January 2006 [Volume 5, Issue 1]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Can Massage Help Fight Sleepiness?
• Cancer Patients Look to Massage for Pain Relief
• Answers to Your Massage Questions: Highlights From This Month's "Ask a Massage Therapist" Online Forum

We all have a hard time staying awake and alert during those long, post-lunch afternoon meetings or lectures. First, it starts with a short yawn, which then turns into a lengthier one, which then leads to the drooping of the eyelids. Now, your head starts to drop forward as you fight off the urge to close your eyes for just a minute.

Now there is a way to fight that afternoon fatigue. Researchers at the University of Michigan conducted a study in which doctors in long seminars and lectures were taught a series of relaxation or acupressure techniques. For many, a lunchtime massage was the necessary key to avoiding afternoon sleepiness.

Students were divided into two groups; one group utilizing acupressure relaxation techniques and one using stimulating acupressure massage. Students were not told which group they were in or what techniques they were using.

In the stimulation group, students tapped their heads and massaged acupressure points on their heads, hands, legs and feet. For example, when massaging their hands, they were taught to firmly rub a point in the “V” between the thumb and forefinger of the other hand. The study also used standard statistical analysis techniques to account for other factors, such as caffeine or sleep deprivation that might make a person more alert or sleepy.

Researchers were able to isolate the effect of acupressure and show that it could affect alertness, at least according to the doctors' own reports. The results were then published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

It's the word that strikes fear into the heart of anyone who hears it. You hear the doctor talking, you hear the dreaded “C” word, but you can't believe it's your life being discussed. You come to the realization that it's true: you have cancer. Suddenly your life changes, and you have to tell your family, discuss treatment options and medications. Your life becomes a whirlwind of hospital and doctor visits as you try and keep your head above water. The emotional and physical pain can be overwhelming. The options presented might address one, but not the other, so where do you turn when it feels as though the world is closing in on you?

Many people find that the help available to patients as they fight this disease or recover from its effects isn't enough to deal with the pain and discomfort it causes. Many turn to massage and other forms of alternative therapies as a last resort, only to find it's exactly what they need.

The 2005 Consumer Survey released by the American Massage Therapy Association revealed that the use of massage was tied with medication as the preferred form of pain relief. Twenty-eight percent of those who responded to the survey ranked massage and medication as the form of treatment that brought them the greatest pain relief, with nearly 46 percent of those polled having had a massage at some time to relieve pain. More than half of the respondents in the 18-to-34 age group had a massage for the relief of pain. The survey also showed that 93 percent of respondents agreed with the statement that massage therapy can be effective in reducing pain.

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America are one health care group emphasizing the type of care that combines high-tech surgery and traditional therapies with complementary medicine that focuses on nutrition, spiritual support, mind-body medicine and naturopathic medicine. They utilize an integrated team that combines the strengths of occupational, physical, speech and massage therapists to meet a patient's needs. The types of massage therapy used include Swedish massage, reflexology, lymphedema massage and myofascial release.

Patients now have more options to explore when dealing with the stress and trauma that comes with a fight against the disease. Perhaps now the fight against the dreaded “C” word won't seem like quite so hopeless and daunting a task.

Question: I am 50-years-old and have been diagnosed with left femoral head necrosis in the early stage. Can massage help me? Please guide me.

Answer: Necrosis is the actual break down of cells (cell death). In your particular case it is the head of the femur bone that is affected. There are many causes from injuries, poor circulation and even side effects of some medications.

Massage therapy cannot stop the deterioration that necrosis causes. It can be of great benefit to reduce pain and inflammation that may be present though. Find a massage therapist that has experience working with people suffering with degenerative or arthritic type conditions.

Work closely with your chosen massage therapist so you can design a treatment program that works the best for you.

Note: Information provided in this Q&A section is drawn from the "Ask a Massage Therapist" online forum, in which massage therapists field questions relative to the massage profession. Readers are encouraged to post their questions at www.massagetoday.com/ask/. Answers should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation and do not in any way constitute the practice of massage therapy or any other health care profession. Readers should consult their own health care providers for medical advice.

The staff of MassageToday.com offers its condolences to the victims and survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the relief/recovery effort is encouraged to call 1-800-HELP-NOW (1-800-435-7669) or visit www.redcross.org.

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