Contra-indications in Thai Massage

Thai Massage courses must cover these contra-indications in detail. Very often Thai Massage schools gloss over these issues leaving students stranded. Here are the main Contra-indications of Thai Massage.

• Cancer: Thai massage’s effect of improving circulation can cause the spread of cancerous cells further to other parts of the body. Please refuse such clients unless you intend to do very light work. Fascia forms a protective layer preventing cancerous cells to move. Deep work can cause metastasis. Oncological massage is a specialized field of therapy and unless you know what you are doing it is best to get consent from the GP.
• Fever: Increasing circulation can spread the infections further into the blood stream. Please refuse such a session.
• Injury or Sprains: Please do not work on sprains, inflamed areas or open cuts. Wait till the inflammation and heat has reduced before working.
• Surgeries: Depending on the age of your client and how well they heal you can only work after three years, on areas where major surgeries have been conducted. Skin and tissue take time to heal, and the progress depends on the age of your client and their physical conditions.
• After food: Thai Yoga Massage can be delivered on a client’s about 2 hours after a meal. One reason for that is that as inversions and pressure on the abdominal area can interfere with digestion.
• A client under the influence of alcohol will not be in a frame of mind to receive any healing and lack the ability to focus on their bodies.
• Pregnancy: Some positions are quite uncomfortable or impossible for pregnant women like seated, prone and supine. Besides working on the inner Line 2 can cause uterine contractions resulting in a miscarriage.
• High BP(Blood Pressure) : Thai massage results in increasing BP slightly. Therefore, anyone with a BP exceeding 140Mg must be avoided, unless their BP is normal with or without medication. Also, avoid pressing and stopping any artery points.
• Hernia: Hernias In the abdominal and inguinal area can recur when working or stretching the area.
• Gout / Rheumatism: Avoid pulling, cracking in places and joints where there is pain.
• Diabetes: Diabetics tend to have weaker blood vessels walls. The increase in Blood Pressure due to Thai Massage can result in ruptures in blood vessels. Also, be careful when working on the site where your client takes insulin injection these create problems.
• Osteoporosis/Arthritis/ Steroids: For older people or those lacking bone strength firm pressure can result in fractures. Go gentle on such parts even during stretches.
• Varicose Veins: In the case of varicose veins blood vessels have hardened and twisted, working with intense pressure on those areas can cause the walls to rupture.
• Heart Disease/  Cerebral strokes/ High Cholesterol: Do not perform any artery blocks (opening the wind gate) as this can result in dislodging plaque deposits or clots and moving them to arteries that supply blood to the heart or brain.
• Cerebral complications, hemorrhages/ strokes: : Do not perform any arterial blocks (opening the wind gate as this can result in dislodging plaque deposits and moving them to arteries that supply blood to the brain.
• Always wash before and after a massage so that energetic transmission from therapist to the client and vice-a-versa are prevented.
• Do not touch open wounds or areas of possible skin infections.
• Use a consultation form to check for all these conditions and design your session accordingly.

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