Hi
I am training and am gettingreally confused aboutwhich contraindications would mean that you would have to refusea treatment.
I can understand that there are conditions that you could work around and modify the treatment, where you could treat but would exercise caution andwhere you would need GP approval, but I am finding so many contradictionswith this and also contradictions with not treating someone at all.
I would feelmore confidentif I had it in my mind when itwould definitelynot be advisable to use reflexology on someone, with no grey areas.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Sandra
x
RE: Definite no-no's to a reflexology treatment
I recommend that you look at the Renne Tanner book which has a section on contrindications which might help.
RE: Definite no-no's to a reflexology treatment
Hello Sandra
As you are training I suggest you address this question to your tutors and make them be really clear. That way, if the question comes up in your exam you'll know what is considered acceptable and not acceptable by the examining body. As you've probably realised, most folk on here have varying ideas on whatis and isn't a contraindication, as we learn different things in our training. You need to know what your examining body thinks, since you have to tell them what they want to hear :). Good luck!
RE: Definite no-no's to a reflexology treatment
Hi Sandra
There's a lot to take in at this stage of the training but don't let it stress you out!
I find that the Chris Stormer book (which I'm not sure is in print but I got a copy on ebay) is very good for explaining about contraindications. Everyone has their own thoughts on when it is advisable to treat when the client is living with a certain condition and unfortunately, as with life, it's never black and white -there will always be grey areas.
My general thought on this (and I would always look at each case specifically) is that there is a form of reflexology that can be ok to use on anyone as long as the treatment is tailor made for that person's condition (using cross reflexes/hand reflex/v.light treatments/avoiding certain areas). Of course you must take into account presenting symptoms and history, medication and so on when devising the treatment but exercising caution and focussing away from certain areas can often be all you need to do. For example, I was taught that giving reflexology in the first three months of pregnancy is not advisable.....well it's not if you're going to prod the uterus...! But having worked with clients that have become pregnant,and having fully explained contraindications to them before I continue treatments, I alsobelieve thatrefusing reflexology to a pregnant client would cause her more stress and anxiety because she is used to weeky treatments - so to stop treatments for 3 months whenherhormones are allover the placeisn't in my mind a very holistic treatment!
As you develop your skills you'll also get more intuitive about how and when to treat, don't worry if it's a bit confusing at the moment.
I will check on the name of the Chris Stormer book and come back to you.
You should be getting support for the Association of Reflexologists if you're doing an AOR accredited course, because you can join as a student member. They have a website too...
Enjoy your course, it's the best thing I ever did!
Alx x
PS Siobhan is quite right too - the examiners are going to want to hear textbook answers....but that doesn't mean you have to give textbook treatments - it's like driving - you only really start to learn to drive once you've passed your test!
RE: Definite no-no's to a reflexology treatment
It's hard to ascertain which are complete contraindications, as the list varies greatly from the AOR and ITEC to the VTCT. Which course are you currently on? If it's the AOR there's an annexe they can provide you with outlining all the contraindications and actions you should take.. whether to treat or not or whether to proceed with caution. If you are on this course and are able to obtain this listing it will tell you exactly what you need.