Reflexology and Medication

[miguel sabah]

I'd like some advice on giving reflexology to someone who is also taking medication for their presenting problem.

I know a reflexologist should never advise regarding taking medication but my question is, what if the reflexology is helping the person with their condition whilst they still continue to take the medication. Wouldn't the levels of medication then end up being too high for them?

Also, would it be possible that reflexology might work to increase the elimination of various substances which may or may not include the medication which may not be good for the client?

Thanks
Sx

 

[The Grappler]

Can you explain a little more about the medication and their presenting condition?

Reflexology can help to balance out the bodily systems, but it cannot replace conventional medicine (although I have known clients needs for medication to go in some cases, simply because the body repaired itself so well during treatment and through their own determination through diet and lifestyle changes.

In short, you will not overmedicate by using reflexology, it will help, but it wont suddenly create huge excesses of nutrients and hormones.

Btw if you're referring to something like diabetes, one thing you can do is to check their blood sugar levels before and after treatment, as their blood sugar levels can temporarily change following treatment. All you need to do is know if they have this condition and if they do, just check for peace of mind, you might find that it answers your questions for you.

 

[pinkybunny9]

Hi
If you are in any doubt about a presenting problem (depending on what it is)then you should always ask if they have asked their doctor if it is OK to have reflexology. This would apply to all Therapies.

 

[Flouride]

This is a question I have pondered on myself in the past and I'm interested to know other peoples opinions so just let me play devil's advocate a minute.

I think the point of Sarah's question here is, 'if Reflexology helps the body heal itself then how do we knowif the client no longer needs the medication, or needs a different dose.If the Reflexology is helping with their condition then why would they need to continue with the same dose of medication?

If the clients responds well to the therapy should we recommend they review their medication with their doctor? Will they need to take less of a dose or stop altogether? Will the doctor give a monkeys what we say?

I realise this is not for us as therapists to decide but what's the point of taking medication that youno longer need. How will we know? How can we advise?

How will we know if it's the medication that's helping, or the Reflexology unless either one isstopped or reduced.I suppose you might say, 'if the client improves what does it matter? You could also say'but if treatments can't help some of our clientsreduce the amountof drugs they take then what's the point?

 

[The Haterator]

Susan - perfectly put! That's exactly what I meant.

To give some more detail, my client has had high cholesterol count for some years and is now taking a statin to help lower the level. If I work on her liver reflex and thyroid reflexes, I could possibly be helping her body to lower its bad cholesterol level, in which case the dosage of statin may be too much. I've pointed out to her that she should let her doctor know she is having reflexology but I guess I can only leave it to her to do so and for her doctor to decide on the levels of statin she takes. I was just a bit worried if she mind end up taking too much statin than her body might require (and this may have a negative effect)

Sx

 

[HappyDayz]

Hi everyone, good debate. My hope would be that someone who is on medication long term would be monitored regularly by their doctor to make sure the dosage is correct. I know people with thyroid imbalances and diabetes and this is certainly the case with them.

 

[FeAtHeRs+me=love!]

There are so many different senarios on this one but with the cholesterol you would hope, as At One says that the levels will be closely monitored by their doctor and that they would reduce the dose accordingly. If only it were an ideal world!

However they may not do anything as they could assume that it's the medication doing the job so leave them on a dose that will hold them steady. Depends on the doctor I suppose.

Someone I know was on beta blockers for years and years and it was never reviewed. They then found out that the tablets shouldn't be taken by them because of a lung condition they had. Then turns out they didn't need the blockers anyways!

Sara7 - I think that even if they were taking too much statins at least you will be stimulating the liver, lymphatics and excretory systems to help the body matabolise and get rid of the un-needed drugs.

I guess the upshot of this is that we as therapists need to work more closely with the health care professionals who take care of our clients. Although more doctors nowadays or more open to complimentary therapies I don't think many would want us suggesting that they review the patients medication more often. [&:]