Medicine Hands: Massage Therapy for People with CancerA practical book written for both health professionals and the layperson, this revised guide deconstructs common myths about the use of massage in cancer treatment. Reviewing literature that shows cancer to be caused by genetic mutation and the influence of hormones, the opening discussion emphasizes that mechanical action such as massage does not break tumors open or cause them to spread. The book purports that the real medical issues for massage therapists center on ameliorating the discomfort of treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. The topics covered include massage in hospitals, in respite care, for the dying, and for exhausted caregivers, with appendices summarizing research on oncology patients and massage. Charts for the adjustment of massage techniques according to the treatment a patient is undergoing are also included. |
Contents
Introduction A New Era in Oncology Massage | 1 |
Understanding Metastasis Putting Old Wives Tales to Rest | 9 |
Touch Rx for Body Mind and Heart A Review of the Research | 25 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
acupressure acupressure points adjustments anxiety aromatherapy blood cells blood clots body bodywork breast cancer breathing cancer patients cancer treatment caregivers catheter cause chemo chemotherapy child children with cancer client clinic comfort Complementary death decreased disease dying EFFECTS OF CANCER effleurage emotional energy experience family members fatigue feel gentle give heart hospice care hospital immune system important INFO BOX intake interventions Journal Kidney Liver lotion loved Lung lymph nodes lymphatic lymphatic system lymphedema MASSAGE FOR CHILDREN massage session MASSAGE THERAPY MEDICINE HANDS metastasis metastatic muscle nausea oncology massage Oncology Nursing organs pain palliative Palliative Care parents pediatric person physical platelets practitioners pressure radiation radiation therapy receive massage reflexology Reiki relaxation seated massage side effects skin sleep someone Spleen story stress strokes studies surgery symptoms Therapeutic Touch therapist tissue TOUCH TECHNIQUES touch therapy tumor week