Massage: Contraindications

Serotonin is a hormone which induces happiness and feelings of well-being. It boosts self-esteem and is responsible for our mood, sleep, emotion, sexual activity, and appetite. Endorphins or endogenous morphine are our natural painkillers. Although a massage has a lot of positive effects and can work stimulating or relaxing, in some cases it is better to avoid giving or receiving one.

9 Massage Contraindications

• Fever or infection: when having a fever or infection your body is having a hard time to get rid of an invader of some kind. Massage stimulates the circulation and can disturb the natural defense system.
• High blood pressure or heart disease: massage has an effect on our blood vessels. When having a high blood pressure these vessels are already under stress. Give a light, sedating massage.
• Skin disease (psoriasis, eczema, etc): it’s not forbidden to give a massage to a person with a skin disease, but avoid massaging over the inflamed spots.
• Muscle tear: do not touch or massage a muscle tear. You can make it worse.
• Varicose veins: a direct massage or massage towards varicose veins is forbidden. It can worsen the problem.
• Open wounds: do not touch an open wound, but go around it.
• Cancer: massage has a great influence on our lymph system and therefore it is better to avoid massages in cancer patients. Metastases are caused by our lymph system. Unless the person is palliative, then it can help to relax and relieve pain.
• Pregnant women: until 6 months there is no harm, just avoid lying on your belly. Special massage tables do exist for pregnant women. After six months special pregnancy massages can be done by an expert.
• A hernia: do not massage on a hernia. Go to a specialist and let them do their work.

In all other cases go ahead and surprise your loved one, family, friends or patients with a virtuous message. Also, check my post on how to make your own massage oil.