Very dry skin?

[HighHelper]

I have a quick question, one of the ladies that I am using for my case studies has developed really dry and flaky skin on her feet since I have been treating her (5 weeks). She skin brushes every day and does not moisturise as she doesn’t want to block her pores, she has never had problems with dry skin anywhere before! Have anyone come across this before as a result of Reflexology or have any idea why this might be happening?

 

[Tiplialuago]

i am not reflexologist spooney but couldit be due to the harsh weather we are having, is she using socks/boots, or not, when she should be?

 

[sunnyD]

I'm not a reflexogist either, but have noticed that clients for massage can develop flaky/dry skin in areas that aren't often touched (especially feet) once treatment starts because you are stimulating desquamation in those areas.


If moisturisation is not liked by the client perhaps persuade her to use some jojoba oil as I have found this excellent for areas of dry/flaky skin and it doesn't block pores like a chemical moisturiser.

 

[Ron Lat]

Is your client drinking enough water; I am sure she probably is. Central heating plays havoc also with dry skin in winter. I usually recommend using a cocoa butter foot balm for very dry skin on feet.

Binah
x

 

[Nurse Beth]

I am not a reflexologist so can't comment on the effects of that.
But I would advise not to skin brush every day...she is wiping away her own natural oils leaving the skin very dry....do it maybe twice a week.

 

[priv828]

Hi Spooney
Dry skin, we were taught, is shortage of essential fatty acids (omega oils 3 and 6). Our bodues can't make them - hence essential - so we have to eat foods that have them in - avocados, nuts, seeds (ground so they can be digested and absorbed, good added to cereals, soups and smoothies), oily fish such as mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines; evening primrose oil, starflower oil, hemp oil, flaxseed oil are also useful sources.

Saturated fats from animal sources and hydrogenated fats in so many margarines and processed and baked foods block their functioning - so should be avoided or reduced.

Intake of these essential oils need to be taken with a balanced diet of which half is fruit and vegetables in variety - mostly fresh - wholegrain carbohydrates and limited animal proteins until the problem is resolved - and hopefully for long after when the client realises how much better they feel! The difference won't happen overnight, but a few months down the line she should be much better!

Consuming essential oils will not cause spots or clogged pores and by limiting intake from other sources will improve skin texture considerably all over her body and better functioning of all parts. Essential oils are needed in the membrane which surrounds every single one one of the cells that make up our bodies and are even more vital in the brain.

Sorry - one of my hobby-horses! - sound like a textbook, but just wanted to explain why. Adequate water intake is also vital as posted by Binah.

All the best
Caroline
(not a reflexologist)
Nurition and EFT