New to this - advice, experience please

LIFE

Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2009
Messages
49
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Hi,

I've recently completed my VTCT Indian Head Massage course and hope to receive my certificate soon (providing my M69 exam and coursework folder are satisfactory).

I do not intend to use my skills as a full-time job but as an extra skill to use at psychic, village, charity fayres in my leisure time and for friends and family.

At a village fayre this weekend I had a lady approach me for an IHM and I went through my contra-indication list with her. Everything was fine until we got to the last one which was history of cancer. The lady told me she had secondary breast cancer which had spread throughout her upper body into her bones and I, of course, advised her that cancer was unfortunately a contra-indication that I shouldn't treat.

The lady desperately wanted to receive a treatment and was upset that she had been turned down by many people in the past. However, she did not want to push me if I felt uncomfortable treating her. My intellect was telling me no but I felt much empathy for the lady who was understanding of my predicament but my heart and intuition were telling me yes.

Was I wrong to treat her? I feel in my heart it was the right thing, what would you have done?

BTW I omitted the frictioning of the lymph area in the upper back and concentrated more on the relaxing movements. It was only a 10-15 minute taster session.

I also got all clients to sign a contra-indication sheet and this lady signed against where I noted client advised of risk of spreading cancer but still wished to receive treatment. She totally respected what I was saying to her.

I do feel rather nervous of treating people with contra-indications at this early stage and this matter has made me quite anxious about treating others.

Thanks for any feedback.
 
HI
Firstly welcome to HP, do pop into new members and say hello and introduce yourself.

I would have treated. However I would not have mentioned spreading cancer!....

Its really that simple for me.

T
x
 
Hi Carnelian,

Welcome to the forums.

I would have treated them, too.

You treat the person and NOT their condition - perhaps adapting the treatment to take account of their condition, as you did.

Do not worry and trust your intuition.
 
Thanks for your replies.

Feeling much better now.

So how would you deal a client with any history of cancer in the upper body.
We were advised by our tutor that cancer was one of the major contra-indications for not treating due to risk of cancerous cells spreading through the lymphatic system.

Which cancer patients would you treat/refuse?.

Grateful for some clarity as I find this rather worrying.

C x
 
Hi Carnelian,

If a person has a condition then they are already living with it. So, someone with cancer already has it within them. If it is going to spread, then it will, with or without help from any therapy given.

The major consideration is the state of the client. If that person is uncomfortable or in pain then the treatment should be adjusted to suit their particular situation at the time of treatment.

Be confident that, by using your intuition and training with great sympathy and understanding for your client and their current situation, you will do no harm and probably benefit them enormously.
 
Hiya
agreeing with Paul, really just treat them as a normal person this will automatically increase there feeling of still being a person and not just an illness.....follow your instinct and dont forget if you are uncomfortable you could always take a post grad course in cancer care...

T
x
 
I agree with all that is said. I just don't buy it that Indian Head Massage or Massage for that matter can spread cancer - unless you were to apply deep pressure over the site of a tumour.[&:]

A lot of tutors speak from a lack of experience and ignorance I am afraid and I nearly had an argument on just this matter when the tutor said 'massage spreads cancer'. Where is the evidence?

For the record I have worked at two cancer support centres. The patients were referred to the centre by their doctors etc and received enormous benefit from the treatments. I was lucky as I was thrown in at the deep end with a lot of support from knowledgable therapists and just got on with it. Best thing that ever happened to me and I consider very few things to contraindicate massage or reflexology.

Trust to common sense and if you feel unsure then don't treat.
 
I agree with everything everyone has said here, and I would have treated someone if I had have been in your position. My tutor really emphasised the fact that IHM is for everybody, whether they don't have any ailments or even if they're dying, you just have to adapt the techniques to suit the person, and it sounds like this is what you did.

Usually, just to be on the safe side it is wise to ask their GP about treatment, just so there isn't a lack of communication and the client's mind is set as ease-doctors almost always say "as long as it make them feel better, it can't harm them". However, in this case this wouldn't be appropriate so be reassured,

You did the right thing!
 
I agree with all above. You've already realised that contra-indications are all relative, but usually taught & often practiced on the cautious side.

