All good therapists will begin your session by asking about contraindications (like any medical condition which might restrict a massage or halt it completely). For many of us, that might mean going easy over a bruise or adapting a session to accommodate the impending patter of tiny feet, there are some conditions which are a little bit more complicated to work around. Epilepsy, is one of them.
A condition that affects the brain might not seem like a reason to lay off the hot stones, but it might be best for sufferers to check in with their GP before booking in for an appointment. Informing your therapist is also essential when you have a neurological disorder – just to be on the safe side.
According to the Equality Act of England, Scotland and Wales and the Disability Discrimination Act of Northern Ireland, people with epilepsy should enjoy the same access to beauty therapies as a person without it. But letting the therapist know will allow them to decide on the best and safest way to deliver your treatment. “Massage promotes wellbeing and reduces stress for people with epilepsy and can be used alongside any epilepsy medications they are taking,” explains Nicola Swanborough of the Epilepsy Society, “Where seizures are triggered by stress, a massage that helps to reduce stress may, for some people, also help reduce seizures. Massage is often used to reduce tension and pain in muscles and help with poor sleep patterns, which are common among people with epilepsy.”
So what type of massage should you go for if you have epilepsy? “ It very much depends on the type of seizures that an individual suffers from however in a subject who suffers from tonic-clonic seizures it is beneficial to work on the body and limbs due to the contraction of these areas during their seizures,” explains massage therapist Dianne.
Hot stone and grounding head massages are known to be generally safe but energy work to the head should always be avoided. Reflexology can be deeply relaxing for some people, so it could be of great use to those whose epilepsy is triggered by stress. However care needs to be taken as over-stimulation may trigger an attack. Our advice? Always opt for a practitioner who understands epilepsy – and mention it when you book.
Anything else you should be wary of? “Certain essential oils such as fennel, rosemary and sage, [amongst others, ask your doctor for a comprehensive list] should be avoided as they are known to increase the risk of seizures,” says Louise Cousins, spokesperson for Epilepsy Action. Make sure your therapist is a qualified aromatherapist with the knowledge of which oils to avoid and alternatives to go for – ylang ylang, chamomile and lavender have a relaxing and calming effect, which could ward off a seizure too.
Just one more thing: if you’re following a ketogenic diet to improve epilepsy symptoms let your therapist know. Weakness, dizziness, sleepiness and diarrhoea are all side effects that may mean the practitioner will want to adapt the session slightly to make you feel more comfortable and reap the best results. The most important factor? Each person and their epilepsy should be considered individually. Knowledge is power, tell your therapist before you begin and chat through any concerns.
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