Cancer is a diagnosis that truly no one is ever neither prepared nor excited to hear. Amidst all the treatment that one must go through to get on the road to recovery, the process can be daunting and extensive. However, studies have shown that a natural treatment, massage therapy, can actually start helping a patient feel some relief mind, body and spirit.
The benefits that you can get from massage therapy, whether in remission or just diagnosed, may surprise you if you’re not already hooked. The bottom line is improving your quality of life, so why not soak up all the benefits this therapy has to offer? Here are just a few of the upsides to seeing a massage therapist every now and then.
Emotional Well-Being
Massage therapy isn’t just about feeling good physically, it’s about relieving stress and pent up emotions that cause anxiety or clouded judgement. Going through cancer or mesothelioma is difficult and can lead to a lot of built up frustration if you’re not careful. Massage therapy is a good way to get rid of a lot of that residual anger, sadness and distress.
Time to Yourself
Part of the appeal of massage therapy is just taking some time to yourself. Between doctor’s appointments and dealing with family, it can be hard to find time to get your thoughts together.
Strengthened Immune System
This one may surprise you, but the improved moods and physical well being of someone who enjoys massage therapy can actually lead to an improved immune system. So by getting a massage now and then, you are actually less likely to succumb to illness. That means fewer colds just because you took the time to get a massage.
There are many benefits to massage therapy and these are just three of the biggest ones. You will be much better off in a physical, mental, and emotional capacity by simply allowing yourself a massage now and then. It may not seem like much, but a massage therapy session really can make all of the difference in the world in your fight against cancer.
– Research & article by Melanie L Bowen
People with cancer should avoid very deep massage – gentle is safer. It is important to consult your doctor to find a therapy that will work best for you and your treatment.