Me thinks you'll develop (if not already) into an excellent therapist for going with how you felt in the moment. But it's always adviseable to be able to back it up, but you are covered with them signing a disclaimer anyhow - so no probs.

With someone with advanced (possibly terminal) dis-ease, then the priority is quality of life, rather than trying to extend life. In reality helping to improve quality of life - probably does extend life, but not at the cost of further suffering.

Andrew.
 
Hi,

Thanks for all your kind words of support and encouragement.

I feel a lot more confident that I did the right thing.

I'm sure to be bugging you alot more now!!!

Bye for now
Cx
 
Shoutbox
  1. wonderspa:
    🌺🌺Wonder spa,(9421Jane st unit127)call416-5000-800☎️best massage in vaughan,💄sexy very young girl Sunny natural c cup,very good looking nice body slide😻 🍎long hair Lucy come back,very good strong to relax oil massage, Relieve pain and remove stress,more experience.😍new very beautiful long hair lily,slimy body,amazing touch, back walk,hot stone,popular friendly girl,must try😍😍
  2. EMSpa_schedule:
    Tomorrow's sneak peek: On Thursday April 3, 2025, our attendants will be Ada 🤩, Cici 😍, Vicky 😘, Sophie ☀ and Monica 😘. Call us at (905) 479-6668 to book!
  3. yoko:
    sister spa
  4. Soul Relax Spa:
    ✨ Looking for a relaxing escape? ✅ Click Here Meet🌸Tina🌸Mya🌸MonikaCall us today for the best treatment and service experience. Click on our Username and FOLLOW US for updates ! Call now ☎ 289 - 298 - 5662☎️ Your ultimate relaxation awaits! ✨
  5. Golden Flower Spa:
  6. BlueXado Therapy & Spa:
  7. Pink Flower Spa:
  8. Joseph123456:
    Just relax review
  9. Alibi Massage and Spa:
    Unwind in ALIBI 🥀 this WEDNESDAY: Jasmine, Kay, Jade, Sandy 📞905 212 1222📍1380 Matheson Blvd East, Mississauga
  10. EMSpa_schedule:
    For Wednesday April 2, 2025, our attendants are Sandy 😘, Opal 🥰, Cici 😍, Yoyo 🔥 and Carla ❣. Call us at (905) 479-6668 to book your favourite and head on over to 7665 Kennedy Road, Unit 4, Markham, ON, Canada!
  11. Red Rose Spa:
    🌸 We have 5 hot brown girls today 🌸 PAOLA, AMMU, MONIKA, ANGELINA, NISHA, KIRAN, DIYA, ANGEL 🌸 2588 Birchmount 🌸 2 Invergordon 🌸 647-702-8800 🌸 Please visit for a great erotic massage
  12. Jenny’s Spa:
    🎉🍒JENNY’S SPA🎉🍒 ✅5170 DUNDAS STREET WEST✅ 👌ETOBICOKE ONTARIO M9A 1C4👌 ☎️( 647-893-5196)☎️Call or Text ☎️( 437-888-3759)☎️Call Only (ETOBICOKE) OPEN 10am to 9pm MONDAY to SUNDAY 🔥✅GRAND OPENING💯NEW GIRLS EVERYDAY🔥EXCELLENT MASSAGE + SERVICE QUEENS NOW AVAILABLE AT JENNY’S SPA FOR ALL YOUR MASSAGE AND SPECIAL EXTRA NEEDS🔥💯😘🔥❤️👌 🔥TWO BEAUTIFUL NEW YOUNG ASIAN GIRLS EVERYDAY🔥 💯REAL PICTURES OF ATTENDANTS💯 🔥💋Limited Time Special Promotion🔥💋 ✅💦30 Minutes Nude Massage w
  13. Lily Spa:
    ❤️ KAJAL, ELENA and SUSU are here today for your massage needs ❤️ Lily Spa ❤️ 2190 McNicoll ❤️ Scarborough ❤️ M1V 5M2 ❤️ (647) 531-8288 ❤️
  14. SugarLoveSpa:
    hi today have Susan, Ella, Tifany, Lisa come baby all young beautiful girls
