Last Minute Massage Blog

Since I started working for Last Minute Massage, I’ve obviously been trying to get everyone I know to try and get massages. I mean, they’re GREAT and they are so incredibly healthy for you, too. this got me to thinking about some things: I remember back in the day, when my mom had breast cancer and was going through chemo, wanting to give her a massage for Mother’s day, but she had told me that it wasn’t good for her. I just remembered this and thought I’d do some research. Through doing my research I found that getting massages while going through chemo, in fact, is not harmful to you, but helpful. The myth that increasing blood circulation, as massage therapy does, does not metastasis the cancer cells. If that was the case, then hot showers and exercise would do the same thing. What getting massages does do when going through chemotherapy, is reduces depression, anxiety and anger and increases levels of serotonin and dopamine.   “Breast cancer patients have improved immune and neuroendocrine functions following massage therapy” was conducted by the Touch Research Institutes, Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology Clinics, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Medicine at the University of Miami School of Medicine.

A couple stretching suggestions from heather Hixon, from Time to Unwind, Yoga and massage, “Our body naturally wants to protect any area that is not fuctioning properly or is out of bablance.  In the case with someone with breast cancer a woman would want to naturally round her shoulders with cause tight (or weakened) pectoralis muscles.  This also causes the upper back muscles to become strained.  when our shoulders are rounded, this also promotes a forward projection of the head, which then causes tight neck muscles.  Massage to the upper back (rhomboids, upper traps ,cervicals, etc.) will assist in releasing this tension, therefore, allowing a more comfortable body, less headaches.  Massage to the pectoralis muscles should be light and perhaps using an aromatherapy essential oil to promote relaxation and decreased muscle tension.  Stretching should be done on a regular basis to the pectoralis muscles as well.  A simple techique you can try is standing in a doorwayholding the frame of the door with both hands, one on each side, gently lunging forward.  keep in mind, if it feels painful, your over stretching.  Another techinque to try, stand with your feet hip bone distance apart, toes pointed forward.  Soften your knees, tuck your tail bone slightly, and lift up out of your waist, take a deep breath before continuing.  Now lift your heart and relax your shoulders.  Refrain from pinching your shoulders together (not a military stance).  Now, press up through the crown of your head, take another deep breath and relax your jaw muscles.  This is your perfect posture! It takes practice, so be patient.  You may find the world much more visible.  Search your neighborhood online, for a local yoga studio that offers gentle yoga or even yoga for breast cancer survivors.  If you happen to live in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, you can find a class like this as well as other healing opportunities at In the Pink.”

I’m so incredibly happy that these myths have been erased and replaced with such exciting information! Massages are so good for you, it’s hard to believe that such rumors ever existed.

I’ve included a couple of websites from where I obtained my information.

www.breastcancer.org