Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Are Masseur Oils gluten-free Safe ?

georgie

Recommended Posts

georgie Enthusiast
georgie
Posted

I had an appt this week for a chiropractor and masseur. Oil was used and now - 3 days later - I feel ill as though I have been glutened. I was struggling to find a reason and then thought of this oil that was used. Could that be the cause ??

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


nomadog Newbie
nomadog
Posted
I had an appt this week for a chiropractor and masseur. Oil was used and now - 3 days later - I feel ill as though I have been glutened. I was struggling to find a reason and then thought of this oil that was used. Could that be the cause ??

Hi Georgie,

I am a licensed massage therapist (masseuse) in the United States. To my knowledge, the lotions, creams, oils used in professional massage therapy do not contain gluten. However, those with nut allergies must be aware that some of the creams, etc. do contain various nut oils. I am not familiar with what is commonly used in Australia.

I doubt you were "glutened" in that sense; the sense that new gluten was introduced to your system. What is important to be aware of is that massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which is part of your immune defense, as well as stimulating the general blood circulation. It also initiates toxins out of your muscles and possibly your organs through the general cleansing nature of the body when things get stirred up, as in during a massage. It is quite likely that your feeling of being "glutened" is due to the upsurge of old, stagnant toxins that had been lodged in your system. Furthermore, it is not an unusual event for someone, with a food intolerance/allergy or not, to feel ill after a massage or chiro treatment. This happens sometimes and is part of the reason behind the suggestion to drink plenty of water after being massaged. I have personally known some people to experience diarrhea and flu-like symptoms after a massage. This is merely due to the toxin-removal nature of every form of massage therapy, no matter how mild the massage may have seemed (if, in fact, it was light). In fact, a form of massage known as lymphatic drainage uses a very, very light degree of pressure to activate the lymphatic system. Personally, I have had this type of massage performed on me and, while receiving it, thought it was probably doing very little, due to the light pressure, but I was so sick I could not work that evening! A kind of cleansing/healing had been initiated!

And, this is important, I suggest you contact the practitioners who worked with you with your concerns, as they will be able to more succintly advise you. They will know what products they have used (to know the true answer regarding product info) and, will probably confirm some of the natural reactions to massage I have mentioned. Feeling unwell after a massage can be a 'normal' reaction. It certainly does not mean it will always happen. Like everything else, it depends on many factors, like the condition of the client at the time of the massage, etc.

I hope I have eased your mind and I hope you are feeling well.

Again, contact your masseuse! Yours is a totally reasonable question to ask him.

Take care,

Heidi

Jestgar Rising Star
Jestgar
Posted

Georgie,

I questioned this as well. After a massage I had a full on gluten reaction. I went so far as to write the company from which my massage practitioner buys her oils, but I never got a response. I've gotten massages from her many times and only once did I have that reaction and she always uses the same oil.

Her explanation was that maybe the massage released some trapped toxins. I wonder if she had gluten on her hands and accidentally worked it into my body. I guess there's no way of knowing for sure. But I'm not going to dwell on it.

Moustique77 Newbie
Moustique77
Posted

Im also a Licensed Massage Therapist in Florida for 5 years. I was using Biotone NutriNaturals lotion for my sessions. I never even bothered to look at the ingredients until I was diagnosed a few months ago. Sure enough it contains wheat germ oil. Obviously I stopped using it immediately.

My wife retails skin care products and tells me that wheat is a common ingredient used. It is high in vitamins and has antiaging properties, so its great for non-celiacs.

I know you need to ingest gluten to get a reaction. But some of these oils are so sticky, they seem to stay on my hands after several washes. Then I touch my food, or my face, etc... I think its best to avoid skin/body care products for this reason. Always ask your therapist what they are using or take your own lotion with you to a session.

And yes its true that massage stimulates many systems in the body. It can release toxins to be eliminated and therefore sometimes people feel sore or 'down' afterwards. We were taught to encourage clients to drink plenty of fluid before/after a massage to help with this effect. Overall it depends on the person how the body will react, but ultimately massage has many positive effects for the body and mind.

nomadog Newbie
nomadog
Posted
Im also a Licensed Massage Therapist in Florida for 5 years. I was using Biotone NutriNaturals lotion for my sessions. I never even bothered to look at the ingredients until I was diagnosed a few months ago. Sure enough it contains wheat germ oil. Obviously I stopped using it immediately.

My wife retails skin care products and tells me that wheat is a common ingredient used. It is high in vitamins and has antiaging properties, so its great for non-celiacs.

I know you need to ingest gluten to get a reaction. But some of these oils are so sticky, they seem to stay on my hands after several washes. Then I touch my food, or my face, etc... I think its best to avoid skin/body care products for this reason. Always ask your therapist what they are using or take your own lotion with you to a session.

And yes its true that massage stimulates many systems in the body. It can release toxins to be eliminated and therefore sometimes people feel sore or 'down' afterwards. We were taught to encourage clients to drink plenty of fluid before/after a massage to help with this effect. Overall it depends on the person how the body will react, but ultimately massage has many positive effects for the body and mind.

Wow! Wheat germ oil! Thanks for finding this. At my spa we use Amber products. Do you know if they are gluten-free? I wrote to the company but have had no response yet. I think Jojoba oil is a good rec. for anyone concerned; it is thought to be the least allergenic.

Take care,

Heidi

Moustique77 Newbie
Moustique77
Posted
Wow! Wheat germ oil! Thanks for finding this. At my spa we use Amber products. Do you know if they are gluten-free? I wrote to the company but have had no response yet. I think Jojoba oil is a good rec. for anyone concerned; it is thought to be the least allergenic.

Take care,

Heidi

I think Amber products are ok. Im sure they confirmed them. Amber usually lists the all the ingredients on their product container in any case. I also agree that using strait oils is also a good way to avoid allergens for clients. Both Amber, Biotone and several other companies sell unscented hypoallergenic lotion/oil/cream bases to be customized with essential oils to create a signature line for clients.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,807
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    MoonBear
    Newest Member
    MoonBear
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • KathyR37
      New here

      By KathyR37 · Posted

      Thank you for your response. I have already learned about the info you sent but i appreciate your effort. I am the only one in my family cursed by this disease. I have to cook for them too. I make sure that my utensils are free of gluten and clean after using them for other food. I use non-porous pots and pans and  gloves when cooking for them. One huge problem I have is a gag reflex out of this world and if something doesn't taste good it is not going down. Most commercially made breads and such taste like old cardboard.Pastas are about the same. I did find one flour that I like and use it regularly, but it is so expensive! All gluten free food is way more expensive. I only eat twice a day because I cannot afford to buy all that. We live on a very low income so my food purchases are quite limited.
    • Scott Adams
      New here

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      What you've described—the severe weight loss, the cycle of medications making things worse, and the profound fear of eating before leaving the house—is a heavy burden to carry for 15 years. It is absolutely not your fault. While everyone's journey with celiac is different, the struggles with the learning curve, social isolation, and dietary grief are feelings many in the community know all too well. Your question about whether you should just eat what you want and manage the symptoms is a heartbreaking one, born from years of frustration. It's crucial to know that the diarrhea is a sign of ongoing damage to your small intestine from gluten, and simply managing the symptom with Imodium doesn't stop that internal harm or the risk of other complications. The fact that you are still getting sick within an hour of eating, even while trying to be gluten-free, is a huge red flag that something isn't right. This could be due to cross-contamination in your kitchen (e.g., using a shared toaster, colander, or condiment jars), hidden gluten in foods, or the possibility of another concurrent condition like refractory celiac disease. Don't give up!  This article has some detailed information on how to be 100% gluten-free, so it may be helpful (be sure to also read the comments section.):    
    • KathyR37
      New here

      By KathyR37 · Posted

      I am new here but celiac disease is not new to me. I was diagnosed with it at age 60. At the time I weighed a whopping 89 pounds. I was so ignorant to celiac so I buried myself in learning all about it and looking for food I could eat. I lost so much weight and stayed sick all the time. So to combat the sickness I was give all sorts of meds for loose bowels and vomiting. All that just made me sicker. Eventually I chucked it all and went back to eating like I had all my life. Now I am from the south and biscuits and gravy are a big part of our food, as are breaded foods, pasta, and sandwich bread. Through the years I would try to do the gluten free thing again and am doing it now. It has not helped any. Within and hour of eating I have to run to the bathroom. I am now 75 and am wondering if I should just forget it and eat what I like, take Immodium and live the best I can. I cannot eat before going anywhere for fear of embarrassing myself. Family and church dinners are out of the question unless I eat and run straight home. I am so frustrated I just want to sit down and cry or throw something. Does everyone go through all this?
    • Scott Adams
      Celiac attack confusion and anxiety

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      This article, and the comments below it, may be helpful:    
    • nanny marley
      Manitol and mri

      By nanny marley · Posted

      Oh yes I can understand the tiredness after going threw all that, must be exhausting especially on the mind I have high aniexty so I can understand that , I wish there more easier ways for people to get help , I had a MRI on my spine some years ago without anything it was really quick and no prep , I understand the need for  them to see better with the bowel ,but you think they would use something a little less traumatic  for ibd sufferers on the bowels by now ,I hope your feeling better today 🙏
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.