Hi
I've recently been asked to provide post bowel cancer reflexology treatments for one of my clients. Everything has been okay'd with the doctor to do this and this is something that can also be provided by the NHS.
Does anyone have any any experience of this kind of situation and have any advice with regards to treatment pressure or areas to avoid etc?
Many thanks
Give us an idea of how you think you might approach this, and we can give you some additional pointers if you need them. What would you offer any other client post-operatively?
He is still going through chemo and he has had surgery
I was thinking of a 'normal' pressure. Not too firm. Perhaps going even more lightley over the intestinal area? Or should I miss out the direct area?
Apart from the actual treatment I will try be as normal and professional as possible...and try not to be emotional.
Have you had any experince of providing reflexology treatment for recooperating cancer patients? Is there anything I need to be aware of? X
I am a student reflexologist so have not had any special experience in that area but I was a nurse once and cared for post op and terminally ill patients so I hope my input helps a little.
I personally would concentrate on the relaxing and soothing aspects of the treatment. Comfort and touch are vital when someone is dealing with a life changing situation ,as well as listening skills. You will have to suss each client out , some may want to talk about the disease, some anything but.
The immune system reflexes, the liver and spleen reflexes and the reflex areas affected by the cancer I feel should be treated as well as the nerve areas that serve that area too. Adjust the pressure according to what the client wants/feels and i do think that you will sense how much pressure is needed.
Do take care of yourself too. I read in hanne Marquardt's Reflexoltherapy book that it is important to protect ourselves from taking on the pains and symptoms of the client.
Thank you Karlin, your comments are very helpful indeed.
x
Hi
I am a newly qualified Complementary therapist & today I worked on a post cancer client for the first time. I had spoken to her physio last week & she encouraged me to treat her.
my client had a full mastectomy 18mths ago, & most recently has had radio& chemo therapy to blitz micro cancer cells in the brain & spine. She is currently cancer free, but has lost the use of her legs as a result. My client was formally a Comps tutor so fully understands the situation.
Today (her first treatment) I placed most emphasis on foot relaxation & passive joint moves. I just did a very short reflexology treatment avoiding her areas's of "dis-ease" the spine/head reflex zones. She was very pleased with the treatment & pleasently surprised with the ammount of pressure she was able to bare, I would say medium pressure was used(however with this depth of pressure I found it difficult to detect any energy blockages). In all the whole treatment was 20mins, it was most agreeable to my client, she dozed off before I left. I am hoping to help increase her awarness of her legs and of course human touch, aiding relaxation and a sense of wellbeing.