Massage Therapy for Cancer patients

Research carried out by Marie Curie Cancer Care in London (2002/2003) has provided new clinical evidence that aromatherapy massage (using Roman chamomile essential oil) is beneficial for cancer patients. The results of the research revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in anxiety levels between those patients who were massaged, and those who were not. Overall, the massage helped to improve patients’ physical and psychological symptoms, as well as their quality of life.

Further research undertaken at the University of Miami Medical School showed that breast cancer patients have improved immune and neuroendocrine functions following massage therapy. Cancer patients must always inform their massage therapist of the site(s) of the cancer(s), as the tumours themselves should never be massaged.

Generally, cancer patients of all ages report that massage (with or without aromatherapy oils) helps them to relax, reduces some of the symptoms of the illness and leaves them feeling more positive and better able to cope with the illness.