For someone who is in hospital or bedridden, massage can help lessen feelings of hopelessness and despair. Relatives or friends can be taught to massage the person who is ill, which will reduce anxiety and bring comfort to both people. Massage can be a form of communication between therapist and patient, as well as relieving pain and muscle tension. As long as you are careful to avoid wounds or scars, vein thromboses and areas of tenderness, and to be particularly gentle if the cancer has spread to the bones, massage for people with cancer is particularly relaxing. The use of oils in massage is important to avoid unnecessary pain and friction.
Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic, highly concentrated essential oils during massage.
Inhalation and scented baths are other ways to get benefit from these oils. They are produced by distilling and concentrating substances found in tiny glands in the petals, leaves, stems, bark and wood of many plants and trees. Different oils have different effects, for example, an aromatherapist may use cedarwood for a pleasant and relaxing effect, or rosemary for an invigorating and refreshing effect. If you are undergoing conventional therapy for cancer, for example chemotherapy , you should check with your doctor before beginning aromatherapy treatment. It is not always necessary to remove a lot of clothing to have massage or aromatherapy.