Rejected by reflexologist

[Sharon]

It seems that whenever I try to do something nice for myself it ends up backfiring on me.
This time it's the reflexology.
I thought it would be a nice experience and calm me down, given the body-mind connection.
It took me a long time to find a reflexologist in my area and actually make an appointment and
drag myself over for a treatment in my condition. I was really looking forwards to it.
She seemed experienced, nice and professional.
She took down my background, but admitted to knowing nothing about Sjogren's.
It was going fine until about half-way through the treatment my feet and hands began sweating profusely.
She began towel-drying my feet but it wouldn't stop.
She then concluded that my body was rejecting her treatment and that she couldn't work this way.
She began suggesting other therapies with other therapists.
I don't think she wants me to come back.

Now, I don't know if my reaction had anything at all to do with the reflexology since I suffer from sweating episodes regardless of anything since the SS. I also have night sweats.
I told her this, but she seems to have made up her mind.
Lately it seems that nobody wants to treat me. 

What do you all think? 

[Joe S.]

That was a very interesting reaction. I have done reflexology for years on myself and on others and I have never seen that reaction. It sounds like a detox. Did you feel like you had the flu afterwards? Did you drink water after the treatment? Just how painful was your treatment?

I am sorry you had a bad experience.

[Carolina]

Dearest Sharon,

The reflexologist had not seen your reaction before, and didn't know how to handle it. 

So she correctly thinks she is not the right reflexologist for you.  It felt like 'rejection' of course, and she may not have handled it as professionally and tactfully as she should have.

The very thought of some one pushing on my feet makes me crazy, since I have terrible peripheral neuropathy and osteoarthritis in my feet.  I don't like the foot massage part of pedicures and ask them to stop.

About 13 years ago my French daughter-in-law gave me a certificate for a massage, which she adores.  It was my first massage and I was about 62.

I was in so much pain during the massage (probably I was in a flare and didn't know it then) and vowed I would NEVER have another one.

I like exercising in warm water, and using the hot tub with strong jets, which press on my body, but without hurting me.

If the reflexology caused the profound sweating in your hands and feet (perhaps from stress?) or if the sweating was some sort of 'detox' related to reflexology (trying to be neutral here about this) that 'may be' a good thing.  However, perhaps not a 'good thing' you are ready for?

I can't remember ever sweating from my feet, or hands, actually.  I've always been more of a 'head sweating' sort of person.

We are all so different, and we choose different treatments that's for sure.  We are so receptive to what works for us, keeps us in balance, and relaxes us.

Best wishes on finding your next 'good thing'.

Keep us posted!

Regards,  Elaine

[Sharon]

Thank you Joe and Elaine,
The thing is the treatment was not painful and I felt fine during and after
regardless of the sweating attack which just happens to me some times.
I rather liked the reflexology and would like to continue with it some more.
Problem is the reflexologist seemed to be freaked out by my freakish physical response
and doesn't want me back. 

[Joe S.]

Refexology is simple to learn and do. You can treat yourself. You can use the Rainbow cards to practice on yourself and your family. They can be found here:amazon.com/Rainbow-Reflexology-Acupressure-Massage-Chart/dp/1589243080 The charts will help to find areas to concentrate on for a variety of ailments.

These are the charts that I use. www.chakraforce.com has information about reflexology, its history and how it works. I prefer the hand charts to the foot, ear, and tongue. Basically you find a "hard spot" like a little pebble or gravel and rub it our but do not make it feel like tenderized meat (OW!).

PM me if you wish more information. If you want I will try to talk you through by phone what you want to treat.

[Sharon]

Thank you so much Joe, I'll take a look at those links.
Above all, I was searching for a relaxing experience.