As a survivor I am dedicated to helping women who are going through breast cancer. It is very important
for the patient to become involved in her own healing process. I provide her the opportunity to connect to her body on physical,
emotional, spiritual and energetic levels. Its about empowering her to help herself.
Common
Questions and answers about massage and cancer:
Q: How can
massage and bodywork help?
A: There are many benefits from receiving bodywork at any time, needless to say at a time of stress
and health crisis. Some of the benefits are:
· Massage is relaxing and rejuvenating
· Calming the nervous system
· Helps you cope with mental and emotional stress
· Relief of physical pain and fatigue
· Increase flexibility and range of motion
· Speeds recovery from surgery and treatment
· Improves circulation and immune system
· Improves skin tone
· Speeds the removal of metabolic waste
Q: What style of massage/bodywork is best for cancer patients?
A: There are many types of bodywork that will support a cancer patient, depending on what stage they
are in their treatment process;
Energy work is soothing and balancing and helps with calming the nervous system. It is recommended at the
first stages during crucial decision-making and is safe before treatment starts.
Shiatsu is an excellent form of bodywork, since it’s focus is on restoring Chi, rather than stimulating
muscles. Chi, or life force is believed to be the power behind our existents. If there are imbalances in the flow of this
energy, it can lead to disease.Shiatsu will help restore the body Chi/Qui flow and will help the client thrive through surgery,
chemo treatments and radiation.
Swedish Massage
is good for recovery time especially after surgery and chemotherapy. Massage will
restore range of motion; decrease scar tissue and speed release of toxins and healing of wounds.
Q: Can I get massage and bodywork during chemotherapy and radiation?
A: Yes, however a waiting period of 3-6 days after treatment is recommended. After surgery it is
recommended to wait 7-10 days before receiving bodywork, however, energy work can be administered as soon as the client feels
up to it.
Q: Since massage stimulates the blood and lymph flow will it increase the risk of spreading the cancer cells
to other parts of the body?
A: There are no studies that support this assumption. There are many studies however, that show massage
to strengthen the immune system, induce release of toxins and assist in the reduction of stress. These are fundamentals which
help fight disease and promote healing
Q: What about massaging around tumors?
A: It is preferable to wait until the tumor is removed. In cases where the rumor cannot be removed,
direct pressure to the area should be avoided to prevent shedding of cancer cells.
