unusual reaction?

Hi Folks,

It's me again - seeking help! A client I treated on Thurs night has texted me this morning to say she has some discomfort and inflammation on the balls of her feet - they feel hot and tingly. She says she has had this before,when doing a lot of walking in thin sandals in hot weather. She is a 62 year old lady in good health.
As it was her first treatment, I had not used too much pressure and only used a little acqeous cream to help moisturise at the start, as I always do.
This kind of side-effect has never occured before with my clients (not that I have treated vast numbers!) She loved the treatment and was keen to re-book...but then this happens!
Can anyone shed any light on this, as I feel a bit upset that Reflexology has caused this reaction. It must be due to the treatment??
I have advised her to bathe the feet in cold water, but don't know what else to suggest. Would be grateful for any poss explanations/advice.

Best wishes,
Always Trying
x

OK this is how I was taught:
It is not always appropriate to look for the metaphysical explanation in all reactions to Reflexology.

So...maybe your client is having a reaction that is physical to the foot (maybe a nervous system issue? or a circulatory system issues?)and the Reflexology treatment has highlighted this in which case she should see her GP.

Rx

The word 'discomfort' can mean any number of things to different people - from an ache to real pain. Has it worn off now? I sometimes get plantar fasciitis, and it is excrutiating, but once I am on the move, and take a couple of paracetamol, or an ibuprofen, I forget about it after a few hours. I don't think it is likely to have been caused by your treatment, especiallly if you were working with a light pressure.

re.unusual reaction

Thanks for your replies, Cirrus and Jabba.
Haven't been able to contact the lady as she was travelling up to the Lake District to visit a friend. Hope she didn't plan to do any serious hill walking!
I'll try her again tomorrow and really hope the sore, hot parts have eased a bit. If not, will suggest she visit her GP as it could indeed be a problem of the foot itself, as you say.
It would have to happen following her first-ever Rx treatment!

Best wishes,
Always Trying
x

Hi Always Trying
IMO when we treat with Reflexology we also channel Energy into the client too. This could simply be that you have opened up the many chakras on the soles of her feet and she is experiencing a positive reaction. It would feel similar to when she wears her sandals in the Summer. Especially as this was her first Reflexology treatment. Did she experience any tingling sensations during the treatment in the rest of her body?

Hello,
I would just like to add my two pence worth...and would have to agree with gaiaholistix....just lots of energy shifting....which is a positive thing. Try not to blame yourself....(is it something ive done!)
Dont forget with holistic treatments sometimes things have to get worse before thay can get better.
Ive had this warm/tingle feeling...and i didnt mind it one bit ....it was nice to have my feet warm for a change...

Love and sunshine
Rachelx

semi-update on client with unusual reaction

Hi All,

I left it for a little while to get more feedback from the client who had pain and tingling/heat in the balls of her feet shortly after her treatment. Have been unable to contact her aprt from texts in which she says feet are still tingly and uncomfortable. Have been feeling a bit downcast about all this - and your comments have really helped me to feel better.
She is coming to my house to pick up another client tomorrow - her daughter, actually - who is also being treated by me (with good results, I'm happy to say!!) So I will have chance check on how she's doing now, and will report back

Many thanks for your ideas/thoughts on this
Always Trying
x

Hi Always Trying, again.

You will come across many unusual reactions in Reflexology. Don't look on them as negative reflections on you as a therapist, they are not. They are your client's reactions and all clients are individual.

As you know Reflexology can bring about many healing reactions and can very often bring out an illness/condition that has sat dormant or quiet for a while.

Look at unusual reactions as fascinating and allow them to enhance your knowledge as a therapist. The old rule that I was always taught is; if you are unsure as regards to health implications, refer them to a medical professional.

Rx

update on client with sore feet

Thanks Cirrus, and everyone

I'd have replied sooner but our internet connection has been off since 11a.m
- only just back on!
Well, its weird but the client I mentioned has not felt sufficiently worried to actually pick up the phone and call me (tried ringing her at home but always on answerphone)
Anyway, I spoke to her daughter today (she is also a client - with good results, I'm happy to say!!) and she tells me that her Mum's sore, hot feet have eased and it has not stopped her getting around lots in the last few days. And the message was she might still like another treatment - so hurray!
I do take the point about not taking clients various reactions to heart.

P.S, Cirrus, I love your sunshine smilie - it seems to have a warmth coming off the computer screen!

Warmest wishes to all,
Marie
x
Always Trying