Review Shows Effectiveness of Massage for Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Cancer
A team of researchers performed a systematic review to comprehensively evaluate the reliability of massage therapy for cancer patients with anxiety and depression. In their rationale for conducting the review, the authors write that “Anxiety and depression complications of cancer are prevalent but often overlooked mental illnesses. Studies have demonstrated that massage therapy is useful in relieving anxiety and depression of cancer survivors. However, the mechanism is still unclear, and no systematic review has provided sufficient evidence for the treatment.”
The researchers systematically evaluated literature from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, Wanfang, Chongqing VIP, CNKI, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database from the onset of the databases until June 1, 2020. Only randomized controlled trials on massage for cancer survivors with anxiety and depression, regardless of language and publication status, were included.
The study concludes that, despite the lack of a clear clinical mechanism of action, “Massage therapy can be effective in easing mood and reducing cancer-related symptoms, including depression, anxiety pain, fatigue, and so on.” Read the full study at https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000022262.
Universal Companies Announces First Complete Line of Safety and Sanitation Essentials Curated for Spas and Salons
Universal Companies, a spa and wellness company, is introducing Safety and Sanitation Essentials, the first complete line of products and services specially curated for spas and salons. The Universal Companies lineup includes a full range of products and services designed for sanitation and disinfection, including eco-friendly sanitation options, protection for clients and staff, barrier and sanitation stations, and access to free resources and education.
Universal’s Director of Product Development Anna Bralley, who is also a licensed esthetician and a nail technician, heads the launch and explains, “We’re taking standard sanitation options to a more advanced level with innovative solutions like a sanitation portal and an electrostatic mister. For example, the mister empowers a single employee to rapidly disinfect large spaces for less than one cent per square foot. Additionally, we provide customers with free education and tools to communicate the sanitation precautions they’ve taken, giving their clients peace of mind.”
More information and a complete line of product offerings, along with details on Universal’s free resources and education, can be found at universalcompanies.com/spasafetyessentials.