Reflexology ok for diabetics?

[Inky0605]

Sorry that this is a partly repeated thread but I'm worried I caused my husband to hypo by giving him reflexology the other night. I've never used Reflexology on him before (I did a course 15 years ago but have never practised it) He literally keeled over while I was doing it and it's the first time I've seen him unconscious in ten years.

Do any diabetics on here have reflexology? Can it effect your levels?

I really want to do some work on him for his frozen shoulders but not if I'm going to have to peel him off the floor each time.

Thank you xx

 

[ButtterflyLady]

I would be very surprised if foot reflexology caused him to have a hypo or faint. Could it have been caused by food, activity, or meds?

The other day I came across an article by diabetes specialist Dr Richard Bernstein, with a section on frozen shoulder in T1s, which you may find interesting:
http://www.diabetes-book.com/long-term-sequelae/

 

[Inky0605]

That's really kind. It most definitely could have been caused by food etc but I just worried that it was the first time I've fine reflexology on him and also the first time he's been unconscious with me.

I shall read the article with interest

Xx

 

[AndyS]

Highly unlikely to have been the reflex that caused it. Almost definitely food or insulin related. Perhaps he just got his numbers wrong when he dosed.

I actually asked a consultant about reflex a few years ago and his response was that as far as he was concerned there was no appreciable risk to diabetics and could in fact be good if got no other reason than there is someone else have a good look at your feet and may spot some injury you missed and didn't feel if you have neuropathy.

Maybe get him to do a test before you start next time, I think you will find it was an isolated incident. I know I have screwed up the maths a few times and overdosed the insulin a bit.

/A

 

[dancer]

I've had reflexology twice. One of the girls told me she would stay away from the areas that affect diabetes. I didn't ask what she meant because I presumed, if there was such an area, it would only affect Type 2s.

 

[Inky0605]

Thanks Andy and dancer. I shall try again then with some reflexology on his shoulder zones but do a blood test first. I'll also sit him on the sofa or in bed and not in a kitchen chair

Sorry if my posts seem a bit daft. I've just been really rocked by my first experience of a proper diabetic hypo

I really appreciate your replies and I'm feeling a little less unhinged by it all

Xx

 

[Spiker]

I can recommend a brilliant osteopath for frozen shoulder if you are anywhere near the SE of England. He completely sorted me out, permanently, and avoided the dreaded shoulder surgery.

Like I said on the other thread, watch out for a possible increase in insulin sensitivity due to the relaxation and de-stressing effect. It's happened to me once or twice, also with massage. A before and after BG test is a fine idea - there should be no risk in that case.

Personally I don't believe there is such a thing as a reflexology point affecting diabetes, T2 or T1. But if there is, let me know and I will prod myself there daily.

 

[Inky0605]

️

 

[Lancelot J]

I get a foot reflexology massage every week. No problem at all. From memory, the pancreas reflexology point is on the outer edge, midpoint of the sole of the right foot.
My last HbA1c was 5.8 so Reflexology (combined with low-carb and exercise) works. ;{>

 

[Inky0605]

Fabulous. Thank you Lancelot I'm going to continue with it once a week