Question:
I have a new client who was very worried about ticklishness, but keen to try reflexology becauses of a friend's recommendation. She did in fact turn out to be one of the most ticklish clients I've treated.
She insisted she'd be able to take the treatment better if she kept something on her feet and so we did part of the treatment through stockings and part of it on her hands. However, I am worried the treatment will not be so effective this way. I'm hoping she'll get less nervous as the treatments go on, but don't want to push her into a barefoot treatment if she's not ready.
Any reflexologists had this problem? Any advice please?
Janet x
Oh Gawd! Through her tights? I think I would have refused but well done.
I have never had a problem with ticklish feet, even with the ticklish.
Are you using a good firm grip and pressure?
I have found some are sensitive when you first put your hands on them but once the treatment starts they are fine. But if she is really, really tickly then maybe it is a problem.
Stick with it and use firm pressure and make sure you have a firm hold of her feet. I would definately dispense with the tights though! Not saying the treatment is less effective, but all that nylon....yuk!
my daughter is pretty bad but i would very firmly take control of the foot and just hold it for a minute... let them get used to the touch. i always re assure people that it is no way a ticklish touch.
be confident in your holds. dont hesitate.
i have a full body massage client who doesnt like her feet or toes touched. i have got the whole foot now... just the toes to go and i will!!!
Thanks Candie. Yes, I was using a firm pressure and the techniques for ticklish people we learned at college, but she was still squirming a bit!
Yes, Rosie, the toes do seem to be the most ticklish spot! And as that's an area very early in a treatment sequence, perhaps I'll need to change my sequence? I suppose I should insist on barefeet anyway?
Janet x
do you do lots of relaxation techniques first, to relax the feet, the person and each get used to the other? you could include toe pulling and circles, that would come after a good bit of effleurage, ankle *boogieing*, spine twists etc.
yes, barefoot! maybe explain that you will avoid the toes, although you'd rather not, until she is more comfortable about it. adapt to her... you can always re adjust at a later date.
I am a ticklish reflexologist (strange I know) and I find the best treatments I've had were firm but not overly firm ones. I had a really firm one and I was jumping all over the place in the way you do when someone digs you in the kidneys. I hope you work things out with your client Janet. Good luck.
Have you tried holding the solar plexus reflex at the start of the treatment for a minute or 2 to relax her?
Love
Sulis xx
Lots of massage, firm pressure, keeping it very fluid and if all else fails.. go for the hands!
Hi
When l first started to treat my youngest daughter with reflexology when she was 9 years old, she was very ticklish.
I found if l held the solar plexus for a couple of minutes at the begining it helped. we built the treatments up over a number of weeks and she was fine.
now she loves having it done...
Even her teacher has asked me about a treatment, after my daughter had gone to school telling her teacher about having Reflexology...
:)
She insisted she'd be able to take the treatment better if she kept something on her feet and so we did part of the treatment through stockings and part of it on her hands. However, I am worried the treatment will not be so effective this way. I'm hoping she'll get less nervous as the treatments go on, but don't want to push her into a barefoot treatment if she's not ready.
Any reflexologists had this problem? Any advice please?
Janet x
Answers:
Oh Gawd! Through her tights? I think I would have refused but well done.
I have never had a problem with ticklish feet, even with the ticklish.
Are you using a good firm grip and pressure?
I have found some are sensitive when you first put your hands on them but once the treatment starts they are fine. But if she is really, really tickly then maybe it is a problem.
Stick with it and use firm pressure and make sure you have a firm hold of her feet. I would definately dispense with the tights though! Not saying the treatment is less effective, but all that nylon....yuk!
Answers:
my daughter is pretty bad but i would very firmly take control of the foot and just hold it for a minute... let them get used to the touch. i always re assure people that it is no way a ticklish touch.
be confident in your holds. dont hesitate.
i have a full body massage client who doesnt like her feet or toes touched. i have got the whole foot now... just the toes to go and i will!!!
Answers:
Thanks Candie. Yes, I was using a firm pressure and the techniques for ticklish people we learned at college, but she was still squirming a bit!
Yes, Rosie, the toes do seem to be the most ticklish spot! And as that's an area very early in a treatment sequence, perhaps I'll need to change my sequence? I suppose I should insist on barefeet anyway?
Janet x
Answers:
do you do lots of relaxation techniques first, to relax the feet, the person and each get used to the other? you could include toe pulling and circles, that would come after a good bit of effleurage, ankle *boogieing*, spine twists etc.
yes, barefoot! maybe explain that you will avoid the toes, although you'd rather not, until she is more comfortable about it. adapt to her... you can always re adjust at a later date.
Answers:
I am a ticklish reflexologist (strange I know) and I find the best treatments I've had were firm but not overly firm ones. I had a really firm one and I was jumping all over the place in the way you do when someone digs you in the kidneys. I hope you work things out with your client Janet. Good luck.
Answers:
Have you tried holding the solar plexus reflex at the start of the treatment for a minute or 2 to relax her?
Love
Sulis xx
Answers:
Lots of massage, firm pressure, keeping it very fluid and if all else fails.. go for the hands!
Answers:
Hi
When l first started to treat my youngest daughter with reflexology when she was 9 years old, she was very ticklish.
I found if l held the solar plexus for a couple of minutes at the begining it helped. we built the treatments up over a number of weeks and she was fine.
now she loves having it done...
Even her teacher has asked me about a treatment, after my daughter had gone to school telling her teacher about having Reflexology...
:)
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