Researching the Benefits of Massage for Breast Cancer Patients

New York College for Wholistic Health Spearheads Project

Dr. Prabhat Pokhrel, MD, MS, PhD, director of research at New York College for Holistic Health Education and Research in Syosett, New York, is lead researcher on a project investigating "Complementary Therapy for Stage II Breast Cancer." The project will evaluate the effectiveness of "Amma therapeutic massage or magnet therapy in the improvement of fatigue and quality of life of breast cancer patients."

Amma massage combines deep tissue manipulation with the application of pressure, friction and touch to specific points on the body. The techniques of amma aim to remove blockages and free the flow of energy.

The primary sponsor of the project is Rick Shalvoy, whose personal "Row for a Cure" began three years ago after losing a friend to breast cancer. Rowing around Long Island in a 19-foot lifeguard boat, Rick has become a major fundraiser for breast cancer research. The funds raised each year from "Row for a Cure" go toward breast cancer research on Long Island, New York. This year, the funds will support Dr. Pokhrel's pilot research study.

The study has also received funding support via a $20,000 research grant from the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Foundation.

A multidisciplinary coalition of health care professionals join Dr. Pokhrel on this project, including amma massage therapists Faye Schenkman, Kim Rosado, Ginnette Groome and Jerelyn Kirby. Also participating are regional oncologists Dr. Dwight DeRisi and Dr. Frank Tomao, and Drs. Barbara Piper and James Lynch from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Magnetic therapy will be rendered in collaboration with Bruce Spiegler, president and CEO of Therion Research Inc.

 

Source: Massage Today
February, 2002, Volume 02, Issue 02

 

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