reflexology - talcs or oils?

[ShoppingBandGeek]

To all you reflexologists,
Could I ask which medium you use in treatments and why? We were always taught to use a good, natural talc, and no oils or lotions until the warm-down at the end, and this is what I've always done. However, I gave a treatment to an experienced reflexologist the other day, and she got me to use lavender oil throughout. I thought it would be too slippery, but it seemed fine and she loved the treatment that way. So I'm thinking of sticking with it as it certainly makes the warm-up easier.

Also, when I use talc and lotion to finish, I find they combine and make a right mess! Can this be avoided?

Thanks, Matt x

 

[Theodore Macmahon]

Hello Matt

I was trained to use cornstarch powder (I use Lush's Silky Underwear ). However, more often than not I use nothing. It depends on the person and what their skin is like. I think the powder is a little drying on already dry skin (I have lots of elderly clients and their skin tends to be dryer), however it can be great on moist feet. I use lotion at the end of treatments, especially when the person's skin is on the dry side. There is a nice one with lavender in it from the Boots botanic range, which is very rich so good for using after an evening treatment since it will act overnight. did you use the lavender oil neat or in carrier oil? I know reflexologists who use oils and I would think that they are less greasy than some lotions can be, so you are less likely to slip. I made the mistake of using a rich lotion from the start of a treatment the other day and it was just too darn slippery!

 

[Awesome Night]

Hi Siobhan,
Thanks for replying! Yes, there was a carrier oil, so maybe that was the secret. I'll have to experiment...

Matt x

 

[Leatherwreck]

FWIW, i use nothing and was never taught to use anything. some feet are trickier than others but generally, its fine. i use a pedicure lotion at the end. it has lavender. peppermint and tea tree in it, which is very nice (made by strictly professional). quite a light lotion too.

 

[jeffrey e]

Hiya
I have always been taught to use natural ingredients (mixutre of cornflower, arrowroot and kaolin) but recently i used peach kernel oil on one of my regulars and she loved it, very light and she said she felt lovely and silky, generally I used clarins leg milk after a treatment.....men and women..lovely....
T
x

 

[kylanburge]

Hi,
I was taught to use Nivea type cream, I've never worked with powder , but I have had treatments with it and it was just as good.
I do use different products though depending on the client, I've found Tui Balm/wax with lavender to be great ( from New Zealand) made with organic beeswax.( I always check with client for allergies and contra indications of course beforehand)
I also sometimes use peppermint foot lotion to end a treatment.

Lisa x

 

[lildutchessgirl]

I use Aqueous cream. and if it's too much just wipe some off, generally once you've done the warm up the feet have soaked it up.

 

[rhgioxrj]

I was taught with talc and then to experiment with oils I've found using coconut oil to be great, it's not as slippery as some carrier oils and also it's nice and light.
Alli
x

 

[Yiocywehorpgd]

I was taught to use Baby Powder. Have tried cornstarch but found it too dry and 'scratchy'. Finish off with some plain lotion blended invididually with essential oils to suit.

Lesley

 

[Fotia]

I was taught to use talc but foudn it drying and made me cough too much! So I started using creams but found some (esp. foot creams) soaked into the feet too quickly. Now I use E45 which works just fine! Remember if you're using any essential oils on the feet you should be aromatherapy trained.

Sarah x

 

[daniel vanderhoof]

Hi Matt,
In training we were told to use baby powder but due to concerns about toxicity and inhaling this regularly, I changed to using a cornstarch product. I now use 'The foot powder for reflexologists'. This is a natural blend of ingredients containing cornstarch and essential tea tree oil. I buy it in bulk on the internet from The Parker-Biggs co. Ltd. I agree with another comment made, that cornstarch is a bit more scratchy but I don't find this a problem. I have never used oils and was told during training that because oils made the skin more slippery that you couldn't get good contact with the reflex points.
With regards to your point about using powder and then a lotion to finish, Iknow what you mean about the mess. When I first started I made the mistake of using too much powder and at the end of a treatment it can all get a bit mucky. I've found that if you only use a small amount of powder it doesn't all gunge up at the end. I generally use a foot lotion with lemon, tea tree and lavender from Superdrug at the end of a treatment. I've experimented with quite a few and like this one the best. Have also used aqueous cream but like other people have said it all depends on the client. Hope this helps you.

