Indian Head Massage and Epilepsy

[calibabe]

Hi all,

I have a question about Indian Head Massage. I have bought a dvd "Teach yourself Indian Head Massage". I thought it would be a good/fun thing for hubby and me to practise this on each other and perhaps someone else within the family. Strictly amateurish, just for pleasure.

Yesterday evening I had a quick glance through the instructions. There was a warning to take it easy with persons who had various dis-eases, among them epilepsy. My daughter (35 yrs) has had epilepsy since she was 21. Her doctor says she'll be fine as long as she takes her medicine, sleeps well and stay off alcohol. She hasn't had any attacks in a few years now.

So my question is: in what way could this massage be harmful to her? I thought it would be a soothing and relaxing experience, something she could benefit from. I've told her about the dvd and she's very interested.

Bee

 

[Hercules Puri]

Hi Bee
Epilepsy is not normally a contra-indication but you have to be able to cope with a person having a seizure and the person having the treatment has to realise that no matter how small the risk they may have a seizure although unlikely and have to be comfortable with that....as this is your daughter you do not have the normal client risk but make sure you are both happy.

Hugs
T
x

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hi Tigerbee,

Thanks. That was valuable info to me. I guess I'll have to go verrry easy with her. Actually, I've never been present when she's had the seizures earlier, the epilepsy appeared after she went to uni and moved to her own flat. Today she works as a teacher for children 13-16 yrs and is thereby under great stress.

The massage technique seems interesting though, so I will try and learn it. Maybe I can try it on my daughter when I feel I can handle the technique. I suppose continued distant Reiki will do for the moment. That seems to have had some positive effect on her temper (she's quite hot-tempered, not at all like her laidback mom )

Bee

 

[I Rock Socks]

Hi Bee

I have been teaching Indian Head Massage for 8 years and Epilepsy is a contra-indication on certain movements on the scalp. I also do a video however it is very important to point out which movements you should miss out is someone suffers from this or go more gentle.

Certain parts of the massage to the scalp is very stimulating and it is recommended when working on the scalp that these movements are not used. I recommend that the safe parts earlier in the massage can be lengthened so the client still receives a full 30 min massage.

When working on meridians on the head you are giving the whole body an MOT it is similar to reflexology the organs are linked to nerves which go to the feet but also it is the same for the head. It is always best to get proper training when learning any new massage you should not give Indian Head massage to a person who has a high fever or who is drunk and there are also other issues to be aware of so training from a professional is always advised.

You are also releasing toxins in the body so good advise is to drink plenty of water to help this process.

maybe you could look for someone in your area or if you let me know where you are I may know of someone.

I hope this has been helpful

Best Wishes

Sue

 

[HCXY]

Hi

I have just got off the phone to Narinder Mehta who as most people here in the UK are aware is the pioneer/guru of Indian Head Massage in the UK and is highly respected, he has confirmed for me that Epilepsy is NOT a contra-indication to Indian Head Massage, he would not modify the therapy in anyway except to make the head massage slightly more gentle. (which I think i put in a PM to you BEE).

Hope that helps.
T
x

 

[HelloCharlieAlphaOmega]

Like Mystic, I have been teaching IHM for 4 years, and I always say that it is a contra indication, just to be on the safe side. I was taught myself that it is unwise to rush too much blood to the head too quickly.

We also avoid the thyroid areas in anyone who has hyper or hypo thyroidism, and so on, just as precautionary measures.

I once had someone faint half way through a session. It turned out she had low blood pressure. I always advise against the treatment for anyone on low or high BP.

Having said that, many people dont tell the whole truth about themselves, and apart from this lady, I have never yet had any real problems with the treatment or the lessons. I just vere on the side of caution though.

Love

Gillyxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[Rargyroolla]

Hi all, I do agree with Gilly that it is best to be cautious. I have been taught this is a contra- indication also. I think it's about what your insurance company and the examiner's body want you to be careful of and if there is even a slight chance of the condition being made worse or the treatment being the trigger of an onset of the attack then they will tell you to get medical advice and to let the Dr/client know about the risks.

 

[Yak Rider]

Well it just shows how we all differ, the only really stimulating one is tapotment which is the one that would be done very gently, I have spoken to several tutors of the examinable courses and they all say ok.....

Hugs
T
x

 

[Senthil k]

Contra- indications are relative & not absolute!

Companies & individuals producing literature, DVD's, vidoes are obliged to point out any possible contra indications or side effects, in view of the possibilty of the worst case senario & the possibility of being sued.

So long as you explain any 'known risks', of which this is a remote one ( in my opinion) & if unsure you can get them to sign something that says you have explained this to them & they are happy to try the treatment.

 

[SunGodess]

I would treat. Epilepsy, high bp (which would be lowered by the treatment) and low bp. I know that those with low bp may feel faint, but have treated plenty who have had low bp and been fine. We have a therapist at the Centre who is epileptic and I give her massage without a problem, the worst thing for her is her back strain from working on people's feet. To be honest, if we want to be taken seriously then we can't turn away every health condition.

Not only that but there are more serious health conditions and I am happy to give treatments to people with those too. Probably wouldn't have any clients othewise![&:]

 

[SideBoise]

Thanks all of you for your valuable input!

I think I understand the concept better now and I realise IHM is not to be played with. It's funny though that the dvd "sells" it from a somewhat lighter aspect with just the quickly shown disclaimer.

My interest has not decreased I will go easy with my daughter, hubby will be my test rabbit

Love and Light
Bee

 

[Ryce :)]

Hi Bee
So pleased you havent been put off....enjoy the therapy it is truely lovely, any questions just let me kow.
Hugs to you
T
x

 

[texasladiee]

Hi

I agree with Gilly, I learnt at a college and these were the guidelines I was given and I was glad I was. I do know of someone who went for an Indian Head Massage who suffered from Epilepsy and it did bring on a fit. It is always a good idea to outline the possible risks, as I am not a doctor I visited my local GP to check all the health positives and areas to be careful with (as he recommends people to me) and he agreed with the college and with all the guidelines I was given.

You can still have an Indian Head Massage if you suffer from epilepsy however there are certain areas that you either can miss out or go more gentle.

Narendra Mehta for reference in his Indian Head Massage Book on Page 144 says in his words of caution:

If you are not a trained therapist, do not give indian head massage if your partner or friend is suffering from any of the following conditions:

Osteoporosis, frailty, chronic fatigue, Epilepsy, Spondylitis or spondylosis in the neck, painful cysts or Psoriasis

These are all good recommendations for anyone not trained.

I am not a doctor so to be safe it is always best to check with your GP if you have any concerns. I always encourage anyone who has any major health concerns to check with their GP I offer my guidelines and then they can make an informed decision. They are given a medical questionairre and once signed and they are happy for you to go ahead you are covered by your Insurance.

Having said all that there are so many wonderful benefits from this massage and in the 8 years I have been practicing and teaching the feedback has been very positive.

Sue

 

[Moth on the wall.]

I would be interested to know how many GP's even know what Indian Head Massage is! Certainly many of the one's that my business partner and I met at a recent drug company fair hadn't a clue! They don't train in complementary medicine and usually know very little about it. Agreed some do, my own GP has all therapies on offer. But seriously, if you get out there and talk to GP's - young and old - they will happily tell you that they don't know the first thing about holistic treatments.

I am not saying that everybody who watches a DVD should start treating, and in fact some therapists shouldn't as they are so poorly trained, but many are very competent and as for somebody having a fit whilst having a treatment, well maybe that would have happened anyway?

I just don't buy it.
[&:]