Diabetes and Massage Therapy

The main symptom of this disease is high blood sugar. Other symptoms might include frequent urination, excessive thirst and fatigue.

How can massage help?

According to several research studies, and as reported in the October 2001 issue of Diabetes Spectrum, massage therapy may affect insulin absorption, blood glucose levels, and diabetic neuropathy in a positive way.

As more positive research is reported as to the benefits of massage for diabetics, these are important benefits for everyone who receives massage...but especially for diabetics:

• Improved Circulation

  Because diabetic massage increases the circulation of blood and lymph, it promotes better transport of oxygen and nutrients through the body and organs, in turn, improving the insulin distribution within cells.

• Relaxation

  Benefits of relaxation massage for diabetic patients includes a physical, emotional and psychological release of different types of stresses associated with living a diabetics life.

  Diabetics must monitor blood glucose levels daily, as well as the manage the stresses that it puts on the body. With that, it's easy to understand how massage therapy can help patients.

• Endorphins

  Massage releases endorphins, helping to calm the nervous system, and promote the reduction of stress hormones (oxytocin), thereby encouraging the stabilization blood sugar levels.

• Muscles and Fascia

  High blood sugar levels can sometimes cause thickening of the connective tissue or fascia, which can affect movement and range of motion. Massage increases blood circulation and allows positive chemical changes to occur which decrease stiffness and encourage flexibility.

How much does it cost?
Sessions for diabetic massage treatment can last 30-90 minutes and cost $30-$150.

Always see your physician on a regular basis to monitor your high blood sugar and also to make sure that massage therapy is safe for you.

Western medicine is usually focused on medical treatment of disease and illness, whereas energy treatments focus on the holistic mind, body, and spirit connections.

Energy healing therapies, like Therapeutic Touch (TT), Reiki, massage, and acupressure, have certainly been studied more closely over the last 10 years as alternative treatment options for varies illnesses. But, can they really help restore normal blood glucose levels?

Diabetic Well-Being is a website devoted to providing informational resources on exercise, diet and alternative remedies for high blood sugar management. It also provides diabetic product reviews and healthy eating recipes.

As with any alternative treatment options, always discuss them with your primary care physician.