Patti Corscaden, LMT, a nationally board certified massage therapist from Newcastle presented at the Southern Maine Oncology Nursing Society's (SMONS) 6th annual conference in Portland on October 10.

Patti's talk was geared towards this nursing community as she discussed what makes massage safe and effective for their patients with cancer. The nurses learned about the education standards when a massage therapist studies oncology massage and hospital based massage therapy and how those standards create safe and effective massage protocols. Patti discussed that evidence based research for the benefit of oncology massage is just getting recognized and published. It is acknowledged that massage therapy does reduce pain, nauseousness and anxiety, while improving sleep and enhancing a sense of well-being.

Patti also talked about the effects of stress. Massage therapy can be beneficial in stress reduction by reducing cortisol, a stress hormone, while increasing oxytocin, a feel good hormone. The nurses then had the opportunity to receive a five minute neck and should massage.

For more information, please call 207-563-3056 or go to her website www.bodyofwaters.com