QuestionHello,
I have run into another question that I hope you may have an answer for. I had a client recently for an eastern style massage and they have been bulimic for three years, although they have backed off it considerably. I don't know about any contraindication that someone with bulimia may present and my professors aren't quite sure if there are any. Would happen to know if there are and what they are?
Thanks
Rachael
AnswerThanks for your inquiry, Rachael.
If a client with eating disorders is stable and her circulatory system is not overly taxed (as might be seen with an advanced anorexic client), massage may be very supportive and appropriate and can be a wonderful experience for a person who has a generally negative perception of her body, as long as the body's chemistry can keep up with the changes bodywork brings about.
Overeaters, undereaters, and people who interfere with the absorption of food can all benefit from time spent focused on how GOOD they can feel. The main cautions for bodywork concern the possibility of cardiovascular weakness, and these can be circumvented by choosing modalities that do not focus on increasing circulation (ex.: energy work [Reiki, Polarity, Touch Therapy]).
I hope that answers your questions re: bulimic clients.
Michael, LMT
