Holistic treatment FAQs

Which conditions mean I can’t have a massage?

There are several conditions when massage is totally contra-indicated. Massage should not be performed at all if you

Have a contagious and infectious skin/scalp conditions and diseases (like impetigo)
Are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
Have fever and/or flu
Generally don't feel well, are extremely weak, or clinically exhausted
Have recent injuries to the neck and/or head

When must I get medical approval before starting a new holistic treatment?

Some conditions require medical approval. If you suffer from any of the following conditions, speak to your doctor before asking me to treat you:

AIDS or HIV
Cancer
Diabetes
Heart or circulatory conditions, including high or low blood pressure
Kidney infections/disorders or any other ailments of the internal organs
Nervous or psychotic conditions, including epilepsy
Osteoporosis

If you have any other medical condition that you think may potentially interfere with your treatment, please let me know.

What are the after-effects of holistic treatment?

Illnesses and diseases that have been suppressed with medication or withheld emotions may surface during treatment. A contra-action (after-affect) is a normal reaction to the treatment, especially if the client has never had a treatment before or if the body is stressed. These contra-actions are a positive sign: massage makes all body systems function more efficiently, speeding up waste removal and the elimination of toxins as well as getting rid of negative deep-held emotions. With regular holistic treatments and as the body starts to heal and re-balance, these after-effects will subdue. Typical contra-actions may include:

Active bowels – all body systems, including the digestive one, will work better
Changed sleep patterns – you can fall asleep during the treatment, and your body-clock may change
Frequent urination due to stimulation of the lymphatic system
Heightened emotional state due to the positive release of deep-held feelings and emotions
Muscular ache and/or headaches due to the nerve fibres responding to the deep work undertaken
Spots – released toxins and hormones may surface through the skin, especially if you previously suppressed your skin condition.
Tiredness – this is due to release of toxins encouraged by the treatment and the initiation of healing energies, which require the body to rest

These reactions are only temporary and should clear within 24 hours. They are positive signals that your body has responded to the treatment and is balancing itself.

What should I do after a holistic treatment?

In order to reduce the chance of any temporary adverse side effects and to fully benefit from the holistic treatment, please take time to do the following:

Take care while driving or operating machinery as deep relaxation may cause reactions to be temporarily slower.
Cut down on tea, coffee, alcohol, and other drinks that contain caffeine for 24 hours as most holistic therapies can speed up the effect that stimulants have on the body. Substitute with herbal teas, fruit juices, and water.
Drink plenty of water (at least 8 large glasses or 2.5 litres during 24 hours) to eliminate toxins that have been released.
Eat light and healthy meals to allow your body to put its energy into healing. Light snacks, fresh fruit, or raw vegetables are ideal.
Listen to your body: If you feel tired, simply rest; if you feel energetic, go for a short walk.
Record any adverse effects so that you can inform your therapist at your next appointment.
Try to leave any oils which may have been used on your body/hair for as long as possible to receive the full benefit of the oils.

More FAQs to follow...

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The Healing Rooms | 162 Gloucester Road | Bristol | BS7 8NT | 07851 307 062