Few things are as stressful as the experience of having cancer and going through chemotherapy or radiation. That’s why massage is becoming increasingly popular for cancer patients. Some treatment facilities even have massage therapists come in as volunteers to provide hand and foot massages during treatment. The benefit comes from the fact that massage transforms an anxiety-producing treatment into a relaxing experience. Patients report that massage has helped them by reducing pain and fatigue, lifting their spirits, raising white blood cell counts, enhancing sleep, and dealing with side effects. It brings about the relaxation response, which puts us back into balance, helping us heal.