talc or cream

[malik]

hi just wondered about opinions on this and what others used in their treatments.
at college we were assessed on talc and cream but the books i have read say not to use cream as it is too much slip and you cant get as precise on the reflex points and always to use talc
i personally prefer using talc , couldnt get to grips with cream.
i have used an aroma blend on my daughters feet using a carrier oil once when she had a really nasty chest infection and couldnt sleep this worked amazingly in fact i was stunned!!!!
the oil was almost impossible to work with tho!

so cream or talc????
lilyxxx

 

[Me&youC]

Hi moonlily,

I have been a reflexologist for over four years and only use talc. Have found it impossible to get a precise contact with oils or creams and it is far too easy to slip off the point as you apply pressure.
At the end of the session I will use various creams / lotions / special mixes for the individual, that can be incorporated during the massage at the end of the reflexology.
My vote therefore goes to "talc".

 

[BRYAN C]

Non-talc reflexology foot powders can be obtained, which are sometimes scented with natural ingredients. Talc has been linked to pneumonicosis and lung cancer, so I, personally, wouldn't like to risk using it to work with everyday.

 

[Dani Gurl]

Talcum powder is produced from a magnesium trisilicate mineral which in its raw form in the ground may contain traces of asbestos. As I am sure we are all aware asbestos is a carcinogen. Talcum products for home useare asbestos free.
The links to lung cancer have been with people who were involved in the mining and milling of rawtalc and exposure to the industrial grade of talc.
Most studies since then have I believe produced inconsistent results. A 1993 American test did produce tumors inrats but I understand the amounts and length of exposure by inhalation were extreme.

The links to ovarian cancer have been better tested. Some studies reporting a slightly increased risk and some reporting no link.The concern being that talc placed on the female genital area will migrate through the vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes to the ovaries.

There are many reports on the subject if you do a Google search on talc and cancer.

As a reflexologist I can assure you that I stay entirely in the area of the feet when using talc!!!

As an low cost alternative some people will use corn starch. I personally do not find this nearly as good as talc.

Some of the professional bodies produce other alternatives to talc but obviously at a somewhat higher price.

Hope that helps although I suspect it may open the discussion a little further!

 

[Aloishus W]

I just don't fancy inhaling talc into my lungs on a daily basis and if you're using it on a client's feet it's too close to your own nose and mouth for my liking and therefore couldeasily be inhaled.

Calmer

 

[Love Canada.]

I have never used cream but read that using this was not a good idea for the reasons already stated.
For awhile I didn't use anything, then I tried talc free powder and wow!!! It made such a difference and gave a much nicer treatment that both myself and my client noticed straightaway.
I use either any of the cornstarch based powders by Mantra Aromatherapy or Johnsons baby powder the lavender and camomile version. These are all non talc based powders and work really well without the health concerns of talc.
Nell

 

[BigBlue2013]

I'm just at the end of doing an AOR course. We were told to use talc only if the feet are slippery. Personally, I really dislike it when people use talc on my feet as I've got dry skin and it feels very drying to me. Some people on our course use some liquid talc from The Body Shop but I personally don't like that either.

 

[BRET69ER]

To further this discussion (?) I use a small ammount of cream if required, I too am not keen on breathing in talc for reasons already mentioned. I had a client recently who would not let me use any cream if they contained Parabens, I have checked, and with a few exceptions from specialist suppliers, they all do. I asked in the Body shop why this was and got an obviously prepared speech on how it preserves the lotion and that links to breast cancer are completely unfounded.

Has anyone else come across this?

 

[JacobFerdinand]

Hi well i have to say after using talc and cream at college i prefer oil. i not sure why, i think i just get on with it better. i have used all three and oil is the one for me. i have never had much feedback from clients as to what they prefer though.

 

[yseqtuthipqibienu]

Hi footwizard,
Yes I have also had a client asking if the creams I used contained parabens.
These are chemicals used as a preservative in cosmetics and deodorants. On the label they are usually one of the following ethyl,methyl, propyl or butylparabens. Parabens can apparently act in a similar way in the body to the hormone oestrogen which in excess can increase the growth of breast cancers.
In a 2004 research report in the Journal of Applied Toxicology a sample of 20 different human breast tumors all contained traces of parabens. The tests suggested that the chemicals had seeped into the tissue after being applied to the skin.
The fact that they were found does not of course make them a cause of the cancer.
Yet again we have disputed situation.
I just try to stick to the "everything in moderation and nothing to exess" line!

Mike

 

[Humm4it]

I tried a reflexology treatment using talc once and it was YUK!!!

I find it has a really drying effect on the feet and i hate the feel of it. I woudl also hate to be breathing in talc all day!

I use Attrixo hand cream which i find works really well. A small amount provides enough lubrication to massage the feet comfortably, but i can still get a pretty good grip on the reflexes as it does not get too slippery. My clients also like it too as it leaves their feet really moisturised, which is an added bonus to the treatment.