  15. Moneylee:
    All season wellness center : New Young girl big boobs beautiful face deep massage Zoe ,young girl pretty face nice figure Thai deep massage Helen,Young girl big breasted beautiful buttocks charming temperament summer ,Young girl Big breasted saucy naughty Ella , Enchanting sexy petite deep massage Sherry ,address: #5-30 Rambler dr Brampton ,Ontario L6W 1E2☎️4376655510 🦵🦵👅👅🈵🈵👄👄
  16. Annie Spa:
    🎉🍒ANNIE SPA🎉🍒 ✅7-1001 SANDHURST CIRCLE✅ 👌SCARBOROUGH ON M1V 1Z6👌 ☎️ (647) 891-9688☎️ ☎️ (416) 291-8879☎️ (FINCH & MCCOWAN) OPEN 9:30am to 9pm MONDAY to SUNDAY 🔥✅NEW MANAGEMENT💯NEW GIRLS🔥🔥 🔥GORGEOUS NEW YOUNG ASIAN GIRLS - TODAY’s ROSTER INCLUDES: 🔥 Feifei😘Our new Taiwanese beauty Feifei specializes in creating an intimate and deeply relaxing massage experience tailored to your desires. Her soft, skilled hands glide effortlessly, easing tension and awakening your senses with
  17. Moneylee:
    Full season wellness center: Young girl Big-breasted big big butts Aris , Young girl big breasted beautiful buttocks charming temperament big boobs Rose,Young girl big breasted beautiful buttocks charming temperament big boobs Julia ,Young beautiful face sexy body and good deep massage maggie,Enchanting sexy petite deep massage Mary. 🏠 2560 Shepard ave Mississauga unit 1 ☎️ 4379857899 🦵🦵👅👅👄👄🈵🈵
  18. Golden Sunshine Spa:
    ✨Click on our Username and FOLLOW US for updates and special services ! ✅ Click Here Today🌸Akame🌸Christina🌸Camila🌸Lynda🌸Antonela Call us ☎ 905 - 265 - 2158☎️ Your ultimate service awaits! ✨
  19. bnwellness_wilson:
    We have 4 masseuse are working today. Vicky,Mia,Ella and Lina are providing deep tissue massage, pls call 4163985777 book appointment and walk in always welcome, back entrance and parking available. 350 Wilson Ave North York
  20. AliceSpa:
    WEDNESDAY at 𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗔 416-298-0898, 4915 Steeles Ave. E, Scarborough 3 very nice girls here today. Open 10am to 9pm: AMY (12pm – 9pm) is a young, petite short & slim Taiwanese, former dance instructor, firm natural B Cups, pretty face, firm natural titis, super play good, bbbj, cim, rim, dfk, all services. APPLE: from Hong Kong, very small body, 5' 100Lbs, petite with natural C Cups
  21. HollywoodSpa:
    Wednesday at 🎭𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗬𝗪𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗦𝗣𝗔🎭, 4578 Yonge St, Unit 100, North York, ON: NICOLE & SISI. ☎𝟰𝟭𝟲-𝟮𝟮𝟮-𝟱𝟱𝟱𝟰☎ NICOLE is petite, slim and very pretty, with C Cups , long hair & a slim waist. She has nice massage and great services. SISI is a sweet slim beauty, 5’2”, with a beauty ass, excellent massage, and amazing services. Come and see why she is so popular. When you visit 🎭Hollywood
  22. ForeverWarden:
    Wednesday at 🫦❤️🔴🟥♾️𝓕𝓞𝓡𝓔𝓥𝓔𝓡 𝓢𝓟𝓐♾️🟥🔴❤️🫦2190 Warden Ave, Unit 201, Scarborough 𝟰𝟭𝟲-𝟴𝟬𝟬-𝟳𝟴𝟴𝟳: Bella, Cindy & Sasa. Bella is around 5’3” with a thin to medium build, C Cups, and a pleasing personality. She can offer dfk, bbbj and cfs as well as a good massage experience. Cindy is a slim beauty, 5’4”, natural C Cups. Her massage is nice, her services will drive you wild & her finish is a dream
