contra-indications

I would also add, that reflexology can also be used very successfully for cancer patients to help relax and calm them, give pain relief and reduce the side effects of their medication. I did my training in the Cancer Self Help Centre in Wales, which would not have been the case had it been contrainidicated. The nursing sister carried out research on the patients receiving the reflexology treatment and the therapist, and in both cases their blood pressure reduced to a calmer level. I have also treated a patient with severe arthritis which affected one of her ankles causing excessive swelling, resulting in the foot being turned inward. Over a period of 15 - 18 months, with weekly treatments, being gentle so as not to cause pain, the foot gradually returned to it's correct position and the client was able to walk without pain on the foot. As stated, it is essential to take a full case history and to discuss the treatment with the client. It is not advised in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, but can be highly effective in easing discomfort and speeding a difficult birth, if undertaken thereafter. We have to be clear why the condition is contraindicated. A true inderstanding of how reflexology works and any necessary care taken will ensure we provide good quality, healing treatments. Gill Bright, CThA

Hi ladies, I have been reading your postings about the contra-indications. I feel that most contras are given as a guidline to therapists. Each client is individual, with individual circumstances, and should be treated on an individual basis. As contras are generic, they don't always allow for this. The issues surrounding pregnancy/reflexology is quite confusing. Most say not to treat in the first trimester, but then you have Reflexologists that specialise in Maternity Reflexology, and you can attend courses to obtain this specialized knowledge. So not sure who's right! For other contras, such as diabetes, gout & arthritis in the feet, Hand Reflexology is used as an alternative. Hand Reflexology can also be useful for heart conditions, as the hands do not have a Heart Reflex. I also feel that with illness like MS, reflexology is useful for treating the symptoms, giving clients relief. As I believe in intergrated medicine, and from my experience, therapists and GP's are usually happy to consult and work together, to give the best possible healthcare to clients/patients. So consent is usually fairly easy to obtain, as long as the GP is informed of the pro and cons, of a particular therapy. However I know that this is not always the case, but it should be remembered that most therapies are complementary, and works exceptionally well along side conventional medicine in treating clients/patients. All good therapists will assess the clients 'contra' situation, and take advice on how, or not to proceed. I think as a basic rule of thumb, with most experienced therapists is, if it doesn't feel right to treat any client, with or without contras, then don't treat them.