Navigating cancer treatment can feel overwhelming, frightening, and isolating at times. That's why Brave Crab passionately supports the integration of complementary therapies and therapists in their many forms. These therapies can help alleviate treatment-related symptoms, providing much needed comfort and emotional support throughout this challenging time.
In this post, we’ll explore how therapies such as massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and acupuncture can gently support you in managing treatment side effects and enhancing your overall well-being. Research has shown that these therapies can help reduce symptoms like pain, anxiety low mood and fatigue.
Integrating Complementary Therapies in Cancer Care
Complementary therapies offer supportive options that work alongside your conventional treatments. These therapies are part of a holistic approach to care, which aims to address the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. By integrating these therapies into your treatment plan, you can enhance your overall well-being and support your body.
Massage Therapy: A Soothing Touch for Cancer Care
Massage therapy involves the working of the body’s soft tissues, and it can be valuable addition to your cancer care routine. Whether it's gentle Swedish massage or more focused techniques, massage therapy offers a variety of benefits that can help ease the physical, emotional and psychological challenges of cancer treatment. Some of the key benefits include:
Reduced pain: Massage can alleviate muscle tension and pain, with studies showing trends toward improvement in pain levels after therapeutic massage sessions [1].
Alleviates stress and anxiety: Massage therapy helps to promote deep relaxation, which in turn significantly reduces anxiety levels, providing a sense of calm and well-being for cancer patients.
Improved sleep: Regular massage can enhance sleep quality and reduce fatigue. In fact, research has shown that sleep quality is considered a secondary outcome in studies on therapeutic massage for cancer patients [1].
It's essential to work with a massage therapist who has specific training and is qualified to work with cancer patients, as they will be skilled in adapting their techniques to your specific needs.
Aromatherapy: Harnessing the Power of Scent
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing practice that uses natural plant extracts, known as essential oils, to enhance overall health and well-being. This therapy leverages the powerful connection between scent and the brain to improve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Aromatherapy Massage combines the benefits of massage therapy with the therapeutic properties of essential oils. During an aromatherapy massage, essential oils are diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the skin. The massage not only helps to relax muscles and improve circulation, but also allows the essential oils to be absorbed through the skin and inhaled, enhancing their effects.
For cancer patients, aromatherapy can be a gentle and effective way to manage some of the side effects of treatment and enhance overall quality of life. Benefits include:
Reduced nausea: Inhaling certain essential oils may help with nausea and vomiting. Research has shown that nausea and vomiting were significantly lower in groups receiving aromatherapy foot massage and inhalation aromatherapy during chemotherapy [2].
Reduced anxiety and stress: Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang are renowned for their calming effects, helping to soothe the mind and body, thereby significantly reducing anxiety and stress levels in cancer patients.
Improved sleep: Essential oils such as lavender and bergamot are known to promote better sleep quality by calming the mind and body, helping cancer patients achieve a more restful and rejuvenating sleep.
Reflexology: Healing Through Your Feet
Reflexology is an ancient therapy that involves applying gentle pressure to specific points on the feet and/or hands. These points, known as reflex points, are believed to correspond to different organs and systems within the body. By stimulating these points, reflexologists aim to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing processes. For cancer patients, reflexology can be a valuable complementary therapy as it can:
Ease nerve discomfort: Research shows that reflexology is an effective method in managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) in cancer patients [3].
Improve circulation: Reflexology can enhance blood flow and stimulate the lymphatic system, which can be especially beneficial for those dealing with swelling or lymphedema, as it helps reduce fluid buildup and promotes better overall circulation.
Boost overall well-being: Many patients report feeling more balanced and energised after sessions. In fact, a study on reflexology in Scottish hospices found that patients experienced improved quality of life through a reduction in both physical and emotional symptoms [4].
Acupuncture: Balancing Energy and Alleviating Symptoms
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that has been used for thousands of years to promote health and well-being. It involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points or acupoints. These points are believed to correspond to different organs and systems within the body, and stimulating them can help to balance the body’s energy flow.
Acupuncture can be a valuable complementary therapy for cancer patients, offering several benefits:
Manage cancer-related fatigue: A comprehensive review of multiple studies indicates that acupuncture could significantly reduce cancer-related fatigue [5].
Improved Physical Comfort: Significant reductions in mean pain scores were observed after the first acupuncture treatment, highlighting its immediate impact on alleviating cancer-related pain and other symptoms [6].
Increase Overall Wellness: Acupuncture alleviates physical symptoms and enhances emotional and mental well-being, contributing to a holistic improvement in the overall wellness of patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Your Unique Journey
Keep in mind that each cancer journey is different. What works wonders for one person might not be the perfect fit for another. It's all about finding the right combination of therapies that make you feel your best. Don't be afraid to explore and try different options (with your doctor's okay, of course).
Always keep an open line of communication with both your healthcare team and your complementary therapy practitioners to ensure coordinated care and the best possible benefits for your personal needs.
The Takeaway
Complementary therapies such as massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, and acupuncture can be invaluable partners in your cancer journey. These natural treatments help manage side effects, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being. When used alongside your medical care, they can bring comfort and balance during this challenging time. Embrace the healing touch, calming scents, and restorative energies these therapies offer—your body and mind will thank you for the support.
REFERENCES
[1] Toth, M., Marcantonio, E. R., Davis, R. B., Walton, T., Kahn, J. R., & Phillips, R. S. (2013). Massage therapy for patients with metastatic cancer: a pilot randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 19(7), 650-656.
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2012.0466
[2] Zorba, P., & Ozdemir, L. (2018). The preliminary effects of massage and inhalation aromatherapy on chemotherapy-induced acute nausea and vomiting: a quasi-randomized controlled pilot trial. Cancer nursing, 41(5), 359-366.
[3] Kurt, S., & Can, G. (2018). Reflexology in the management of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy: a pilot randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 32, 12-19.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1462388917302405
[4] Milligan, M., Fanning, M., Hunter, S., Tadjali, M., & Stevens, E. (2002). Reflexology audit: patient satisfaction, impact on quality of life and availability in Scottish hospices. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 8(10), 489-496.
https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/epdf/10.12968/ijpn.2002.8.10.10695
[5] Zhang, Y., Lin, L., Li, H., Hu, Y., & Tian, L. (2018). Effects of acupuncture on cancer-related fatigue: a meta-analysis. Supportive Care in Cancer, 26, 415-425.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-017-3955-6
[6] Miller, K. R., Patel, J. N., Symanowski, J. T., Edelen, C. A., & Walsh, D. (2019). Acupuncture for cancer pain and symptom management in a palliative medicine clinic. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®, 36(4), 326-332.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1049909118804464