Massage is often recommended to cancer patients as a way of dealing with pain, anxiety and depression. In one study of 87 cancer patients, most found a 10-minute foot massage to have an immediate effect on pain, nausea and relaxation. They recommended it as complementary therapy. Another study of breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy foot massage an effective way of reducing anxiety and depression.
[SOURCE: Vijaya Puthusseril, “‘Special Foot Massage’ as a Complementary Therapy in Palliative Care,” Indian Journal of Palliative Care, July-December, 2006]

Massage for Hair Loss?
                                                                                                           

Don’t believe anyone who tells you massage will grow hair on a bald head. Nevertheless, a case can be made for physical activity and body work as preventive measures that promote healthy hair.

Stress, arthritis and tightness of the neck and spine can restrict blood flow to the scalp. Massage, yoga and physical activity, on the other hand, reduce tension, allowing increased blood flow to the head and scalp.
[SOURCE: Tim Batchelder, “The Anthropology of Hair Loss,” Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,” May, 2003]

Massage Helps Relieve Back Pain
                                                                                   

Traditional therapy for low back pain involves medication plus physical therapy. Massage and chiropractic care are often recommended as alternative or complementary treatments. In comparing the two, one recent study found that traditional therapy was more effective, but only slightly so, compared to massage therapy. The authors found that “the decline in pain using massage therapy was significant” and that massage becomes increasingly effective as treatment progresses.
[SOURCE: Bryan Melancon and Lucy H. Miller, “Massage Therapy versus Traditional Therapy for Low Back Pain Relief: Implications for Holistic Nursing Practice,” Holistic Nursing Practice, May-June, 2005]

Medication or Massage for Pain?
                                                                                               

Pain-killing medications have established a good track record for managing pain and 28 percent of respondents to a survey rated them their best source of pain relief. Yet an equal percentage rated massage as their number one pain therapy. Other top-rated sources of pain relief were chiropractic treatment, 16 percent; physical therapy, eight percent; acupuncture, three percent; and biofeedback, one percent.
[SOURCE: Daniel DeNoon, “Need Pain Relief? Massage Gets High Marks,” WebMD Health News, October 26, 2005]