Contraindications

When NOT to receive a massage:

Locally:

• Broken Bones

• Open wounds and lesions

• Burns

• Rashes, poison oak/ivy, hives.  Psoriasis is not a contraindicated condition, however avoid lesions in the skin.

• Shingles

• Fungus, ie. nail fungus, athlete's foot

• Varicose veins

• inflammation

General:

• High fever

• intoxication (drugs or alcohol)

• Contagious diseases like chicken pox, measles, severe flu, shingles

• High risk pregnancies (former miscarriages, IVF in the first trimester, ill health of pregnant woman, hemorrhaging)

• Uncontrolled diabetes

• Severe osteoporosis (can include paraplegia and quadriplegia)

• Severe nerve damage

• Blood cancers like leukemia

When you CAN receive a massage, but with caution:

• Limited range of motion.

• Post-surgery: Depending on the surgery, Shiatsu may not be applicable at all or only in certain areas.  Note: No Shiatsu for a minimum of six (6) months after spinal fusion.  Please confirm with physician.

• Low immune system: Length and intensity of session is subject to client's daily condition.

• Cancer: No work done directly over tumors.  Radiation sites are considered "burn" sites.  Only very gentle pressure.  Consult with physician.

• Aids: No lesions.  Length and intensity of session is subject to client's daily condition.

• High blood pressure:  Shiatsu is not a circulatory massage (Anma is circulatory).  Pressure is applied SLOWLY.  Shiatsu stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers blood pressure.  Note: if your BP is high, please make sure you are under the care of a physician.

• Pregnancy:  Shiatsu per se is not contraindicated during a healthy pregnancy, however strong stimulation of contraindicated points and areas must be avoided.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Certain medications can predispose you to bruising.  Examples are blood thinners (such as Coumadin or Asprin) and steroids (such as prednisone).