Massage for Mesothelioma Cancer Patients

We are happy that this blog is being read in other parts of the world. *We offer information on the affects of Massage Therapy, and other, alternative/complimentary health care options to 'mainstream' ears. Our aim is to inform, and educate, as to their focus, and availability.

When we are faced with the sudden diagnosis of a serious illness in a loved-one, or ourselves, we often become overwhelmed while looking for answers and treatments, to cure, or prevent, further damage. There are so many routes to take, and, so much information, in desperation, we sometimes choose the wrong one, or, one that we have found the most information on. Even when we are choosing the best preventative care plan for ourselves, the flood of information, can be too confusing, and, sometimes, we end up doing nothing!

I recently received a letter from 'The Mesothelioma Center' @ Asbestos.com. Here is their article regarding alternative medicine, Including Massage Therapy, and their benefits for mesothelioma cancer patients.

We thank them, and author *Faith Franz, for their contribution.

Guest Post

Alternative Medicine and Massage for Cancer Treatment

Thanks to the rising popularity of alternative cancer treatments, many cancer patients are visiting massage therapists as part of their treatment. 

While some holistic methods are still viewed as unreliable, even major medical associations are embracing the use of massage as a palliative cancer therapy. Although massage is not a treatment that has the potential to cure cancer, it can be very effective at relieving certain cancer symptoms. 

The American Cancer Society endorses massage as a way to relieve stress, anxiety and pain in cancer patients. Some studies also suggest that massage can be used to reduce fatigue, swelling and mild depression. 

Massage for a patient with a disease such as mesothelioma is different from massage for a healthy individual. Oncology massage tailors the basic techniques of traditional massage to the unique needs of a cancer patient. It is less physical than traditional massage and offers more of a focus on healing energy. The unique approach helps patients obtain both physical and mental benefits from the massage session.   

An oncology massage therapist has been trained to take special precautions with cancer patients. They customize their massage to avoid stimulating the tumors or agitating areas of the body that have been treated with radiation. This helps reduce the likelihood of post-massage soreness or bruising. Aside from those mild and easily avoidable conditions, massage therapy generally does not cause any side effects.

Other Complementary Cancer Treatments 

Patients with an aggressive cancer such as mesothelioma often combine massage with several additional alternative and traditional treatments. Some of the other therapies that are used alongside massage include:

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Aromatherapy
• Mind-body therapies (i.e. yoga or meditation)

Integrative approaches – where alternative medicine and traditional medicine are both used to treat a cancer – are often suggested by the patient’s oncologist. The low complication rate of alternative therapies makes them a desirable way to address the side effects of more risky treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery. 

To create a comprehensive therapy plan that incorporates massage and other alternative therapies, simply discuss your interest in these methods with your oncologist. Since 2003, the number of in-hospital massage programs has been on the rise, and hospitals without a designated program may have a referral to an oncology massage therapist in your area.

*Author bio: Faith Franz is a writer for the Mesothelioma Center. She combines her interests in whole-body health and medical research to educate the mesothelioma community about the newest developments in cancer care.


**Please read for info & education. BUT, if you have been diagnosed with these conditions, (or know someone) who has, ALWAYS seek the advise of a health care professional before starting these treatments on your own.

The Military’s Medical Alternatives

This article, out of the U.S., is a very encouraging, and important one to read, for all who are helping Military, and other trauma victims, with their recoveries.

'Complementary and alternative medicine — CAM — also known as integrated medicine, or complementary healing, is alive and well in military medicine.'

Read the article by Elspeth Cameron Ritchie: Here 

Alternative... Complimentary...?

Through the years, many of us who work in the mainstream medical world, have changed our language when discussing or suggesting, treatments or sessions, that are, outside the box of conventional medicine. *'Complimentary & Holistic' seem to be accepted more easily, than a suggestion to incorporate 'alternative, or energy work', into the healing, and/or, preventative medical care process.

Whatever you want to call them, more clinical studies are being done, testing these practices for their safety, and contribution, to our good health, and well-being.

From the 'Philippine Daily Inquirer':  Reflexology Complementary Treatment to Diabetes
 "...recent studies also showed that when the power of science is combined with alternative healing treatments, the results can be overwhelming.
Another study, which was conducted by the China Reflexology Association among patients with Type 2 Diabetes, has proven that with the help of reflexology, patients showed a significant improvement in their overall health, in the blood circulation in their feet and in their body’s natural energy flow.... Read more here
.

*Please read for info & education. BUT, if you have been diagnosed with these conditions, (or know someone) who has, ALWAYS seek the advise of a health care professional before starting these treatments on your own.

Patients drive Complementary Medicine boom

"As patients want choices and control over their health care options, Canadian hospitals may  have little choice, and decide to follow the lead of their American counterparts, where they offer..."

Although *Complementary Medicine is not intended to take the place of Conventional Medicine, many health care professionals are beginning to see, there may be a place for both, in patient care.
Here's an interesting article on how it's starting ro be recognized in the U.S.

Hospital patients driving complementary medicine boom | Jack Marriott .com:

*It is highly recommended, Health care professionals be consulted for diagnosis, before starting any treatment for medical conditions.

Reiki is Welcomed by the Corporate World

Reiki is a gentle, hands on, Healing Therapy. It balances the body physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Although not very well known in the 'corporate' world, it is being found more, as Employers are beginning to realize (in Europe & American cities especially), the relaxing benefits of this Therapy for their employees.

Reiki has become much more mainstream. It is used in hospitals all over the world as a complement to conventional medicine. Many Health Spas and Fitness Centres offer it to their clients to relax and rejuvenate .

Reiki can be added to Massage, to enhance the tension-release and relaxation experience.

Over clothing or not, Reiki can be done on a Massage Table, Chair, virtually.... anywhere.

One Quote from Prevention Magazine.

"The mainstream medical community has stopped sneering, too: About 60 percent of the hospitals included in the U.S. News & World Report America's Best Hospitals list offer some kind of Reiki program, if only informally, reports the International Association of Reiki Professionals. Some studies have shown Reiki to effectively reduce anxiety and high blood pressure in otherwise healthy people"