Aromatherapy and Diabetes

[Haymond]

Hi all

Having a bit of a "thick" day, so sorry.

I have a chance to do some Taster Sessions of Aromatherapy Back Massage. I know one lady who is interested has Diabetes. Are there any problems from a Taster Session point of view of giving this lady a nice mild, relaxing back massage, using a mild oil like lavender?

I know Diabetes is contra-indicated for Aromatherapy and for a full treatment you should get GP permission, but to be honest, I actually don't know why. I was led to believe for Reflexology that it is because of the pain threshold, some diabetics cannot feel the pressure as they may have some numbness.

It's all very well when we learn these therapies and we are told of the Contra-indications, but unfortunately we're not told why they are contra-indicated. I seem to spend my whole life searching answers on these very interesting websites and I do learn from them, but I can't find the obvious answer to Diabetes.

Looking forward to your answers and help.

Thanks

 

[Regan]

I have regularly given full body massages to various insulin dependant diabetics.

IMO diabetes is not a contra-indication but more of a "special care" issue.

As long as the client checks their blood glucose after treatment then I see no reason not to do them. I, personally feel that even this is unessecery as most long term diabetics know just by how they are feeling if their bg levels drop and to remediate this.

My son had a party once and a 10 year old girl was running and jumping and generally having a whale of a time but knew after a while to do a quick test just to check she wasn't going too low.

Why would a massage affect blood glucose levels any more than a brisk walk would?

We don't tell diabetics not to go for a brisk walk, do we?

Patchouli

p.s. I am glad you are realising that the colleges only gave you half the story.

They teach a+p and "contra-indications". They do not, however teach anything about pathophysiology. Maybe if they did practitioners/therapists wouldn't be so quick to "refer to GP " at every turn

 

[massiel248]

p.s.

I also have a number of diabetic reflexology patients.

Not all have peripheral neuropathy.

Patchouli

 

[Lil Helper]

Thanks Patchouli

I've searched high and low for possible reason why not to treat this lady as it is only a taster session - 20 mins back massage. It's such a minefield and I don't want to take this lightly. I could only think of the BP and thinning skin/pain threshold.

I feel a bit more confident now and you're right, it seems we do have to run to the GP for referrals at every given turn.

Thanks for your help.

x