Before attending, please ensure that you are generally in good health (ie not infectious).

Whilst complementary therapies can help alleviate symptoms associated with the following, these are examples of conditions where you will need to check with a GP (or other suitable medical professional) BEFORE attending:

• Arthritis – complementary therapies can help to alleviate symptoms ^{(ext link to arthritis.org)} however there are some situations where it is not suitable. (Sound Baths should be fine)
• (SOME) Blood disorders: examples would be conditions that affect clotting, eg. haemophilia. (Sound Baths should be fine)
• Cancer – massage therapy and reflexology ^{(ext links to Cancer Research UK)} can be helpful, however, as before they may not be suitable for you individual case.
• (SOME) Circulatory – eg. arteriosclerosis; peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Diabetes – massage therapy and reflexology (^{ext link)} can also be supportive, however it is advised to consult your GP if you are having any difficulty in managing the symptoms associated with diabetes.
• Epilepsy – ONLY IF UNCONTROLLED
• (SOME) Heart conditions – certain conditions may necessitate the need to check with a suitable medical profession that complementary therapies are suitable. Examples are: heart attack; heart failure.
• High Blood Pressure – ONLY IF UNCONTROLLED. Please note: massage therapy, in particular has been shown to be beneficial for hypertension, helping to lower blood pressure. (links to follow).
• Liver disorders – eg hepatitis; advanced cirrhosis.
• Stroke and/or Transient Ischaemic Attack TIA
• Recent surgery

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

A comprehensive medical history will need to be completed for individual (solo) appointments, in order to plan appropriate treatment. You will be required to sign a disclaimer stating that you have taken appropriate medical advice and are happy to proceed (depending on the condition, so please contact me to enquire). Please note that all information is kept in confidence as per the Terms & Conditions (covering Privacy).

ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR SOUND BATHS, HIMALAYAN BowL MASSAGE, DRUM MASSAGE & DRUM JOURNEYS

Alongside the usual contra-indications and preventions listed above, please contact your GP (or midwife) for advice regarding the following:

• Epilepsy – certain frequencies or patterns of sounds may trigger a seizure.
• Heart conditions and/or pacemaker
• Previous stroke (or similar)
• Carotid stenosis
• Thrombosis
• Metal plates or implants
• Stent or shunt presence
• Concussion or recent injury to the head or neck (eg whiplash)

Pregnancy: First trimester – not recommended. Second and third trimester of pregnancy – please discuss with your midwife/consultant prior to booking. Individual sound baths can be tailored to your needs, however, group sound baths may not be suitable (unless specifically for pregnancy).

Some mental health conditions: Whilst sound baths can be immensely positive for conditions such as anxiety and stress, please be aware that they can induce a strong emotional release that may trigger unexpected reactions, as such, it is recommended that if you struggle with severe depression and/or anxiety and/or PTSD or cPTSD and/or any other mental health condition that might be classed as “severe” (eg. schizophrenia) that you speak to your GP and/or other health professional involved in supporting you for advice as to the suitability of you attending.

If you have a particular sensitivity to sound you may prefer a solo experience where the frequencies and levels of sound can be better tailored to your individual needs.

Sound baths may also be uncomfortable for those using a hearing aid.

You will be required to sign a disclaimer stating that you are aware of any potential issues that relate to your condition, have sought appropriate medical advice and are happy to proceed (depending on the condition, so please contact me to enquire). Please note that all information is kept in confidence as per the Terms & Conditions (covering Privacy).

PREVENTIONS

• Any form of infectious disease, infection or fever, e.g. diarrhoea and vomiting, or infectious skin diseases and disorders
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) until medical team assess any treatment as safe. A note from an appropriate medical professional will be required
• Inflammation, bruising and acute injury to the specific area receiving massage/reflexology (until healed)
• Concussion or recent head injury
• Severe sudden headaches (with no previous history of similar).
• Psychosis
• Unstable blood sugar levels
• If you are under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs
• Any inappropriate or physical behaviour will result in the treatment being terminated immediately.

Natural Goddess Therapies reserves the right to refuse treatment (with no refund) where:

• The client is deemed to be under the influence of alcohol and/or recreational drugs.
• The treatment would be inappropriate, unsuitable or unsafe (or potentially so).
• The therapist feels uncomfortable and/or unsafe (eg to the client exhibiting inappropriate behaviour).