Prioritising Your Wellbeing with Safe and Informed Holistic Practice
At Harrogate Holistic Healing, your safety and wellbeing are always our highest priority. Holistic therapies offer profound support for the body, mind, and spirit, but they are not a substitute for medical care. To ensure you feel fully supported and well-informed, we’ve created this guide to help you understand when holistic therapies may or may not be appropriate and when to seek advice from a qualified medical professional.
Our aim is to empower you with the knowledge to make the best decisions for your unique journey.
General Safety Guidelines
- Holistic therapies are complementary practices designed to support your overall wellbeing. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure medical conditions.
- Always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider if you have an existing medical condition, are pregnant, or are taking prescribed medication.
- If you are currently under the care of a medical specialist (e.g. oncology, cardiology, mental health services), please obtain their advice before beginning any holistic treatment.
- Please inform your practitioner of any allergies, sensitivities, physical limitations, mental health conditions, or medical devices (such as pacemakers) before your session.
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Contraindications by Therapy Type
Energy Healing (Reiki, Aura Balancing, Chakra Healing)
Generally considered very safe, but please exercise caution or seek medical advice if:
- You have severe mental health conditions (e.g. psychosis, schizophrenia, or dissociative disorders), as energy work may occasionally feel destabilising.
- You are in the acute stage of a serious medical emergency (e.g. heart attack, stroke) – energy healing should not be used in place of emergency care.
- You have an unmanaged seizure disorder – please consult your doctor first.
Crystal Healing
- Crystals are used as energetic tools, but they should never replace conventional medical treatment.
- Some crystals (particularly heavy metals like galena, cinnabar, or realgar) can be toxic if improperly handled or ingested. We use only safe, polished stones for treatments.
- Crystal elixirs (gem-infused water) should never be consumed unless specifically confirmed as safe.
Aromatherapy & Essential Oils
- Essential oils should never be ingested.
- Avoid applying essential oils directly to the skin unless properly diluted in a carrier oil.
- Certain oils (e.g. clary sage, rosemary, basil) should be avoided during pregnancy or if you have specific medical conditions (such as epilepsy or high blood pressure).
- Some oils may trigger allergic reactions or respiratory sensitivity (e.g. asthma) – always perform a patch test and inform your practitioner of any known sensitivities.
Mindfulness & Meditation
- Generally safe for most people, but those with a history of severe trauma, PTSD, or dissociation may need to practise under the guidance of a trauma-informed facilitator.
- Long or deep meditation sessions can occasionally bring intense emotions to the surface. It’s important to honour your own pace and seek professional support if needed.
Smudging & Space Clearing
- Smudging involves burning sacred herbs (such as Sage or Palo Santo) which can trigger respiratory issues, asthma, or smoke sensitivity.
- Always ensure good ventilation when smudging and consider using smoke-free alternatives (e.g. essential oil sprays) if necessary.
- Smudging should not be practised in oxygen-enriched environments or near medical oxygen equipment.
When to Pause or Postpone Treatment
You may need to delay or avoid certain therapies if you:
- Are experiencing a contagious illness (fever, flu, severe cold, COVID-19 symptoms).
- Are under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.
- Are in the early stages of pregnancy (please check with your healthcare provider).
- Are feeling mentally unstable or highly emotionally distressed (a calming check-in session may be offered instead of deeper energy work).
Informed Consent
Before any session, we will:
- Discuss your health history, concerns, and intentions.
- Invite you to share anything that might affect your comfort or safety.
- Offer clear explanations of what the session involves.
- Respect your right to decline, pause, or stop the session at any time.
Finally…
Holistic therapies are powerful tools for relaxation, self-awareness, and energetic balance, but they work best as part of a fully integrated approach to health. Listening to your body, honouring your limits, and consulting qualified healthcare providers when needed will always be essential steps on your healing path.
If you ever have any questions or concerns about whether a therapy is right for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you, safely and compassionately.
