Reflexology and Epilepsy

[pamphlet]

Is Epilepsy totally contra-indicated for Reflexology does anyone know? A fellow colleague has been approached by someone wanting a treatment who has not had a fit for the last 15 years. Can she treat and if so, are there any areas to avoid?

yasmin x

 

[Mr. Tambourine Man]

How weird!!

I've got exactly the same situation. My patient is currently having gentle IHM but I think refelxology would be really beneficial -however she was told some time ago not to have reflexology as the toxin flush would remove her drugs from her system too fast. I'm sure this would not be the case though.

Any thoughts?

Tam

 

[Ade494]

I was always taught that if epilepsy is under control and their has been no seizures for some time, then it is safe to treat.

Lesley

 

[sbinlb]

Hi All,

One of the students on our reflexology course is an epileptic, but has not fitted for 9 yrs.

She has reflexology, but won't come off her medication as she would have her driving license taken off her if she did have a seizure.

I'm not sure I would personally want the responsibility of suggesting an epileptic come off their medication even if they were sure reflexology was working for them, especially if they drive.

Just my 2p worth.

 

[Farlsonkeri]

Hi Topcat

I have in no way suggested that they come off their medication...that would be very foolish. I am just asking is it responsible for an epileptic who has not had a fit for over 15years to have a reflexology treatment.

yasmin

 

[Jazzy J]

Hi
I think the only concern here would be whether you could handle them if they went into a fit and know what to do if yes then no problem. The chances of it are slim but you do have to be able to deal with it.
I would treat as normal possibly a more gentle treatment the first time.
Hugs
T
x

 

[Mona Lisa]

Hi Folks

Just a note re medication, you are right TC, A reflexology practitioner must never suggest anyone alters any prescribed medication, this is going beyond their expertise and against the code of ethics, clients can be advised to have their medication reviewed by their GP's especially in things like diabetes, after checking their various levels.

Hi Yasmin ( I love Shropshire, went to Blyst Hill and Ironbridge)

I understand that In epilepsy it is ok to treat if they are stable, It can be very beneficial. but you have to be very careful with the brain reflex, noting any after effects particulalrly headaches or dizziness. Dwight Byers recommends all the toes, cervicals, neck, all glands and diaphragm. Its probably best to start with a short session to gauge response and build up gradually, as in M.E.

Also thats a really good point re knowing what to do if they have a seizure.

Hope your friend is successful and would be very interested to hear progress.

Iceni

 

[errant Terran ranter]

Hi Iceni
Thanks for your reply, I find it very assuring. As I said earlier I never suggested, or even mentioned, that anyone should come off their medication.

I have a whole range of Reflexology books but obviously conflicting information. As a newbie I would probably not risk treating anyone with epilepsy but my friend is rather more experienced than me.

I'm glad you liked Shropshire........I live about 20 miles from there not far from the Cheshire border. I have to say though that I think south Shropshire i.e. Church Streeton, Clun, Bishops Castle etc is a far prettier area. The Cardingmill Valley is absolutely gorgeous. It is a very green and lush county. I prefer France though

yasmin x

 

[Tracy T]

Hello Yasmin

I was expecting epilepsy to be in the list of contra-indications we were taught on our reflexology course, but it wasn't. I think it's key that we know how to assist a client who does have a fit while with us. There are some good points here which I'm going to take on board. Thanks for raising this - so much to learn!

 

[Nicola]

Hi All

I'm with Iceni on this - I was never taught that epilepsy was a CI, and I'd go along with anything Dwight Byers recommends.

Health & happiness

Waywood

ps I think Shropshire is a nice place too, but give me the lake district any day!

 

[rteqwutwivfimtekz]

Hi all

Thank you all for the information, I have found it very interesting. It is very useful to know all this and will certainly pass the information on to my friend. I am sure she will feel confident now about doing the treatment.

As you all like Shropshire so much we should have an HP get together here. I do a good bed and breakfast

love
yasmin x

 

[dceweuariquiulehz]

I myself have to deal with seizures i am currently going to school to become a massage theripist and have just finished a course in reflexology . i have had seizures from the age of 10 and i am 31 and you name the seizure i have had it but i have not had a seizure since i started school in march i feel that it is helping i am still on my meds but i have learned that as long as the seizures are under controll any of the treatments are fine .and believe me i know that everyone is different for example drs. say that you should stay away from caffine but for me i have to have the caffine it helps me keep my seizures under controll

 

[J I H]

I was taught that, epilepsy was a precaution , Could you perhaps ask they bring someone along with them in case they have a fit?
I have worked with someone who used to have regular fits and its quite scary if you have never experienced it before,so having someone accompany them who is used to dealing with it might be a good idea.

 

[Julie B]

Hi,
I was researching seizures and Reflexology when I found healthypages forums and this thread in particular. I am a certified Reflexologist since 2007 with studies from 2005.
I have a client that requests sessions about every 6-8 months. I suggest they have more frequent sessions, but economics does not permit.
He suffers from a type of seizure that presents him with aura's and no real body reaction. He is cautious about the aura's because only once did he ever go into a full body involved seizure which in the long run put him on a track of a healthy lifestyle. He had been aura-free for at least 11 months. The last time we worked he had a small aura and now we hoped we could try again, but after working on him I found a sensitive solar plexus, tight adrenals, and sensitive brain reflexes. They called this afternoon to say he had experienced at least 6 auras since I left their home yesterday.
I have experience with partial complex seizures as my ex suffered and still does from them I cared for him for nearly 9 years but his seizures were passive in that he would 'nap' and not thrash. There was no waking him during these episodes, his blood pressure would drop and his body temperature would fall. This time in my life was pre-reflexology so I couldn't help him.
Obviously I am concerned for my client and am concerned if we should continue.
Any input is appreciated, and I have already been helped by reading this thread.
Thanx gang and I am thrilled to find a place to talk shop.
Lorraine aka 'foot whisperer'