Best Regards.
Sarah [sm=1syellow1.gif]

 

[Maggie Monette]

I was trained to use oil during treatments. I always use a good quality grapeseed oil and an appropriate essential oil or two. I must add that I am an aromatherapist.

yasmin x

 

[WilDeeaaoo]

Has anyone tried Liquid Talc?

Lesley

 

[Poetic Genitals]

Hi Lesley

I tried liquid talc when someone brought some into college. I was quite impressed with it but it is quite difficult to get hold of and expensive. I think I have seen it in Sainsburys for around £5. Having said that I should imagine a bottle would last quite a long time.

yasmin x

 

[duartoord]

Hi Folks

I use all sorts. I started with talc, but cut down due to fear of cancer. I then used cream which can go bobbly, or baby oil gel which is good.

Now i try to use nothing usually, or a little talc if necessary, as you can give a much deeper treatment and use oil if I'm doing 'relaxology', especially for 2nd half of infertility clients cycle or for pregnant women. I dont use oil or cream now if the client may need to get up during treatments as its too messy.

I did get some cornstarch powder with tea tree but its too rough.

I think I'm going to get some cornflour and put dried lavender in it for a few days and then seive it and see what happens. Has anyone done this?


I treated five clients on wednesday and my thumb was getting a bit sore in the fingernail join by the last one, so may use oil if doing that many again.

Jan X

 

[maxy]

I've always used light massage oil 'cause that's what I was taught. They said that talc could cause problems with blocking pores and also bad for therapists as it would constantly get up your nose.

I also like oil as it causes less wear and tear on my hands and I tend to have a lot of dry skin on my hands (due to my other job) and it helps to soften this and so not 'scratch' my client.

 

[Spirit of a writer]

Thanks very much all - I'll have to try some of your ideas! Today I used a mint gel instead of lotion at the end, and that seemed to solve the bobbling-with-talc problem.

Jan, there's no risk with talc if it's a natural one is there?

Matt x

 

[qoeniuiyigzixtedd]

I was trained with oil as I am an aromatherapist, but I didn't like it and found I couldn't get a good grip. I have tried a few creams and am pleased you are discussing it as I was interested to know some good ones. I am coming to the conclusion that you should use only a bit of cream, in the vertical reflexology book she says to just apply a tiny amount of cream to the reflex you are working on so might try that this week. I have used cream that bobbles and ends up all over the carpet and me! Not good. I have been using a Base Formula base cream lately and that's fine but it's on the way out so I want to try something else. I did buy a lovely cream in Sainsbury's the other day, a foot one with peppermint in and it smells divine and was cheap so will let you know how that goes![8D]

 

[Aglidgemaciedy]

I got some aromatherapy massage creams from boots which are ok, not too bobbly, but the peppermint one sounds good, very therapeutic.

Matt, there was a lot of talk a while ago about talc. It was found in the internal organs apparently, women are advised not to use it anymore. Which is a bit worrying as I used plenty on my babies. Anyway, I stopped using it for a while, but missed it too much so do use it on me and feet now, but sparingly and try not to breathe it in!!

Jan x

 

[Greta Garbo]

Hi Matt - well we were taught no talc . . a little lotion if required !
ie I use Boots own Foot Lotion - light & easy to use..ingredients - wheatgerm, mint & camomile.. but I am trying to make my own

. . oh and when necessary - ie. if the feet perspire a lot
we were taught to use Calendula powder as this made the feet more workable.