reflexology and oils

[angry elf >:p]

Hi, i am a quilifies reflexologist and i normally use creams for my post massage, but i would like to know about using oils for it insted.
as i reflexologist can you use a base oil for the post massage or do you need to do another course to quilifie in that?
any advise would be great
thanks

 

[Q.B]

You will have no problems using a base oil, in fact many preblended oils can be used too, some are fairly safe, others, don't touch, give it a shot, if you prefer cream / cornstarch / oil, the choice is yours.

 

[mattle]

Hiya

The use of carrier oils has been carried in our reflexology course. I like to use almond, avocado, or hemp, with wheatgerm or calendula added if the client has eczema or very dry skin. Sometimes I also add essential oils, but then I've also done aromatherapy.

 

[Rachel Rose Griffin]

Hi ya Froggy

I think its up to the reflexologist what massage medium they wish to use. Using carrier oils are fine. I like to use either coconut or sesame oil. Cold pressed and preferably organic. Can be purchased cheaply at health food shops, often at a lower price than specialist dealers. Always ask the client if they have a nut or seed allergy.

Cheers

Reflex Pixie

 

[Spooky1]

Just to add here, never use nut oils (such as almond or even sweet almond) on pregnant women. Even topical application is a potential hazard for developing nut allergy in the baby, although this advice is purely because no-one knows for sure where the increase in nut allergy is coming from.

Since I'm practising reflexology, not aromatherapy, I don't use oils. Essential oils are a treatment in themselves and since I'm not a qualified aromatherapist, I'm not insured to use them.

 

[headshotbobby]

Well..thanks so much for that advice about using nut based oils on pg ladies,i have never thought of that before, I do have a wonderful baby oil made by Elave that i use if anyone is really sensitive and it is very mild...a girl who works for Elave gave me some as a sample when she came for her feet and i would always buy this now to keep for anyone with sensitive skin! will definately not be using nut based oils on my pg clients in future.

I love aromatherapy oils but i am not & have no plans as yet to become an aromatherapist but what would your thoughts be if i were to ask some other therapist friends to make me up a mild blend of oils to be used in differeent circumstances for some of my clients? i dont add or burn any oils in my room as i know i need to be qualified in aromatherapy to do this...but if i was given some that were recommended by a qualified therapist would this be ok?

Moontara xxx

 

[Piy975]

Hi Moontara

There are plenty of aromatherapy blends made up by reputable aromatherapists available. www.purpleflame.co.uk has some. (No connection - just a satisfied customer)

 

[Tom Mop]

So would it be ok to use these during treatments if i am not a qualified Aromatherapist??

thanks Chris

 

[Ravi Jain]

Honestly? I would check with either your professional / awarding body or your insurance company. They would be able to tell you definitively if there's a ruling on the subject.

Another point, about baby oils. Don't use them if they're derived from standard baby oil (of the Johnsons variety) as these are mineral oil, not vegetable oil. Proprietory baby oil is the 28th distillation of crude oil. It's not recognised by the body as a food but as a toxin. It blocks the pores and stops the skin from being able to breathe properly. So if you're using a baby oil, make sure it's vegetable based so that it actually will moisturise and feed the skin. Organic sunflower seed oil is really good but olive oil is just as good, if a bit heavy.


Hope that helps

 

[The Accomplice]

Seed oils can cause problems as well. For instance, I am allergic to sunflower and if this oil was used on my feet I would need to be blue lighted to hospital!

You have to be so careful when applying products to a client's feet. I always ask if they have any allergies and then make sure there are no ingredients in products used which could possibly cause an effect. If in doubt, leave it out!

So, if you are using oils keep a selection so as to avoid any problems. Remember, as well, that oils do not keep very long so be aware of the use by date.

Maggie xx

 

[Mighty Saints!!]

Wow, u just wouldnt think it would you, so many things to consider....my baby oil is made my Elave & i am sure this isnt same as Johnsons but will have a double check & may even email Elave about this just to be sure....

 

[Justin Morales]

According to their website, it contains two ingredients: Liquid Paraffin Alkyl Benzoatehth

 

[awavieque]

Baby oil should be kept as far from the skin as possible, specially that of babies.. bad stuff..

A client once gave me some baby oil as a gift to say thankyou for a course of treatments, he was very embarrassed when I said I couldn't use it cause of the constitents.. it was done in innocence, but I did have a moment of fear that there was some kinky intent in it. Bless him.. At another session he arrived with a small bottle of mustard oil and another of almond oil, was such a sweet thought. I keep the baby oil in my work drawers to show clients who want to use it for massage that it really isn't suitable.

 

[Healing]

will be binning the Baby oil!!

thanks again xxx