Human touch has the power to impact both our physical health and mental wellbeing. For those living with or recovering from cancer, this touch and mental support is more important than ever. In order to open your spa to those facing cancer, we outline why touch treatments are vital for mental wellness.
Touch releases chemicals for mental wellbeing
One key benefit of human touch is that it helps the body release a chemical called oxytocin. This hormone acts as a neurotransmitter to the brain to make us feel content, and is often linked to social bonding, affection and love. Oxytocin is also connected with serotonin and dopamine, which are the hormones that make us happy. Therefore, touch therapy is a powerful way to boost a client’s mental wellbeing, particularly for those living with cancer.
Touch reduces anxiety and stress
Neuroscientist and clinical psychologist Jim Coan, alongside psychology professor Richard Davidson, conducted an experiment to measure stress. In their studies, participants lay in an fMRI brain scanner and measured levels of anxiety and stress when expecting a blast of white noise. However, when a loved one or romantic partner stroked each participant’s arm, they no longer elicited stress at all. Touch has the power to soothe anxiety and stress, meaning that spa touch therapy, especially in treatments such as shiatsu, can act as an important part of mental recovery following cancer treatment.
Touch treatments boost the immune system
A study by Dr. Tiffany Field, the head of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, revealed that those diagnosed with breast cancer had an increase in ‘killer cells’. These cells stand at the front of our immune systems, helping combat bacteria and other viral cells. Dr. Field revealed that touch, from massages, increased natural ‘killer cells’ further in their subjects. This was believed to be as a result of reducing cortisol – the body’s stress hormone, which destroys natural ‘killer cells’. Therefore, providing touch treatments reduce stress, boost mental wellbeing and give those recovering from cancer a natural boost to their immune system. This can be combined with other methods to help increase mental wellness in the long-term.
Soothes irritated skin and boost mental wellbeing
Cancer treatments may leave inflamed skin for those recovering, leading to many seeking a soothing touch treatment from spas. Rather than turning away clients from safety concerns, staff can offer organic skincare treatments to clients diagnosed with cancer to help soothe irritated skin. Made for Life Organics can help provide the knowledge and skills needed to carry out these treatments safely with their qualification in Cancer Touch Therapy™. This will mean staff can be trained to warmly welcome clients with cancer into the spa for touch treatments, boosting their mental wellbeing.
Throughout 2022, any spa that uses or is looking to purchase Premier’s flagship business management solution, Core by Premier Software®, will receive an exclusive 25% discount off Made for Life’s Cancer Touch Therapy™ qualification. Accredited by the Complementary Medical Association (CMA) and approved by the Standard Authority for Touch in Cancer Care, BABTAC and CIBTAC, the course arms therapists with the knowledge needed to cater to clients diagnosed with cancer, while making it easier to acquire the applicable insurance.
To find out more about Premier Software’s partnership with Made for Life, and to claim your discount, click the button below.