Firstly, let me point out that the results that were released by the Health Spa Commission in the UK do not claim that spa treatments should in any way replace traditional cancer treatments. Having said that, the results are very interesting and reveal just how important it is to investigate as many forms of cancer treatment as possible.

Over 2500 participants were studied over a 4 year period, with varying types and severities of cancer. The results showed that those who partook in specialized spa days treatments over the course of 6 months were more likely to see an improvement in their condition than those who did not. In fact over 65% of those who had the treatments showed signs of improvement over the six months, compared to only 55% of who did not have treatments.

The type of treatments that the patients had were very important claims Michael Lancer, Study Director. He pointed out that often cancer can be spread through the lymphatic system and so manipulation of areas around lymph glands can be dangerous to cancer sufferers. Additionally, some products used in traditional massage and skin care treatments can react badly with those used in chemotherapy. For these reasons massage was limited to localized areas and doctors were consulted on the ingredients in all skin care and beauty products used.

It is thought that the positive results for the patients were an effect of the relaxation that resulted from having the treatments such as a facial or pedicure etc. Lancer suggests that stress can often make cancer worse as the body natural processes begin to break down over a sustained period of anxiety. The spa treatments offered a rest bite for the both the body and mind, which is thought to have resulted in a better response to the traditional medicines.