Can anyone help please? I am ITEC qualified in Reflexology and have been practicing for about 18 months. I have come across a few illnesses and have worked on someone who had breast cancer, but had reached the 5 year all clear.
However, she kindly gave my name to a dear friend of hers who 'phoned me to book an appointment this week. The woman was reluctant to discuss her illness, but all she would say is that her Doctor recommended she have Reflexology for relaxation. The client who gave her my number told me on the quiet that she had Lung Cancer...now, I have no way of knowing at what stage she is at nor her prognosis and I don't know what to do. I am not supposed to know and can't turn her away.
Can anyone tell me whether I should a) work or avoid the lung/chest area b)work them, but very gently c)avoid other areas d) what associated areas should I work? She is coming on Wednesday, so I need some urgent help. Many many thanks! Helen
Hi helen
Since reflexology is about the homeostasis of body systems, it shouldn't be a contraindication. I would work lightly and work reflexes that you feel is appropriate or instinctive.
The likelihood of making the cancer worse is unlikely. Reflexology will help to boost immunity and induce relaxation. This in turn can help on a mental and emotional level. REflexology isn't a cure of course, but an important of a cancer sufferers overall integrated healthcare - body, mind and spirit.
Forget the rubbish contraindication list on your course, its to protect the student and newly qualified therapist. With experience, you can start to make your own professional judgements, &if the Doctor is happy for your new client to have reflexology, that's a bonus.
Best Wishes
Reflex Pixie
Forgotten to mention if the client is a sensitive type or very ill with the cancer, it is probably better to do little but often than a extensive 1 hour treatment.
Anyone considering working with cancer patients should download the National Guidelines on the Use of Complimentary Therapies in Supportive and Palliative Care (Foundation for Integrated Health).
This gives recommended precautions when treating cancer patients, including working gently with the patient, avoiding areas of tumours, surgery, etc. As this client has been referred by her doctor, I wouldn't hesitate to treat this client.
Just ensure that she knows how the treatment works and what it doesn't do (i.e. replace the advice of a qualified medical professional).
You can only do her good.
reflexology and lung cancer
Thank you so much for your advice, it has been extremely helpful - How wonderful it is to have so much help and knowledge available at our fingertips. Thanks, Helen