Massage- A Simple Pleasure or Contraindicated?

For the past few months, I have been going for a bi-weekly massage. Not only is it relaxing, mind-calming, and euphoric, Wendy's magic hands have helped my sciatic nerve issues and given me better nights' sleep.  Floating somewhere in Never Never Land listening to soothing music and soaking up the aromatherapy, my mind wanders and I have the ability to forget about the struggles of the day and whatever work lies ahead.

Trouble is, there seems to be much controversy over whether massage is an anxiety-reducing, justified cancer treatment, or whether it is contraindicated in every cancer case. The "old school" of thought (which still continues in some circles today), was that once a person has cancer, massage should NEVER be administered to that person again. The thinking behind this opinion is that since massage promotes the flow of blood and lymph throughout the body, it will also speed the flow of cancer cells in these systems. My question is, doesn't exercise do the exact same thing? If you are interested in reading more about this archaic interesting school of thought, the website Knowing When Not to Massage - for Dummies has some junk food for thought.

Conversely, there is up-to-date evidence that indicates massage can be a valuable addition to traditional cancer treatment, decreasing stress, anxiety, depression and even relieving pain and fatigue. In addition, massage increases endorphins in the body, literally making one "feel good".

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, "There is a concern that manipulation in the area of a tumour might increase the risk of cancer cells breaking away and travelling to other parts of the body. Although there is no evidence to suggest that massage therapy can spread cancer, it is sensible for people with cancer to avoid massage near and over tumours and lumps that may be cancerous until this question is clearly answered." For more informative reading on this website, go to Canadian Cancer Society: Massage Therapy 

During their training, massage therapists are taught how to treat cancer patients with kid gloves, and there is even a fairly new branch of study dedicated to oncology massage therapy. (Read more at Massage Today article).

I'm believing that the relaxation and enjoyment I experience during that magic hour every two weeks, far outweigh any thoughts brought on by naysayers that try to tell me massage is anything but excellent.