Oncology Massage Benefits

Oncology Massage Benefits

According to the American Cancer Society, half of all men and one-third of all women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. Besides the devastating news a cancer diagnosis brings, it also brings a variety of side effects for those patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy can cause sometimes debilitating physical and emotional affects. Fortunately, new research suggests that certain massage therapy can be beneficial to help ward off the negative side effects of cancer treatment. Oncology massage therapy has been credited with restoring cancer patients’ confidence and healing.

One of the biggest side effects of chemo is poor digestion—as chemotherapy most often affects the large intestine. Oncology massage therapy increases the overall flow of the large intestine—aiding in food digestion and nutrition absorption. In addition, oncology massage offers other therapeutic effects like relaxation and sleep regulation.

There are many varying styles of oncology massage—each utilizing different techniques. Some of these include: Swedish massage – which helps circulate the blood and lymph fluids; Tui na – which helps release any blockage in the internal organs; or Shiatsu massage – which works to improve the immune function in its fight against cancer. Cancer treatments present inevitable side effects, both physically and emotionally, and oncology massage therapy has shown to help these patients through the process.

The Soma Institute in Chicago has long been at the forefront of the alternative treatment philosophy and a leader in massage therapy education. Soma trains students in a wide range of therapeutic techniques including oncology massage therapy. Find out more about training at the Soma Institute by calling today. Give them a call at 1.800.694.5314.