Massage and Aromatherapy
Engaging Your Senses
Massage and aromatherapy can support comfort by engaging your senses—touch through hands-on bodywork and scent through essential oils —to help you feel calmer and relieve tightness.
Feel Better with Oncology Massage
Massage therapy uses therapeutic touch and various gentle strokes to ease muscle tension, promote relaxation, and support emotional well-being. For people in or after breast cancer treatment, massage can be a safe, calming way to manage symptoms—especially when provided by a trained oncology massage therapist.
What is Oncology Massage?
Oncology massage is a specialized form of massage therapy that adapts techniques to safely support people affected by cancer. Therapists are trained to modify pressure, position, and duration based on your current health, treatment history, and preferences.
How Can It Help?
While researchers are still learning exactly how massage helps, many people say it brings temporary relief from symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Anxiety or worry
- Low mood
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea or digestive discomfort
- Tingling, burning, or pain in the hands or feet (neuropathy)
Massage is not a replacement for medical care, but it may offer short-term symptom relief and a greater sense of calm. You can consider oncology massage during or after treatment—with your care team’s approval. Always let your doctor know if you’re experiencing new or worsening symptoms.
What to Expect During an Oncology Massage
Here’s how a typical massage session may unfold:
Before Your Session
Getting Situated
During the Massage
After Your Session
If you’re curious about oncology massage, talk with your care team. They can help you find a licensed therapist trained in cancer-specific techniques—and guide you in choosing what’s safe and beneficial for your body.
Using Aromatherapy for Comfort and Calm
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils—fragrant, plant-based extracts—to support emotional and physical well-being. These oils are typically inhaled, sprayed into the air, or applied to the skin. While not a cure or a substitute for medical treatment, aromatherapy may be a helpful part of your symptom management plan during or after cancer care.
How Can Aromatherapy Help?
Aromatherapy may improve mood, ease stress, and even reduce symptoms like nausea or an upset stomach.
- Some scents can trigger pleasant memories or a sense of calm, even if only for a short time
- It is often used alongside massage, acupuncture, or traditional cancer care
- Common calming oils include lavender, chamomile, and lemongrass
What Are Essential Oils?
- Essential oils come from flowers, herbs, and trees. They are natural, highly concentrated extracts
- Avoid synthetic fragrance oils – they’re not the same and may not offer the same benefits. Plus, they’re more likely to cause skin irritation
Is Aromatherapy Safe?
- Most people tolerate essential oils well, but some may experience headaches, rashes, or irritation of the nose, throat, or skin
- If you have asthma, use caution and speak with a healthcare provider first
- Some oils—especially lavender and certain tree oils—can affect hormone levels so talk with your cancer care team before using them
- Safety testing shows few side effects, but quality matters. Poor-quality or expired oils are more likely to cause issues
- Oils lose effectiveness over time; check expiration dates and proper storage
Working with an Aromatherapist
- Many state nursing boards recognize aromatherapy as part of holistic nursing
- Choose a trained and qualified aromatherapist to ensure safe and effective use
- Aromatherapy sessions vary in length and cost, with an average price of about $50 per hour
If you’re interested in using aromatherapy before, during, or after treatment, talk with your care team first. They can help you safely integrate it into your overall wellness plan.
