Nausea is a very common side effect of chemotherapy. Studies conducted on the effect of massage for breast cancer treatment have shown that massage of the hands and feet while undergoing chemotherapy can potentially provide a reduction of this symptom.
Nausea, especially for those under the age of 65, can be a particularly difficult complication to manage. The protocol for cancer treatment in Calgary often involves prescriptions for several different heavy duty antiemetic (nausea medications) prior to any chemo treatment.
Doctors are quite proactive about providing these medications because symptoms are easier to control before they start. Unfortunately patients can still experience varying levels of nausea and vomiting. While massage cannot eliminate the problem, it can be a useful alternative therapy to help reduce the symptoms in conjunction with prescribed medications.
How massage provides relief is not well understood, but it has been theorized that caring touch, not clinical touch, can affect the central nervous system in a positive manner.
Your sympathetic nervous system (SNS) takes care of fight and flight responses. When dealing with stressful situations it is stimulated and you can experience increased perception of pain as well as higher anxiety levels. Unfortunately both are common with a cancer diagnosis and throughout treatment.
Massage can help to reduce pain levels by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) which is responsible for rest and relaxation and opposes the SNS. Additionally, your body releases oxytocin with low intensity stimulation of the skin and this hormone helps to reduce stress reactions.
How can this information help you?
The research suggests that massage of the hands and feet for 20-30 minutes post chemo treatment can provide additional levels of relief to patients.
If you are wanting to do your own massage, or have a companion that is interested in providing treatment, I would recommend using a water based lotion. Nothing fancy is required but water (Aqua) as the first ingredient is best. Many low cost brands are available. Pressure should be firm, but not deep, and strokes up to the knee/elbow or circles on the plantar foot or palmar hand should be performed to the rhythm of relaxed breathing.
Alternatively, if you are wanting to book in for a treatment, a 30 minute hand and foot massage would be best.
Any questions are welcomed via email at prairiespringmassagetherapy@yahoo.com
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Asha, C., Manjini, K. J., & Dubashi, B. (2020). Effect of Foot Massage on Patients with Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Caring Sciences, 9(3), 120–124. https://doi.org/10.34172/jcs.2020.018
Billhult A, Bergbom I, Stener-Victorin E. Massage relieves nausea in women with breast cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy. J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Jan-Feb;13(1):53-7. doi: 10.1089/acm.2006.6049. PMID: 17309378.
Uvnäs-Moberg K, Handlin L, Petersson M. Self-soothing behaviors with particular reference to oxytocin release induced by non-noxious sensory stimulation. Front Psychol. 2015 Jan 12;5:1529. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01529. PMID: 25628581; PMCID: PMC4290532.
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