While undergoing cancer treatment, it can be very beneficial to learn some massage techniques to be used in times of stress and uncertainty. It is also a great way to occupy time while waiting to see a doctor or have treatment and can benefit both adults and children.
Remember that your skin is delicate and sensitive while undergoing treatment, so treat it gently. Focus your thoughts on yourself, you deserve some special “me time” every now and again.
Massage techniques:
Against stress lines and folds on your forehead
Cross your right hand over your forehead, placing your index and middle finger on your left temple. Do the opposite with your left hand. Move the fingers across your forehead by applying slight pressure. Repeat.
Relieves pressure to alleviate headaches
Place your index and middle finger of each hand on to your temples. The right hand on the right temple and the left hand on the left temple. Do small circular movements whilst applying slight pressure. Repeat.
Relieves pressure on the head and relaxes the eye area
Place the tips of the middle fingers next to the bridge of the nose. Apply slight pressure, then release and move fingers over eyebrows around the eye and along the orbital bone. Make your way back to the starting position. Stop and apply slight pressure again. Repeat.
Relieves tension in neck and shoulder area
Place the index, middle and ring finger of each hand behind the ear. Apply pressure moving downwards towards your neck. When you have reached the bottom of the neck, apply pressure to the inner shoulder area to the count of five. Repeat starting behind the ear again.
Relieves pressure around the nose area
Press your index and middle fingers of each hand against the bridge of the nose. Glide down the nose over the cheekbone to the temples. Lift the fingers and repeat.
Ensures relaxation during stressful times
Place your thumbs on the temples. All other fingers get placed on the forehead touching each other. Apply slight pressure and move fingers over the entire head to the back of the neck, whilst the thumbs remain on the temples. Release fingers and start at forehead again.