Indications and contraindications

If any of these conditions apply to you, please call to confirm your condition before booking an appointment or obtain a doctors' consent form. Appointments not changed within 24 hours will be subject to cancellation policy.:

Fever: When you have a fever, your body is trying to isolate and expel an invader of some kind. Massage increases overall circulation and could therefore work against your body's natural defenses .

Inflammation: Massage can further irritate an area of inflammation, so you should not have massage performed on this area. Inflamed conditions include anything that ends in –itis, such as phlebitis (inflammation of a vein), dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), arthritis (inflammation of the joints), and so on. In the case of localized problems, you can still massage around them, however, avoiding the inflammation itself.

High blood pressure: High blood pressure means excessive pressure against blood vessel walls. Massage affects the blood vessels, and so people with high blood pressure, blood clots, DVT or a heart condition should receive light, sedating massages, if at all. Pressure on the legs should be modified and no pressure should be used on the carotid artery or pulse points.

Bleeding disorders: avoid a massage if you have a bleeding disorder, have a low blood platelet count, or are taking blood thinner medication such as Warfarin.

Infectious/Contagious diseases: Massage is not a good idea for someone coming down with a cold, flu or diphtheria, for example. Please obtain a doctors' note to bring to your session.

Hernia: Hernias are protrusions of part of an organ (such as the intestines) through a muscular wall. It's not a good idea to try to push these organs back inside.

Osteoporosis: Elderly people with a severe stoop to the shoulders often have this condition, in which bones become porous, brittle, and fragile. Massage may be too intense for this condition.

Varicose veins: Massage directly over varicose veins can worsen the problem. However, if you apply a very light massage next to the problem, always in a direction toward the heart, it can be very beneficial. 

Broken bones: Stay away from an area of mending bones. A little light massage to the surrounding areas, though, can improve circulation and be quite helpful.

Skin problems: You should avoid anything that looks like it shouldn't be there, such as rashes, wounds, bruises, burns, boils, frostbite, and blisters, for example. Usually these problems are local, so massage can still be performed in other areas.

Cancer: Cancer can spread through the lymphatic system, and because massage increases lymphatic circulation, it may potentially spread the disease as well. Simple, caring touch is fine, but massage strokes that stimulate circulation are not. Always check with a doctor first.

Surgery: If you have had recent surgery, please check with your doctor and obtain a release before you to get a massage.

Strong pain medications, such as narcotics, interfere with perception and the ability to give the MT feedback about pressure. The practitioner should only use gentle pressure and joint movements to avoid causing injury. For an unstable injury, treat the area as unstable and avoid stretching or other strong passive movement in the area.

Other conditions and diseases: Diabetes, asthma, and other serious conditions each have its own precautions, and you should seek a doctor's opinion before administering massage.

Massage cupping is not to be used with excessive exfoliation.
Clients must avoid exposure to excessive heat (shower, sauna, etc.), cold, or exercise after cupping sessions (for at least 4-6 hours)
Clients should drink sufficient amounts of water subsequent to cupping sessions.
Massage cupping should not be used on clients with:
Pace makers or

Electrical implants,

Low Blood Pressure

Energy Depletion (Exhaustion), or Clients who are Pregnant

Cupping must also be used with caution on children, the elderly, diabetics, and persons with varicose veins.

• Sunburn skin
• Inflammations
• Heightened allergies
• Open wounds
• Medications that can cause skin sensitivity (for example keratolytics such as Retinol, adapalene, Accutane, azelaic acid, alphahydroxy acid or salicylic acid, Trentinoin, Renova, Tazorac, EpiDuo, Retin-A, Differin, Avage and Ziana)

People with couperous, acneic skin with pustules and papules, very thin skin or skin with visible capillaries should exfoliate with gentle peels and never use harsh exfoliators.

There are also some special contraindications for different skin peel methods.
Contraindications to chemical peels:

• heightened allergies
• open wounds or open lesions
• an extreme sunburn
• recent facial cosmetic procedure
• medication that can cause skin sensitivity
• rosacea
• pustular acne
• serious sensitive-skin disorders and/or infections

It’s always better to discuss your skin type and the method of the exfoliation with your practitioner before you start using any exfoliat

Contraindications for hot stone massage begin with the same cautions as for any type of massage therapy: fever, contagious diseases such as colds and flu, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, recent surgery or acute injuries. And, similarly, local contraindications such as severe bruises, cuts and abrasions should be avoided along with varicose veins and sunburn.



Hot stone massage, however, is going to have an increased effect on certain conditions due to the additional heat added to the body. Pregnant clients should not receive a very hot stone massage, but warm stones can be used so long as the client is otherwise able to receive massage therapy. Edema, cardiovascular conditions and high blood pressure can all be aggravated more by hot stone massage, as the effects can be even greater than those of other massage modalities due to the additional heat. Similarly, those with diabetes who are suffering from decreased sensitivity may not be aware they are being burned, so very hot stones should not be used on them.

People with skin sensitivities

Sunburn

Open wounds

Cardiac problems

Pregnancy.