  23. HolidaySpa:
    Wednesday at 🌴😎🌅𝓗𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓢𝓹𝓪🌅😎🌴3517 Kennedy Rd, Unit 4, Scarborough ☎️𝟰𝟯𝟳-𝟮𝟰𝟳-𝟭𝟭𝟵𝟵☎️: EMILY, KIKI & CINDY. EMILY is a VERY tiny petite SPINNER superstar of the highest quality. Emily has a pretty face, natural A Cups, slim waist, and a lovely spinner bottom, topped off with the very best of services. Kiki is very attractive, young, about 5’4” and 110 Lbs., slim with a banging body.
  24. SugarLoveSpa:
    Wednesday at ❤️💙 💜⎝𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗥 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗔⎠💖💗💘: ELLA, LISA, SUSAN & TIFFANY. 1270 Finch Ave W (at Keele St), Unit 18. North York, ON ☎ 𝟰𝟯𝟳-𝟯𝟲𝟱-𝟮𝟲𝟴𝟴 ☎ ELLA is a lovely Thai sweetheart, 5’1” with C Cups, smooth skin and a very pleasing attitude. LISA is a cute & petite Thai/Chinese mixed beauty with decent massage skills and liberal services.
  25. luckywellness:
    Lucky Wellness Center 4379721888 295 Eglinton Ave E,Unit 7,Mississauga Niko and Kiki work
  26. Lulu1980:
    Phoenix Blossom Spa 🌹🌹🌹2 girls 🔥🔥🔥5124 Dundas St W Etobicoke☎️416-817-3366👍 New Japanese girl Nina ❤️ Natural Big Boobs 38 DD 😘Pink Mini Nipples Hot body slide, super enjoyable😘😘😘😘 very provocative service😘😘😘, professional super Luna deep tissue massage, has therapeutic effect to loosen bones and relieve muscle pressure and will bring you unexpected service effects, she will bring you a little surprise😍😍😍😍❤️You are welcome to make an appointment at any time or walk in the back
  27. Lulu_Villa_Spa:
    Barbie Petite Korea Part time School girl Cici Cute Skinny Vietnamese Girl Natalie she is CBC/filipina mixed Petite girl Judy is a gorgeous model type Vietnamese Girl ☎️647- 446-0886
  28. DareDevil:
    ARIA WELLNESS ADDRESS: 360 HWY 7, UNIT #6, RICHMOND HILL,647-222-5683/905.886.9993 (PHONES CALL ONLY, NO TEXT'N AVAILABLE) ♥️TODAY'S Schedule!♥️ Loaded lineup with Young Beautiful Girls : Young Lovely Lori, New Girl Chloe, Magical Mia and Work out🏋🚴💪 Babe Amy! BUY 10 HOURS (GET 11 HOURS) **TODAY'S PICK OF THE DAY IS CHLOE**
  29. EMSpa_schedule:
    Tomorrow's sneak peek: On Wednesday April 2, 2025, our attendants will be Sandy 😍, Opal 🤩, Cici 🤗, Yoyo 🍑 and Carla 💋. Call us at (905) 479-6668 to book!
  30. BlueXado Therapy & Spa:
  31. Golden Flower Spa:
  32. Pink Flower Spa:
  33. New spring spa@:
    ❤️❤️❤️sexy hot Germany🌸Korean 🌸 Japanese girl working at💓💓 Nu spring spa ☎️416-669-8508❤️❤️❤️
  34. DareDevil:
    ARIA WELLNESS ADDRESS: 360 HWY 7, UNIT #6, RICHMOND HILL,647-222-5683/905.886.9993 (PHONES CALL ONLY, NO TEXT'N AVAILABLE) ♥️TODAY'S Schedule!♥️ Loaded lineup with Young Beautiful Girls : Young Lovely Lori, Baby Selena, Elegant Ella, Magical Mia and Work out🏋🚴💪 Babe Amy! BUY 10 HOURS (GET 11 HOURS) **TODAY'S PICK OF THE DAY IS ELLEGANT ELLA OR BABY SELENA**
  35. Lulu1980:
