When someone is diagnosed with cancer, they go through a barrage of treatments to eliminate or help curb the disease. These powerful therapies often do a number on the cancer. But they also leave behind a trail of symptoms and side effects that linger, causing their own brand of suffering.

Amid traditional medical care, many people are turning to integrative therapies for relief, support, and healing. A growing body of research shows that massage therapy particularly helps with the physical and emotional impact of having cancer, says Spring Saldana, a board-certified massage therapist and massage therapy program chair at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington.

Saldana can personally and professionally attest to the benefits of oncology massage. She experienced them while being treated for breast cancer and during her recovery. When you go through something like that, you feel very alone, even when you have support, says Saldana, a three-year survivor. Being able to be touched, with care, in the safe space that was providedit did a world of good for me.

Since Saldana trained more than 15 years ago, theres been a shift in the thinking about massage for people who have cancer or are recovering. Then, massage was believed to be too dangerous because it could potentially spread cancer around the body.

Research does not support that theory, instead finding that massage can be beneficial. However, Saldana says, it is important to see a massage therapist who has trained extensively in oncology massage therapy.

There are a lot of people who go through this journey alone, and they dont have to.Forming a relationship with a massage therapist who knows what they're doing with this population would make their journey easier. It would definitely make you feel like your hand is being held through it. Spring Saldana, Northwestern Health Sciences University

Here, just a handful of ways that massage can help people with cancer cope:

Cancer patients experience all manner of pain stemming from surgery, chemotherapy infusions, radiation, or other medications. Its one of the most common and debilitating symptoms they face. But massage can reduce the intensity and severity of pain, according to the American Massage Therapy Association.

Its common for people with cancer to have significant anxiety and depression while confronting many unknowns, both during and after treatment. Massage boosts dopamine and serotonin levels, calming the nervous system through touch, Saldana says.

When going through chemotherapy, many people lose their appetites and experience nausea, constipation, or other digestive problems. Light abdominal massage often can restore order.

Sleep is key to healing, and massage certainly helps with promoting relaxation and rest.

Massage also addresses lymphedema, a common side effect for people with breast cancer especially. If surgeons remove lymph nodes, excess fluid often builds up and causes painful swelling in the arms and legs. Massage can assist with draining that fluid.

When an oncology massage therapist does body work, its different than a regular massage. These therapists have trained extensively in what cancer and treatments do to the body, mind, and spirit. They use different techniques depending on the individuals experience and needs.

Some people can handle a normal touch and frequent massages. Others can tolerate just a light, short massage, perhaps focused on the hands and feet. When even that is too much, some people benefit from Reiki, a form of energy healing that involves a gentle touch or a laying of hands, Saldana says.

Experiencing cancer can be traumatic, and massage helps people release some of that stress and trauma stored in the body. Saldana recommends that cancer patients try massage or healing work during their treatment so that they can release some of that pain along the way.

There are a lot of people who go through this journey alone, and they dont have to, she adds. Forming a therapeuticrelationship with a massage therapist who knows what they are doing with this population would make their journey easier. It would definitely make you feel like your hand is being held through it.

Located in Bloomington,Northwestern Health Sciences Universityis a pioneer in integrative natural health care education, offering degree programs in chiropractic, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, massage therapy, medical assisting, medical laboratory programs, post-bac/pre-health, radiation therapy, and B.S. completion. At press time, itsBloomington clinicis open to the public and services include chiropractic care, Chinese medicine, massage therapy, naturopathic medicine, Bloomington Clinic offers integrative, natural care for the entire family in one location.

Join the Twin Cities top influencers in integrative health care on Tuesday, October 20 from 4:30-5:30pm CST to discuss the best treatments for our top-of-mind health woesnaturally. From chiropractic care to acupuncture and massage therapy, learn how the healing powers of these tried-and-true modalities go far beneath the surface at our first-ever virtual Healthmakers.

Telemedicine is a convenient way to care for yourself during these unprecedented times. Appointment times vary depending on the service. Providers are part ofNorthwestern Health Sciences University, a non-profit industry leader in integrative and natural healthcare education that provides access to the latest evidence and state-of-the-art technology so you get the natural solutions you truly need.

See more content fromNorthwestern Health Sciences University.

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The Benefits of Touch Therapy for Cancer - Mpls.St.Paul Magazine