MASSAGE: A THERAPY FOR DIABETES

As with any population, massage is a beneficial complementary therapy — diabetics, however, can find the results especially helpful.

The use of massage therapy for diabetes has expanded dramatically in recent years. Various studies have shown that patients who suffer from diabetes benefit from massage therapy in conjunction with their regular medical treatments. In diabetes, the blood sugar (glucose) levels are very high due to the imbalance in the secretion or utilization of the hormone insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas for helping the glucose to enter the cells as well as for regulating the blood sugar level in the body. When massage is performed at injection sites,  insulin absorption is enhanced . In addition ,    massage provides a positive effect on blood glucose levels.

Additional benefits of massage for diabetics include:

Circulation — There is no getting around the fact that massage enhances circulation, thereby encouraging the efficient transport of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Improved circulation, in turn, increases the cells’ insulin uptake.

Relaxation — The benefits of relaxation should not be underestimated, especially within the diabetic community. Consider the physical and psychological stresses of living with a  potentially debilitating disease and the need to self-medicate and monitor on a daily basis, as well as the overall  physical burden diabetes puts on the body and its systems. That said, it’s easy to see the therapeutic correlation between massage and diabetes. With the release of endorphins, the nervous system calms, there is a reduction of stress hormones and the diabetic client can find a homeostasis with their blood sugar levels.

Myofascial Effects — In clients with diabetes, you frequently find a thickening of connective tissue caused by increased blood sugars. Massage  helps to increase mobility and tissue elasticity that has been hindered by that thickening effect. Of course, a good exercise program — with an efficient stretching regimen — will also prove beneficial.

Wishing you Peace, Harmony and Balance