    Phoenix Blossom Spa 🌹🌹🌹3 girls 🔥🔥🔥5124 Dundas St W Etobicoke☎️416-817-3366👍 New girl New girl Maggie 😘😘😘😘sexy body, round buttocks, charming breasts, small nipples (customer feedback) 😘super body slide, very provocative service😘😘😘, professional super Luna deep tissue massage, has therapeutic effect to loosen bones and relieve muscle pressure and will bring you unexpected service effects, she will bring you a little surprise😍😍😍😍❤️ You are welcome to make an appointment at an
  36. Golden Sunshine Spa:
    ✨Click on our Username and FOLLOW US for updates and special services ! ✅ Click Here Today🌸Susan🌸Cassy🌸Luna🌸Lynda🌸Lily Call us ☎ 905 - 265 - 2158☎️ Your ultimate service awaits! ✨
  37. Jenny’s Spa:
    🎉🍒JENNY’S SPA🎉🍒 ✅5170 DUNDAS STREET WEST✅ 👌ETOBICOKE ONTARIO M9A 1C4👌 ☎️( 647-893-5196)☎️Call or Text ☎️( 437-888-3759)☎️Call Only (ETOBICOKE) OPEN 10am to 9pm MONDAY to SUNDAY 🔥✅GRAND OPENING💯NEW GIRLS EVERYDAY🔥EXCELLENT MASSAGE + SERVICE QUEENS NOW AVAILABLE AT JENNY’S SPA FOR ALL YOUR MASSAGE AND SPECIAL EXTRA NEEDS🔥💯😘🔥❤️👌 🔥BEAUTIFUL NEW YOUNG ASIAN GIRLS EVERYDAY🔥 💯REAL PICTURES OF ATTENDANTS💯 🔥TODAY’s ROSTER INCLUDES: Tina😘- A sexy new petite girl from Singapore w
  38. wonderspa:
    . 🌺🌺Wonder spa,(9421Jane st unit127)call416-5000-800☎️best massage in vaughan,Tuesday RMT available, Today's special recommendation 💄sexy very young girl Mimi,natural c cup,very good looking nice body slide,really popular 😻 🍎long hair Lucy Q smile,very good strong to relax oil massage, Relieve pain and remove stress,more experience .must try🌹💋give you amazing time🔥
  39. Annie Spa:
    🎉🍒ANNIE SPA🎉🍒 ✅7-1001 SANDHURST CIRCLE✅ 👌SCARBOROUGH ON M1V 1Z6👌 ☎️ (647) 891-9688☎️ ☎️ (416) 291-8879☎️ (FINCH & MCCOWAN) OPEN 9:30am to 9pm MONDAY to SUNDAY 🔥✅NEW MANAGEMENT💯NEW GIRLS🔥🔥 🔥GORGEOUS NEW YOUNG ASIAN GIRLS - TODAY’s ROSTER INCLUDES: 🔥 Molly🔥😘Our new quick witted and funny girl Molly is here to entertain you not only with her sensual massage skills but also with her sense of humour and her happy go lucky friendly attitude. Molly, a fair skinned mixed race beauty h
  40. Soul Relax Spa:
    ✨ Looking for a relaxing escape? ✅ Click Here Meet🌸Nina🌸Anna🌸AmberCall us today for the best treatment and service experience. Click on our Username and FOLLOW US for updates ! Call now ☎ 289 - 298 - 5662☎️ Your ultimate relaxation awaits! ✨
  41. SugarLoveSpa:
    Tuesday at ❤️💙 💜⎝𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗥 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗔⎠💖💗💘: JENNY, MIMI, & TIFFANY. 1270 Finch Ave W (at Keele St), Unit 18. North York. JENNY is a sweet & young Korean girl with C Cups. Very versatile services. MIMI is a slim & busty Asian/Euro mix beauty, 50Kgs & 1M60. Mimi has a very versatile range of services. TIFFANY is an amazing slim petite doll with natural 34C melons, slim waist
  42. SugarLoveSpa:
    hi Sugar Love Spa today have 👙Mimi, 👙Jenny, 👙Tifany come to enjoy perfect time Sugar Love spa☎️☎️ (437) 365-2688📲☎️
  43. HolidaySpa:
