Multiple studies have been devoted to researching therapeutic touch modalities and their effects on breast cancer. Some studies are looking simply to see if the modality will help alleviate symptoms, such as nausea from the chemotherapy, while others are looking at whether healing is taking place during treatments.
Reflexology and Breast Cancer Research
A U.S. study by the School of Nursing at East Carolina University found that 30 minutes of Foot Reflexology offered a significant reduction in pain and anxiety in patients diagnosed with breast or lung cancer.
Michigan State University is still conducting a research study on the use of Foot Reflexology as an aid for quality of life improvement for women receiving treatments for late stage breast cancer.
In 2008 the Israeli Forum of Reflexology hosted the first International Symposium on Reflexology and Cancer which has led to further studies being formed on this modality and cancer.
Massage and Breast Cancer Research
A 2005 study by the Touch Research Institutes in Florida found that women receiving half hour massage sessions three times a week for five weeks reported less anxiety and pain immediately after their sessions. The researchers also found that the massage therapy participants had increased dopamine levels and increases in lymphocytes and “natural killer” cells.
Bodywork during Cancer Treatments
Most forms of bodywork are very nurturing and comforting, no matter the condition, but especially for the breast cancer patient. Reflexology practitioners advise receiving Reflexology in shorter durations and more frequently during chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
A Reflexologist can demonstrate basic techniques to a loved one that can be replicated at home, in the hospital and nearly anywhere. These partner administered sessions provide comfort and can help with many of the side-effects to the chemo.
Bodywork after Breast Surgery
While direct massage or bodywork techniques to the surgical area should be avoided for the first four to six weeks other areas of the body can receive comfort and relaxation. After this period a combination of gentle stretching and trigger point therapy can relieve some of the muscular tension in the arms, shoulders and chest.
Some forms of body massage can be too intense for sensitive skin after radiation. The potential bodywork client should discuss her goals and concerns with the practitioner prior to her appointment. These forms of therapeutic touch may be pleasant both during and following cancer treatments:
- Foot Reflexology – light to moderate pressure techniques are applied to the feet with the intent to affect the internal organs and induce relaxation.
- Shiatsu or Acupressure – pressure point techniques will be administered on meridians traveling the length of the body – some areas may be avoided due to surgery or discomfort.
- Neck, Shoulder and Back Massage – focus work can help to relieve aches and pains to these targeted areas.
- Reiki – not an actual form of bodywork but a form of energywork, this is a very light-touch or no-touch modality that uses qi or energy to promote healing and relaxation.
- Hand Reflexology – popular for its accessibility this form of Reflexology is applied to the hands and can also be taught to the client for self-help purposes.
- Hand and Foot Massages – relaxing strokes are applied to these extremities – both comforting and pleasurable for most people.
- Full Body Massage – massage therapists that specialize in working with breast cancer patients have special cushions for their tables that offer a recessed area for the chest. A Swedish massage can be given according to the comfort of the recipient.
Sources:
- Stephenson, NL, Weinrich, SP and Tavakoli, AS, "The effects of foot reflexology on anxiety and pain in patients with breast and lung cancer," Oncol Nurs Forum 2000, Jan-Feb;27(1):67-72
- Reflexology: an Intervention for Advanced Breast Cancer, Principle Gwen Wyatt, Michigan State University.
- Natural killer cells and lymphocytes increase in women with breast cancer following massage therapy, Touch Research Institutes, University of Miami School of Medicine.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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