Are some clients more sensitive than others?

[am k]

Hi everyone,

I've just started my ITEC reflexology course and last night I practiced some of the routine on my Mum and then on my Dad. My Mum has regular reflexology anyway is very used to where her 'problem' areas are and was very sensitive to the treatment. But my Dad, who has never experienced reflexology before, told me that it felt as though I was just stroking his feet. I feel I used the same pressure on each of them but wondered if this might be because my Dad's feet aren't as sensitive because he's never had regular treatment?

Also, would the fact that he's not in touch with his feelings (and quite often says he doesn't feel anything about anything?! [sm=confused-smiley-012.gif]) have anything to do with it? Could he be subconsciously blocking any feelings experienced during treatment?

Trudy x [sm=nature-smiley-008.gif]

 

[John Jackson]

clients dont have to feel anything during a treatment. you are have an effect, whatever. of course, its always nice if they get profound feelings or sensitivity, it not only affirms what you are doing but "proves" to them that the treatments is doing something.

the important thing is how your dad feels after a few treatments. get him to really think about it over the next few weeks... sleeping better, more energy, better digestion... all that stuff.

he may prefer a firmer pressure and as a therapist you have to learn to adapt, but always within your own limitations as you dont want to pick up injuries.

 

[chrissy]

What Rosie says is true, but I know that the whole time I was learning reflexology, I didn't really feel anything, although enjoyed the relaxation part of of. It was only on one day, right at the end of my course, that a student from another course came and gave me and extremely hard and painful treatment. It wasn't pleasant, but I definitely felt stuff then and have done ever since, during treatments with varying pressures.

It was almost as if something had been woken up in me. Of course, I'm not saying that you have to give your dad a hard, painful treatment. I also find that clients vary from treatment to treatment, sometimes feeling things and sometimes not.

It is, of course, no reflection on you as a reflexologist.

Lesley

 

[azn dude]

I believe it may take a few treatments for doors to open. There could be a lot of unblocking to do before the stagnant energy can begin to disperse. Im not a reflexologist but am aware of pressure points, meridian lines etc and how deep seated ailments on deeps seated people can take a while to take affect. Your Dad may perhaps not like to admit anything is going on, even if it is, and that is fine. Somewhere along the line it may be possible that your Dad doesnt have too much to remove oe detox as such! You will be the better seer of that though. I would be very interested to see if any kind of results after four treatments.
Love Eve

 

[Jesse B]

Hello Trudy

I agree with what's been said here. I also do think though, that some people just have more sensitive feet than others (I'm one of them) and it takes a bit of experience to distinguish between what is imbalance and what is just pain felt because of pressure. I mean if you think about it, if you press hard enough anywhere on the foot it's going to hurt at some stage, that's not to say you have an imbalance there.

Some people have very boney feet and some have lots of 'padding' if you like, so it's going to take more pressure to hit those reflexes, whereas the 'boney' ones don't take much at all.

I do find though that some people who you would think might be very sensitive hardly flinch. I have one lady who, by judging her personality and demeanour and just generally by the type of person she is, you would think she'd be really sensitive to pain but you could go at her feet with a jack hammer and she wouldn't flinch!! Mind you she's too busy talking to notice anything much!!

 

[Crayola Love <3]

I agree with everything written above, some will prefer more pressure, others less, some are hypersensitive. Each reflexologist will offer a different touch to another.. they will still hit the reflex points and work them appropriately. Bear in mind as well, some people who have conditions such as diabetes may have loss of sensitivity in their feet so they may also feel less, this doesn't mean you should really hammer them, on the contrary, be perceptive to an appropriate and often a lighter pressure for these clients as in such instances they may not realise you are using a lot of pressure.

The most important thing to remember is that he will still gain benefits from treatments. Remember as well to include your initial thoughts in your writeups for your case studies and perhaps a printout of this thread - the tutor will be pleased you're doing all your research!!