March 16, 2021
In today’s world, cancer and other chronic diseases seriously threaten human health, resulting in an increasing mortality rate year-by-year. Although modern medicine has made great progress in treating these diseases, most FDA-approved single-target drug preparations have some defects in the treatment of complex chronic diseases. Some even have serious side effects.
There are many health conditions which are successfully treated with essential oils, and many more which are being evaluated scientifically. Unlike most conventional drugs or botanically based remedies, essential oils work through one (or both) of two distinct mechanisms of action. Essential oils have a physical effect on the mind and body through sensory memory. Essential oils also produce physical effects on the body through chemical actions, just like other drugs and botanical products.
Cancer is a major public health problem in many areas of the world. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, in both men and women. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer after lung cancer. Breast cancer, is the most frequently occurring cancer in women and the major cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Several agents including life habits, exposure to chemical agents, and diet have been correlated with risk of cancer development. Besides, pharmacological or nutritional intervention can significantly affect patients’ quality of life by delaying cancer progression.
A Viable Option?
There's no doubt that cancer patients can benefit from massage therapy. In fact, bodywork can serve as a nurturing healthcare option during the stressful, doctor appointment-ridden time of oncology management.
"Cancer treatment places a heavy toxin load on the body, which massage can help eliminate," says Gayle MacDonald, author of Medicine Hands: Massage Therapy for People with Cancer. "However, too much too fast may be more than the client's body can comfortably handle. Skilled touch is beneficial at nearly every stage of the cancer experience, during hospitalization, the pre- or post- operative period, in the out-patient clinic, during chemotherapy and radiation, recovery at home, remission or cure, and in the end stage of life."