cerebral palsy

[hakim]

I have just had an enquiry from a lady about cerebral palsy. Her daughter is 15 and has stiff legs and arms but not in pain, and her shoulders are stiffening too. She loves massage apparently, so Mum would like to bring her to me to be massaged. We have discussed it in priniciple - that she will be there in the room with me, and guide to what pressure she thinks for her daughter, when to move onto a different body part etc and apparently she adores having her head massaged, so we can always default to that if its not a good day for her.
Please can anyone give me any advice about this - have you treated someone with this condition - is it ok to treat (I can't see why not as she loves touch and relaxes with it) etc etc.
If we go ahead, we are going in with eyes wide open and no expectations - just to see how she does, if she likes it and it relaxes her and hopefully for it it do her lots of lovely good - but I just want to know any cautions that I am not aware of?
Many thanks
Love Melanie x

 

[gillianprowe]

Hi Mel, I found this link

http://annadannfelt.com/2010/02/11/aromatherapy-cerebral-palsy/

 

[Treela Phillips]

Thanks for that interesting link, JoJo
Hi Melsy,
As in all cases of work with minors, there is rarely a correct way, just a way which works best for the minor. Definitely present her with a few essential oil bottles to smell and allow her a free range of choice.
Perhaps you might want to consider working on the base chakra, in a Holistic way – to allow better balance and stability which is often a problem with CP.
Oils as Cypress, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Sandalwood and Marjoram spring to mind.
Also, there is a good amount of clinical evidence of working with minors with EPILEPSY to support the use of lavender, geranium, Clary sage and basil.

As basil, cypress, marjoram, geranium and lavender are all excellent for muscular tension and spasm issues, these may be especially useful.

Hope you enjoy the experience and please keep us updated.
Philip

 

[Thaer Hassouneh]

Thanks Jo and Philip for your help. I am not treating her for a few weeks yet as I am away on holiday at the moment. In SW France staying in a converted water mill and its gorgeous, including a wonderful aromatherapy massage this morning! (Salazar Holidays)
I read the blog Jo and its really helpful and postiive and Philip, thanks for the oil ideas. I really hope I can give her a treatment she enjoys.
Love Melanie x
*chilling in France!*

 

[loves james]

Oh you lucky thing Mel, enjoy, you deserve it x