    Tuesday at 🌴😎🌅𝓗𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓢𝓹𝓪🌅😎🌴3517 Kennedy Rd, Unit 4, Scarborough ☎️𝟰𝟯𝟳-𝟮𝟰𝟳-𝟭𝟭𝟵𝟵☎️: EMMA, YOYO & CINDY. EMMA is a very beautiful slim Chinese honey with C Cups, beauty face, & nice services to drive you wild. YOYO is a very beautiful slim Chinese lady, 165Cms & 116 Lbs with natural D Cups & a VERY sexy figure. She provides the best versatile services. YOYO is a hidden GEM, & a total SUPERSTAR!
  44. Moneylee:
    All season wellness center: Young girl big boobs beautiful face deep massage Helen ,Young girl big boobs beautiful face deep massage Tina ,Young girl big breasted beautiful buttocks charming temperament big boobs Cindy ,Student big boobs buttocks Vicky, Enchanting sexy petite deep massage Sherry ,🏠address: #5-30 Rambler dr Brampton ,Ontario L6W 1E2☎️4376655510 🦵🦵👄👄👅👅🈵🈵
  45. Moneylee:
    full season wellness center: NewYoung girl big breasted beautiful buttocks charming temperament Cherry ,Young beautiful face sexy body and good deep massage Selena ,Young girl big boobs beautiful face deep massage Bobo ,Young girl Big breasted saucy naughty Ella,Enchanting sexy petite deep massage Mary. 🏠 2560 Shepard ave Mississauga unit 1 ☎️ 4379857899 🦵🦵👄👄🈵🈵👅👅
  46. HollywoodSpa:
    Tuesday at 🎭𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗬𝗪𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗦𝗣𝗔🎭, 4578 Yonge St, Unit 100, North York, ON: COCO & SISI. ☎416-222-5554☎ COCO is an attractive attendant with nice massage skills & good services. SISI is a sweet slim beauty, 5’2”, with a beauty ass, excellent massage, and amazing services. Come and see why she is so popular. When you visit 🎭Hollywood Spa🎭, you will be treated with tender care
  47. Endless Joy Spa:
    ✨✨✨✨✨[GRAND OPENING]✨✨✨✨✨ 💞Endless Joy Spa💞 🎇 (155 East Beaver Creek Rd Unit #8, Richmond Hill) 416-731-8565🎇10am-2am, New First Day, Young Cute Chinese Jesse, Slim Petite Chinese Vivi & Young Slim Sexy Chinese Faye
  48. bnwellness_wilson:
    We have 4 young girls are working today.Young pretty Vicky 25’s with curve body good massage and young sweet Mia 25’s good massage, young cute Sophia 27’s slime and nice GFE Lina and young student Taiwanese Victoria 25’s slime open mind are providing deep tissue and sensual massage,pls call 416-3985777 book appointment and walk in always welcome, back entrance and parking available. 350 Wilson Ave North York
  49. ForeverWarden:
    Tuesday at 🫦❤️🔴🟥♾️𝓕𝓞𝓡𝓔𝓥𝓔𝓡 𝓢𝓟𝓐♾️🟥🔴❤️🫦2190 Warden Ave, Unit 201, Scarborough 𝟰𝟭𝟲-𝟴𝟬𝟬-𝟳𝟴𝟴𝟳: Cindy, Tracy & Vivian. Cindy is a slim beauty, 5’4”, natural C Cups. Her massage is nice, her services will drive you wild & her finish is a dream come true. Tracy is an incredibly cute & pretty Japanese/Taiwanese mixed spinner, about 5’1” and 100 lbs. She is very popular for her exotic massage & services.
  50. Red Rose Spa:
    🌸 We have 13 hot brown girls today 🌸 MONICA, ASHA, SARIKA, AMMU, MONIKA, ANGEL, AMANDA, PREETI, ANGELINA, NISHA, DIYA, SALMA 🌸 2588 Birchmount 🌸 2 Invergordon 🌸 647-702-8800 🌸 Please visit for a great erotic massage
Back
Top