21. Massage
What exactly is massage, and what’s it for?
Massage involves manipulation of the soft tissues, for example painful muscles, certain aches and stiffness, and it can help you to relax. It stimulates the circulation of blood and lymph round the body and this can encourage the removal of waste products and poisons.
Massage can be deep or gentle and the person who gives you the massage may work special oils into your skin which can enhance the effect of the massage. There are many different massage techniques which include kneading, pressing, rubbing, stroking and tapping. Shiatsu massage may be gentle or deep and can be deeply relaxing and can help relieve fatigue and other symptoms.
If I have massage, are there any types of massage I should avoid?
Massage for people with cancer only uses gentle, light massage movements. If you are thinking about a type of massage which involves vigorous rubbing or kneading or applying pressure to deeper parts of the body, discuss it first with your surgeon or breast care nurse.
Gentle massage, which can be very soothing and relaxing and can help you to feel good, is not likely to affect the cancer. For example, even a simple hand massage for about 10 minutes on each hand can be very relaxing.
Aromatherapy and reflexology are probably the two most frequently used professional techniques. But a friend could give you a gentle massage at home, if they are careful to avoid the área where your cancer is or was.
I’ve heard that massage can be used to treat lymphoedema. What type of massage is this?
Lymphoedema is the swelling which can arise from a blockage of the lymph flow following surgery and radiotherapy. It can happen in the arm after treatment for breast cancer. Sometimes lymphoedema can be eased by two techniques: a type of massage called manual lymph drainage or MLD and special compression sleeves. This is a very specific type of massage and must only be given by a fully qualified practitioner. With thorough instruction, it can be done by yourself or a family member. Lymphoedema is discussed more fully later.
Is there special training for people who give massage?
Yes, some people may attend a two-day course and then decide to practice massage. However, professional associations now require massage therapists to have a diploma or degree before they can work with people with cancer. If you are going to seek out aromatherapy, reflexology or any other massage from a professional, check out their training and qualifications first, to make sure you get someone with suitable experience.
Is massage available on the NHS?
Generally speaking, no. Some health professionals may have taken courses in reflexology (massage on the feet or hands) and may practise it as part of their job. Aromatherapy is, however, gradually becoming more widely available in hospices and some câncer treatment centres.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a form of gentle massage treatment using extracts called essential oils which come from flowers, roots and leaves. The oils are diluted and massaged into the skin. The aromatherapist will make a blend of different oils specific for each individual person. Often the aromatherapist will play a relaxation tape while giving the massage to help you to relax.
How can aromatherapy help people who have cancer?
Combining the effects of gentle massage with the properties of the plant oils can make it an uplifting tonic for some people. For example, certain oils can help reduce swelling, others may help to strengthen the immune system and some can help you to relax. It is very important, however, that you don’t have an aromatherapy massage on a part of the body where you are having, or have recently had, radiotherapy treatment as it might make the skin unnecessarily sore in that area. Several small studies have shown that this technique relieves anxiety in people who have cancer and may also help people to sleep better.
Could I use aromatherapy oils apart from as a massage?
Yes, you can and your aromatherapist may be able to recommend ways that can help you. Some oils can be diluted and added to bath water so that you can relax in the bath and gain benefit from the oils.
This should only be done with guidance from a qualified aromatherapist. If you have recently had radiotherapy to certain parts of your body, you may have been advised not to have proper baths for a period of time. It is important to observe this and not bathe with oils until you are able to wash as usual. You can buy burners for essential oils which release the oil vapours into the room when you use the burner.
This can help you to relax and to combat certain side effects of treatment, such as nausea. Again ask for guidance as to what may be helpful for you.
What is reflexology?
It is a type of massage usually given to feet, although it can be given to hands. The whole body is seen as being mapped out on the feet - the right side of the body on the right foot and the left side on the left foot. The organs or tissues in a particular body zone are believed to be linked to reflex points on the feet (or hands) and massage of these points treats the corresponding part of the body. For example, the liver corresponds to a reflex point towards the outer side of the middle part of the sole of the right foot, and the spleen corresponds to a similar point on the sole of the left foot.
How does reflexology work?
There are different views as to how reflexology works. One view is that the gentle massage helps to improve blood circulation and stimulates the body’s immune system. Another is that the body’s natural energy flow is blocked by illness or stress and the reflexologist can feel a change in a particular reflex point which corresponds to the
blocked part. Massage to this area can remove the blockage so that energy can flow freely again. A possible effect of reflexology is that the massage encourages the body to produce its own pain relief (endorphins) which could lead to fewer drugs being needed.
Can reflexology be useful for people who have cancer?
Yes, it can be for some people. Reflexology is not about curing an illness, rather it is focused on reducing stress and helping people to relax. When you are relaxed you are more likely to sleep better and be better able to cope with your cancer treatment and any side effects.
Can I practise reflexology at home?
Yes, you can. There are books that you can buy or get from the library that explain the principles of reflexology and how to use it. Perhaps you can learn with a friend so that you can give each other a reflexology massage. You should get advice from a qualified therapist before you do this.
How many sessions of aromatherapy or reflexology would I need?
That depends on why you are having it. For some people having just one session can be very beneficial, for others several sessions may be suggested by the therapist to achieve the desired effect.
