Is talc ok?

[some girl]

Hi

I am just about to finish a college course in complementary therapy which includes reflexology. In the class we use talc as our medium but i was recently told by another qualified reflexologist that you are no longer aloud to use talc. So my question is can you use talc and if not what else could i use?

All answers wanted please. Any website with alternative products would be great.

Thanks x

 

[iveexusfiapimkezt]

i've never heard that you cannot use talc unless your client doesn't like it or is allergic. Instead you can use grapeseed oil for people with nut allergies or almond oli for anyone else.

As far as i knwo tlac is fine except it can sometimes desensitise areas so you won't feel crystal build-up as easily, but i've never heard that it is not allowed, just that it is not the best medium to use.

 

[fernandy845]

In my reflexology class were did not use talc. We were told that is is for the therapists health and had nothing to do with the client. It is not a very good thing for a therapist to breathe in continually as a lot of talc has a bit of lead in them. We were advised to use cornflour or buy a more expensive talk which specifically states it is lead free.

I myself use cornflour - is a bit messy and gets all over but I prefer that to the talk.

As for Nisha1H recommendation - we were told never to use oils as you can not feel the crystals and texture of the skin, and can not give a deep session on the feet as your fingers can not get 'grip' with the oil. We did however, use oils and lotion on the relaxing massage after. As stated, do be careful of nut allergies when you do this.

Hope this is helpful.

 

[kmaojznu]

In my training we were given the same advice about talc as Jobelle, ans especially about it being bad for the long term health of the therapists lungs, as well as clinets with respiratory sensitivity to talc. I've never actually tried powder, talc, cornflour or otherwise (perhaps I should!) I would not use oil, as it is does not allow good contact and pressure, again as Jobelle menetioned. However, in my training and as a practising therapist I always use a lotion. This should not be too greasy, and there are various lotions on the market, (also advertised through the FHT, or Oxford School of Reflexology, and various other sources). I've actually found some very pleasant and not too expensive lotion through Ebay! They have the right consistency, not too greasy and slippy, and have handy pump action bottles so not to fiddly!

I'm sure there will be reflexologists who suggest you don't use lotion, but I don't feel that a good one has made my treatments less effective or reduced my sensitivity, just don't use too much if you give it a go!

 

[Cassandra F]

My college says we have to use talc, but they do also have a liquid talc on offer. It starts off as a liquid, but when you rub it in it turns to powder, and I much prefer this. I wish I could find a supplier of it!

 

[tom_terrific73]

It's not a case of not being allowed to use, more a case of looking after the health of the client and practitioner as talc has been described as a carcinogenic.

I use a cornfour, or a talc free body powder from Neal's Yard.

 

[SELENA1904]

Thanks everyone for you help on this subject. Lots of good alternatives will try out the cornflour on friends and family first and get their opinions. Will have a look at the lotion from the oxford school too.

thanks again

 

[ymgwjsrs]

Hi, on our course we used either talc free powder which you can find on Ebay there is quite a selection, very similar to cornflour but different fragrences but not overpowering, also some of us preferred cream so we used "skin food" from Weleda. Usually if we used the powder we would finish with the cream for the massage at the end and its great for the skin of feet (and anywhere else).
good luck

 

[Griffith Hawk]

Similar here. We used cornflour for the treatment and then oil or cream for the post treatment massage.

ChrisRams - I used to have some liquid talc (before I learned reflexology though) and it was lovely. Blowed if I can remember where I got it from now. Will have to ponder and will let you know if the grey cells reveal anything.

 

[sterling jose]

I use calendula power which is lovely and not as dry as cornflour. I only use a tiny amount, so I'm not really breathing it in. I finish off the treatment with a foot massage using some base lotion with some essential oils added.