Allergies
There is a space on my
confidential health history form
for "allergies." I ask about your allergies to make sure
that the various substances that may touch your skin will be
safe for you.
You should always tell your massage therapist
about allergies such as:
- Food allergies, especially nuts,
avocados, herbs, etc. These may be in the massage oil or
lotion.
- Latex. I use latex gloves to
work inside the mouth to treat TMJ
pain. If I have a cut, I may use a latex
finger cot for your protection.
- Herbs, flowers, or natural scents.
"Essential oils" (pure distilled fragrances) are often
used for aromatherapy or to add fragrance to massage
oil.
- Chemical allergies, such as dyes,
perfumes, etc. that may be present in the sheets.
To avoid the most common allergic
reactions to oils, I use a massage oil that contains no nut
oils or avocado oils. It's mostly coconut oil, canola oil,
safflower oil, and sunflower oil. This is a very light oil
that is good for your skin and relatively easy to wash from
your clothing.
I offer the choice of scented or unscented
oil; the scented oil has a few drops of lavender essential
oil. Lavender is a pleasant, calming scent, and very few
people are allergic to lavender.
I wash my sheets in a "free and clear"
detergent and bleach, but I normally use a lavender/vanilla
scented fabric softener in the second rinse. If you have
chemical allergies, I'll use another set of sheets that has
no fabric softener. Don't worry, it only takes a few minutes
to change the sheets.
My primary concern is your health and
safety. If this page does not answer your allergy
questions, please call 214-395-8000
and we'll discuss your specific needs.
