For everyone doing IHM just after some advice. On my course I was advised if a client has low or high blood pressure as long as its not abnormally high/low then IHM is ok but to advise clients to get up slowly from chair.
Recently reading a couple of books on IHM one book says advice of GP should be sought if high BP abnormally high/low but the other book says clients with hbp should have medical referal prior to massage even if they are taking prescribed medication.
OK should I get a client contact me that has high/low BP would you get a referal letter done to their GP or would you treat them (so far the clients I have had for IHM haven't had any health problems)
Thanks
Hi AP
Unless a client has abnormally very high or very low BP, I would treat them without asking a medic. Most people with very high BP are on medication to bring it down. One matter of concern is that with medication to bring the BP down, the massage might reduce it further, so creating a situation of hypotension instead of hypertension. The problem is that people are individuals and will respond to treatments in different ways.
Most GPs don't give written permission (there is always a GP out there that will, but it's uncommon) for complementary therapies, as we are not recognised by the state.
I'm on holiday tomorrow, so can't get involved too deeply with this one. I sure other Hp members will come up with different advice.
One thing I will add that the basic underlying principle behind complementary therapies is that it helps to induce a state of balance - homeostasis. Easier said than done, nevertheless treating someone according to their needs should help the situation rather than make things worse (taking into account an initial healing crisis, if it occurs).
Best wishes
RP
RP many thanks indeed for your advice.
Have a great holiday...whereever you are off too. I am away myself next week and back in the New Year
AP x