reaction to indian head massage

[Peachy]

Hi, could anyone give me some advice please.

Im a Holistic Therapist, and have done many IHM, but last week i had a new client, with no medical problems other than lower back pain, she had had a minor headache at the back of her head, which she said was from tension. However near the end of the treatment, she fainted for about 15 seconds, and wet herself, and was vomiting. she did not want ambulance, i kept her there til she recovered, and was fine before she left. i have never had a client with such a reaction, and not sure what would cause it, could the release of toxins cause such a reaction that quickly? she said the pressure was fine.

thank you.

 

[TexasUSA]

Hi Star5,
You did really well dealing with this situation and i wonder if perhaps this client hadnt told you all her medical history? It sounds like it could have been a fit??? and i wonder why she didnt want a ambulance? I would be freaked out if that happen to me!!!Did she remember anything about it afterwards? I really would get her to seek GP advice A.S.A.P

Bye for now
Rachelx

 

[Jaclyn]

Hazarding a guessI would say your client has either got epilepsy and hasn't told you during the consultation.

OR she has had a vasovagal syncope which has caused the faint.

I would guess (again) that it is the former as she did not want medical assistance. I think anyone having a vasovagal syncope, especially if it was the first time, would want to see someone.

Was she older?, also could be some hardening of the arteries in the neck restricting blood flow, ? massage may have caused this to worsen?

Patchouli

 

[Loretta K]

Hi Hallos & Patchouli,

Thank you for your reply, another thing i thought of is that my client was on a massage chair, which is new to me (and a godsend really, or she would of hit the floor, as it happened that quickly), but maybe it was because she sat up, and leaned onto me so i could continue the face routine, so it could of been caused from that.

She is in her late fourties,She said that she was sure that she had no history of epilepsy, as i always tell clients that is is danderous holding information back. The reason for not wanting to go to the hospital, was because she already felt embarrassed, and she felt ok, i even offered to drive her there myself, her speech was fine, she was laughing and joking before she left, and i did recommend she goes to the GP, and i spoke to her later in the evening, she is coming back next week for crystals, as i would not carry out this treatment on the day of the IHM, for obvious reasons, she assures me that she if fine, and looking forward to another treatment, although i told her IHM is off the menu for now.

Thank you for your advice, It has shook me up a little, and a little weary when treating my other clients since, I think i need to book myself onto the next available First Aid Course.

Kind Regards
Donna xx

 

[Pompal 09.]

I must say that I appreciate everything you are saying!!

 

[Ingeseelili]

Hello there
I came across this thread through searching on google about fainting and IHM. I hope you don't mind me popping on to ask a question

I had my first IHM last night. Previously I've had various complementary therapies: reflexology, aromatherapy, massage, accupuncture and had no adverse reactions at all.
Last night, just as the lady doing the IHM got to the part on my neck (going from ear to a point where my neck met my shoulder I think) I felt really faint.
She had to stop the IHM and I had to sit with my head to my knees for quite a while feeling faint. She said all colour drained form my face. It was really weird.
Poor lady was quite embarrassed (she is relatively new to practising IHM and never had a client faint on her before) but wasn't really sure what would have cause this reaction.
Anyone any ideas? I have no other medical conditions, I'm 30 and only mediciation I'm on is the pill
cheers
Justmefornow

 

[Giovanna]

Hi there,
Well in your case i would say that you has your marma disturbed, that is one reason you fainted.
Close to our ear in neck is external carotid and jugular. a simple comression due to some over enthusiast can cause slight impedence in flow of blood to brain.
And you are out for a short time.
Since that lady had lesser knowlege of Anatomy and Physiology which is nessesory for doing this therapy. You suffered a little. Still as a Ayurvedic Professional i can assure you that it has nothing to do with any side effects, its justcomplication of lack of knowledge.

 

[ohboyyy]

I had a similar experience today. I was given IHM to a client, we had gone through her medical history and all is ok. When I started on her neck she started to get a bit fidgety and when I moved up to her scalp she suddenly said she felt very woosy and I got her a glass of water. After a brief rest she was fine. I know my A&P pretty well and so went lighter on the area around the carotid and jugular, but what you say dranurag could the reason. Thanks.

 

[mohamed]

During my training, there were no cautions given about particular moves which would cause nausea or fainting. However I spotted the following caution In Mary Atkinsons Book, The Art of Indian Head Massage,

"When working on the occiput you should massage the scalp against the bone and avoid pressing on the fleshy area beneath the bone, as this may cause nausea"

Could this have been contributary?

 

[Miss LONDON. W A N K.]

I have only had IHM twice both time I felt really sick when my scalp was being massaged, though I loved the shoulder and the face part .
I did an introduction to IHM at my local college and the tutor seemed to think I had some stagnant energy there that didnt want to be shifted!!! Even now Im not a fan of having my scalp touched ( but im anyones for a nice foot rub!!!)

 

[wtaafble]

Hiya

I've just done a treatment on my husband, and when I got to the second side of the neck, he stopped me and said he felt faint, so o got him to lie on my relaxer chair. I got him a glass of water, but about 30 seconds later he dropped it and had a fit. He came round after another 30 seconds, and I wrapped him up, opened the window and he's sleeping it off now.

Wen he was much younger he was told he was "borderline epileptic" and I guess what Idid triggered something.