or applying various other techniques to the acupuncture points to bring about healing.
The foundation of Chinese acupuncture is the belief in an energy force called Qi. This energy, or life force, circulates around the body through invisible channels called meridians. If the flow of Qi in the meridians is disrupted, then disease may follow. By inserting fine needles into particular acupuncture points, the disruption can be corrected and the flow of Qi restored.
The British National Health Service carried out a systematic review of the evidence for the use of acupuncture to treat or manage a range of disorders. They found that there was evidence that acupuncture is effective to treat dental pain, jaw pain and to control nausea after operations and chemotherapy treatment.
Research has also found that acupuncture may be effective in treating a range of disorders in areas including:
- Digestive – colitis, constipation, diarrhoea, gastritis, ulcers
- Emotional – anxiety, depression
- Gynaecological – heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, menopausal symptoms, pre-menstrual syndrome
- Musculoskeletal – back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tennis elbow and whiplash
- Neurological – Bell’s palsy, carpal tunnel syndrome, headache, Meniere’s disease, migraine, pain, paralysis, shingles
- Respiratory – asthma, bronchitis, common cold, hay fever
- Vascular – haemorrhoids, high blood pressure, varicose veins
- General – chronic fatigue syndrome, giving up smoking, muscle injuries, obesity, stress management, tiredness, travel sickness.
Traditional Chinese Medicine, practiced alongside Acupuncture, uses Chinese herbs and traditional medicines to stimulate and strengthen healing mechanisms and restore balance.
