Reflexology and diabetes

[CHARLES A]

Hi,

what are your views on treating people who are Diabetic with Reflexology - personaly I would treat but I have had a client that has been told previously that they wouldn't be able to recieve treatment...

All comments appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Adfsgdfgdfsg Dfsgdfsgdfs]

Hi Swilks
Any therapist who wont treat a diabetic in my eyes probably isnt worth going to.....apologies if that applies to anyone here but i dont think it does.

There is no reason why you cannot treat someone who suffers with Diabetes type one or two. If the person has been a long time diabetic or indeed someone who has not successfully managed there diabetes sensitivity in the feet can be an issue, also circulation, wounds can take longer to heal....if you know you have someone coming to you who is an insulin dependant diabetic try not to keep them waiting and keep some dextrose tablets in your room just in case!!!

Hope that helps
T
x

 

[LRonCupboard]

I've only had one occasion when I refused to treat a diabetic and that was a "one-off" treatment for my friend's mother the day before her wedding. She wanted her and her mum to have de-stressing pre-wedding treatments, but her Mum is a very severe type 1 diabetic who is often in hospital and I felt that she may have experienced a healing crisis which wouldn't have been welcome on her daughter's wedding day! Other than that type of situation I would treat diabetics and be interested to know how the reflexology helped them manage the condition.

Sarah x

 

[KB929]

My views.. second Tigerbee's really.
In my humble opinion Reflexology works wonders with diabetes /diabetics
and will often - working alongside with the Diabetes nurse of course - often find that ultimately the insulin of foods needs reducing/ammending.
Long term reflexology does assist so much the circulation improving warmth & stability to the extremities ( which often end up with gangrene etc)
. .. all systems will benefit...eyes, replenishing & repair, muscualr, skeletal etc etc
Prevention in these cases I consider are much better than cure.
I would be more than happy to take more diabetics on my books although I must admit at the mo I havent any diabetic clients...but i would be more than happy to treat.

 

[Lil Dvl]

Hello Swilks

I agree with the others here that Reflexology can only be a benefit. However I think it is very important to work alongside the clients GP or diabetes nurse as Prerana says, their insulin intake or diet may need amending. I think that it is important that the person with the diabetes is fully aware of the effects that Reflexology may have so that they can watch out for any changes and inform their doctor. And in my humble opinion it's vital that the therapist fully understands what diabetes is and how it can effect a person and how to act incase of a hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic episode,,, which goes without saying of course 'cause if they don't know then they shouldn't be giving the treatment.

 

[steve c]

I've got a client who is Type II diabetic and we both believe the treatments are doing her good. Having reflexology has also made her more aware of the importance of looking after her feet, since she is fond of walking around barefoot and tend to get splinters and small injuries that she doesn't notice! We have got her boyfriend inspecting her feet regularly to make sure injuries don't go unnoticed... Her GP reckons that reflexology can only really impact on the blood sugar levels of an insulin dependent diabetic but I'm not so sure, still I tell her to keep a beady eye on her blood sugar and report to her GP and nurse if things change.

I think Sarah made a sensible decision not to treat in that particular case, but otherwise I think reflexology could bring lots of benefits to diabetic clients.

 

[alisongiggles]

I certainly treat people with diabetes, but I do ask them to check their levels closely themselves, best not to wait for a visit to nurse, following treatment. As has been said it really helps the circulation etc.

I think you were wise Sarah. Especially if alcohol were going to be consumed!!!

Iceni

 

[Penelope]

I´ve been hearing good things about a cactus extract "NOPAL" in an oil form that´s effective for diabetes sufferers.

My thoughts,

Dave.