 

[Waverly H]

Hi everyone,
I've been practising as a Refelxologist from home for a year now, and I'm so glad this subject has been raised, as over the year I've tried several different powders and creams.

Obviously, it's down to personal choice. I have dry skin myself, so prefer to use a cream, and in fact I like quite a slippery cream used in moderation. It seems less strain on my thumb. However, I am still looking for that perfect cream for me. I think we should bear in mind that whilst we don't want our clients to have any nasty reactions to whatever we use, we are also immersing our own hands in it frequently. So,I'm looking for something natural and organic, non-allergenic, with no parabens, mineral oils or other nasties, that smells nice but not too strong, preferably in a pump operated container to minimise cross contamination and (phew) last, but not least, is cost effective!!

I ordered a pot of organic coconut oil this morning, but it may prove to be too messy. It's not in a pump delivery pot as I think it's too solid for that.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Thanks in advance - I love this forum, it's so helpful.


Salamanda

 

[Eleni]

Yes, using talc is not a good move, it is carcniogenic (spell) and oils I find are the best method. It takes a bit of time to work out the actual amount needed, but if too muchis there jsut wipe off the surplus with a towel or tissues, until a firm hold is found, you can always add more oils if needed.

Joan

 

[DrummerAdam]

I don't use anything at all when I give treatments. I was trained to use cornstarch powder but I find it very drying both for the client's skin and for mine. My hands move around just find without the need for any medium such as cream or oil, and I reckon the skin on skin contact gives you maximum sensitivity in your hands.

 

[Bp Seventeen]

Due to combining aromatherapy with reflexology I use oil.
As mentioned through the thread it often depends on the skin type.
Jojoba is very good at regulating sebum production and I often us this.
Or vitamin E cream for excessively dry skin.

Although the feet may become slippery, I do not find a problem with locating reflex points under such conditions.
I used to use corn flour due to course recommendation but my clients have commented that they prefer the smoother
techniques with the oils.

Plus I can use additional oil with prescriptive essential oils throughout the treatment.
Often with clients who have very dry skin I have to apply more oil mid way through treatment.
This I feel gives me a clear idea of skin condition and nourishment.
Also the colour of the feet are not interferred with and i can focus on the motions of circulation better without talc.

 

[sodding chips]

Have you all not heard of non talc based Cammomile and Lavendar from Boots?
Wake up you sleepy heads! Cream doesn't do the job very well, too slippy.

 

[mallos731]

I generally use an organic, talc free powder for reflexology which is convenient and safe, however, I find that older clients often have very dry, thin skin on their feet which benefits more from a treatment with an organic cream.

 

[Xvi Cris]

its a real hot topic. I was taught at level III not to use any powders at all, by an indian lady... I find the touch better, and feel of textural differences is more sensitive without any powders ... I would never use creamduring the main body of areflexology treatment as it tends to de-sensitise, and also diguises foot problems when you are reading the feet.

I generally usea lotion or cream or even Aloe Vera gel at the "warm down" stage at the end of the session. This allows for treating people with excessively dry skin [I am also an aromatherapist and make my own mixes which may involve vitamin E, macadamia oil, rosehip etc added to the lotion I have made - person specific]... all targetted at the individual and their personal needs.

at ITEC we always used powder - but I much preferred my own mix of Cornflour [with a specific blend oil of lavender, tea tree and lemongrass for obvious reasons] - and it was applied very lightly only to help prevent slippage.

I guess the only time I would want to use powder [I wouldn't use talc] is if the person had moist feet which makes the treatment difficult. This can be overcome with the use of a footbath...

Using a footbath prior to treatment and then thoroughly drying the feet seems to resolve any problems of slippage and has many benefits... cleanliness, pleasant experience for client, etc... etc... etc...

I guess this topic proves that no matter how we have been taught there are personal preferences, and also there are considerations for clients too [excessively sweaty, or excessively dry skin, skin which cracks because of drynessincreased by contact with powders... etc]

Interesting topic though isnt it? Oh, and thanks for the info about Boots chamomile and lavender non talc based powder.
love, light, healing and protection
little red person
xxx

 

[Joel W]

i have never tried talc as i was under the impression that it blocks your pores in the feet, i quite like using cocco butter on my hands before treating as a slight amount transfers across to the recipient, this is not too oily and allows a smooth treatment plus gives me soft hands in with the bargain, did try lotions as got carried away in the wholesalers but these were too overpowering minty for me to the point wher my eyes water, now use these with thick socks at night,

 

[static]

I've just started my ITEC Reflexology course and we are being told to use a barrier cream on the feet during treatment - such as zinc and castor oil. Do you think this will make it more difficult to perform the treatment then?

I would be interested to hear your views.

Thanks!!