When I was in treatment for Stage 3 breast cancer, I put in place my army of soldiers to help me get through this nightmare situation.  One of my soldiers was a massage therapist.  Some people might roll their eyes and think, right, a massage therapist to help you fight cancer.  I would like to validate that, a massage therapist, was one of the best things I did to help me with my battle.

Massage therapy is recognized as a form of “alternative medicine” in the cancer world.  This form of healing has been around for thousands of years and has documented in ancient Egypt, Rome, China, Greece and even Japan.  A trained massage therapist applies pressure to muscles and other soft tissues that provides a multitude of benefits.

I can speak of the benefits first hand.  I started getting regular massages when chemo was finished and I had started radiation.  I told my massage therapist that I had been treated for breast cancer and that my lymph nodes on my left arm have been removed.  I also asked her questions and made sure she was familiar with the risk of lymphedema.  She suggested a special lymphatic massage and gave me suggestions that I can do at home when my left arm feels “full.”  My left arm, at the time I started, felt rubbery and not part of my body—almost like that part of my body was made out of plastic.  I was absolutely amazed, after regular massages, my left arm came back to life and it felt like it did before surgery.

The next miracle happened when I realized I could walk without stiffness anymore.  My body prior to massages was like an old woman.  My muscles were stiff and I walked very slowly—especially in the morning.  The massages helped my muscles to become loose and I could move–even my neck was loose again.  The regular massages were really helping me return to feeling good again.  I am not the only one to experience these wonderful benefits.  There has been a lot of research and clinical studies documenting the benefits of massage.  Some of the highlights are:

Eases Pain: Massage therapy helps reduce patient’s pain and improve their mood.  Specifically, relieve lower back pain, migraine headaches, shoulder pain, fibromyalgia symptoms and symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Boost Immune System: In a study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research the Touch Research Institute found that for breast cancer patient’s massage therapy reduced anxiety and depression and improved immune function.

Improve Circulation: Massage stimulates body tissues and improves circulatory flow allowing your body to shed that tired and fatigue feeling and feel refreshed.

Decreases Anxiety: The deeply relaxing effects of massage help to reduce stress and tension.

I hope I have convinced you to go out and get a massage!  As you can see from the reported benefits, massage therapy isn’t just for the pampered resort vacation anymore.  Massage therapy has been around for thousands of years because of the healing qualities that are experienced.  If you want to get a massage here are some suggestions:

• If necessary, get your doctors permission to begin.
• If you don’t have a qualified professional massage therapist, ask your oncologist or medical community to recommend one.  Or you can contact the American Massage Therapy Association Web site.

What are you waiting for?  Isn’t it time for you to feel good today?