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Men's Health and Holistic Care
Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 12:46 PM
This blog was originally published on November 17, 2016. It has been revised to include new information and links.
Movember is back again, an annual event intended to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. In November, men grow their moustaches (or "mo's") to raise money for men's health charity groups.
Let's look at some of the most common health issues Canadian men face today and how holistic health care can help.
Common Health Issues Faced by Men
Prostate Cancer
The prostate, a gland below the bladder and above the pelvic floor muscles, produces a liquid that protects and nourishes sperm production.
When affected by cancer, prostate cells reproduce at a faster rate, which can eventually lead to tumour growth.
If prostate cancer goes undiagnosed and untreated, it can grow and spread to different areas of the body, including the lymph nodes and bones. It is the most common cancer in men over 45 years old.
Testicular Cancer
At its onset, testicular cancer causes irregular growth in the testicles, which are vital to the creation of hormones and sperm.
Though testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35, the chance of recovery is high.
This type of cancer has a 95% treatment success rate, but some men may need long-term treatment to manage the side effects, and in some cases, their quality of life may be severely compromised.
Depression and Suicide
In Canada, three out of every four suicides are by men. According to the Canadian Men's Health Foundation, approximately one million men suffer from major depression in Canada each year. If left unaddressed, it can lead to devastating outcomes.
Holistic Health Care Can Help
Several studies have proven that massage therapy, yoga, and other holistic health practices are effective for easing depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia (as well as symptoms of other mental health issues).
Holistic health treatments have also been found to be helpful in treating the symptoms or side effects of prostate and testicular cancer while patients are undergoing treatment.
Yoga
Yoga has numerous health benefits, including maintaining a healthy nervous system, boosting the immune system, relieving pain, and increasing levels of serotonin — the "happy" chemical that regulates mood.
Different types of yoga exist, but it generally involves stretching, breathing, and meditation (in some cases). Participants are taught yoga poses, how to connect them, and how to incorporate breathing into the poses.
Symptom Management in Cancer Patients
Yoga has been found to improve the quality of life for men undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Yoga can address fatigue symptoms and stabilize symptoms of erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence by strengthening the pelvic muscles and elevating blood flow.
Symptom Management in Patients with Depression
Regular exercise is beneficial for mental health as it can relieve depression and anxiety. A 2023 study found that yoga in particular can improve symptoms and anxiety in patients with major depressive disorder.
In addition to its physical and mental benefits, yoga can provide a sense of community and connection. It is a great way to meet others and build a support system. Don't hesitate to try something new!
Craniosacral Therapy
Practitioners of craniosacral therapy use light touch to manipulate the spine, skull, cranial sutures, and fascia to detect disturbances or blockages in the cerebrospinal fluid that can prevent the nervous system from functioning optimally.
Try craniosacral therapy if you are looking for a gentle, non-invasive practice that has a number of health benefits.
Pain Relief in Cancer Patients
Craniosacral therapy can provide relief from headaches, neck pain, and side effects of cancer treatment. People with advanced tumours or who have just had surgery may find that massage therapy is too intense; craniosacral therapy is a less physical but still effective alternative.
Stress and Fatigue Reduction
Poor sleep can lead to negative symptoms, such as stress, fatigue, and headache. Craniosacral therapy can help improve sleep and resolve insomnia, which can, in turn, resolve other problems in the body.
Massage Therapy and Acupressure
Massage therapy can help address men's health issues, either when used alone or alongside complementary techniques and treatments. It is a well-known and accessible treatment, with over 6,000 NHPC massage therapists across Canada.
Massage Therapy is a therapeutic intervention that involves rubbing and kneading muscles as well as treating and preventing physical dysfunction and pain in soft tissue and joints.
While it is commonly recognized for its relaxation benefits, massage therapy can also help more complex symptoms of cancer.
Pain Relief in Cancer Patients
A 2023 study found that massage therapy can be effectively used as a complementary therapy to relieve pain in cancer patients, especially those within the period from surgical consultation to recovery (the perioperative period).
Other studies have shown that acupressure may be an effective treatment for symptoms of nausea among prostate and testicular cancer patients after chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Acupressure involves stimulating specific acupoints in the body to improve imbalances and promote energy flow.
A 2023 study found that aromatherapy can effectively reduce symptoms of depression. Ask your massage therapist if they are trained to work with essential oils!
Promote Holistic Health this Movember
You don't need to grow a moustache to support Movember and men's health! There are several ways to get involved and spread the word.
Share the benefits of holistic health for Movember with your family and friends this month, and use the NHPC Member Directory to find a holistic health practitioner near you.
If you or someone you know needs help, please visit the following resources: