Client Safety & Treatment Information

1. Medical information and special considerations

Before a consultation or therapy, clients must inform the practitioner of relevant information, including:

• Current medical conditions;
• Medication and supplements;
• Allergies or sensitivities;
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding;
• High or low blood pressure;
• Heart or circulatory conditions;
• Diabetes;
• Recent surgery or injury;
• Skin conditions or infections;
• Cancer treatment;
• Previous adverse reactions to oils or massage; and
• Any significant change in health since a previous appointment.

The practitioner may request that the client consults their GP, midwife, consultant, pharmacist or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional before proceeding.

A treatment may be adapted, postponed or declined where it may not be appropriate or safe.

2. Oils, herbs and allergies

Ayurvedic treatments may use herbal oils and plant-derived ingredients. Depending on the selected product, these may include sesame oil, coconut oil or other seed, nut, herbal or botanical ingredients.

Clients must disclose all known:

• Nut allergies;
• Seed allergies;
• Fragrance sensitivities;
• Skin sensitivities;
• Plant allergies; and
• Previous reactions to massage oils or cosmetics.

Where possible, an appropriate alternative oil may be offered. However, an allergen-free environment cannot be guaranteed.

A patch test may be recommended for certain products or clients.

3. Pregnancy

Pregnant clients must disclose their pregnancy before booking and update the practitioner if their circumstances change.

Some therapies, oils, positions and techniques may not be suitable during certain stages of pregnancy or where pregnancy complications are present.

The practitioner may request written or verbal approval from the client’s maternity healthcare professional before proceeding.

Ayurvedic massage is complementary support and is not a substitute for antenatal, postnatal or obstetric care.

4. Right to refuse, modify or stop a service

The Ayur Chikitsa may refuse, modify, postpone or stop a consultation or therapy where there is a reasonable concern relating to:

• Client safety;
• Practitioner safety;
• A contraindication;
• An undisclosed or concerning health condition;
• Suspected infectious illness;
• Intoxication through alcohol or drugs;
• Threatening, abusive or discriminatory behaviour;
• Sexualised, inappropriate or unwanted behaviour;
• Repeated non-payment;
• Fraudulent use of a voucher or package;
• A request outside the practitioner’s qualifications or professional scope; or
• Any situation in which informed consent cannot be obtained.

Where a service is refused for safety reasons before it begins, any refund will depend on the circumstances and whether reasonable costs or losses have already been incurred.

The right to refuse service will not be exercised unlawfully because of a protected characteristic. Service providers must avoid discrimination and make reasonable adjustments for disabled clients where required and reasonably practicable.

The Ayur Chikitsa maintains a zero-tolerance approach to harassment, threats, abuse and sexual misconduct.

5. Client consent and comfort

Clients remain in control of their treatment.

You may:

• Ask questions;
• Request a change in pressure or temperature;
• Decline any part of a treatment;
• Request additional draping;
• Ask the practitioner to pause; or
• Withdraw consent and end the treatment at any time.

Only the area being treated will be uncovered, and appropriate draping will be used to protect privacy and dignity.

Withdrawing consent does not automatically create a right to a refund for the portion of an appointment already provided, but each situation will be considered fairly.

6. Clothing and preparation

Ayurvedic therapies may use a generous amount of oil.

Clients are advised to:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing;
• Avoid delicate or light-coloured garments;
• Bring an old towel or suitable covering for the car seat if needed;
• Remove jewellery where possible;
• Avoid a heavy meal for approximately two to three hours before treatment;
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs before attending; and
• Follow any preparation instructions sent before the appointment.

Although reasonable care will be taken, The Ayur Chikitsa cannot guarantee that oil will not transfer to clothing, towels or personal belongings.

7. Aftercare

Clients may be advised to leave the herbal oils on the body for approximately two to three hours, or overnight where comfortable and appropriate.

Aftercare may also include:

• Drinking warm water;
• Resting after treatment;
• Avoiding strenuous activity;
• Eating light, nourishing food;
• Avoiding alcohol immediately after treatment; and
• Following personalised instructions provided by the practitioner.

Aftercare advice is general wellbeing guidance and not medical treatment.

8. Client etiquette

The Ayur Chikitsa is intended to provide a calm, safe and respectful environment.

Clients are requested to:

• Keep noise to a reasonable level;
• Place mobile phones on silent;
• Respect the privacy of other clients;
• Treat the practitioner, premises and equipment with respect;
• Follow reasonable hygiene and safety instructions; and
• Avoid bringing additional guests unless agreed beforehand.

A parent, guardian, carer, interpreter or support person may attend where appropriate and agreed in advance.

9. Personal belongings

Clients are responsible for their personal possessions.

The Ayur Chikitsa will take reasonable care if lost property is found but cannot guarantee its safe storage or return.

Please avoid bringing unnecessary valuables to appointments.

10. Clients under 18

Services for anyone under 18 will only be provided where:

• The service is considered appropriate;
• A parent or legal guardian has provided written consent;
• Relevant health information has been supplied; and
• The attendance or involvement of the parent or guardian has been agreed.

The practitioner may decline to provide a service to a minor where it is outside their scope or is not considered appropriate.