ILOVEU For Carers HEARTS Massage & Reflexology

Here I guide you through a simple technique based on the mnemonic ILoveU - three movements that can be used throughout a hand and arm massage. My purpose in sharing this approach is to encourage therapists to teach this skill to carers/family members, so they can convey love through touch. The ILoveU technique could be also be included in a HEARTS or reflexology session - again providing opportunities to teach carers/family members. Importantly, the recipient provides consent to proceed to those delivering the touch technique observing for withdrawal of consent - and stopping, if requested or indicated by cues. The ILoveU technique might also be useful at the end of life when carers/families could indicate their presence through this loving contact. Additionally, the technique could be used in other settings, such as in dementia care, in oncology settings to ease anxiety during medical procedures and maybe at nighttime as a self care interventions to help with sleep.