There are very few situations in which shiatsu would not be a good idea, particularly because the pressure can be adjusted to even be as light as barely touching the body. But these are guidelines under which shiatsu should be avoided, or at least discussed with your  medical care provider first ( and then notifying your shiatsu practitioner of your condition):

• Acute active stage of cold or flu
  
• Any acute condition or serious disease (check with doctor first.. if they unclear as to what shiatsu is, ask if it's okay to get massage or acupuncture)
• Untreated high blood pressure, heart rhythm issues or diabetes
• Cancer. There are varying schools of thought about this. On the one hand, the idea that shiatsu has the function of moving energy gives rise to the theory that this could cause the cancer to spread more quickly. On the other hand, it is believed that very gentle and short sessions (combined with the practitioner's purest intention not to harm) can support the body's immune response, relieve the overall stress caused by the illness and the medical treatments, and relieve some of the side-effects, such as nausea, caused by chemo and radiation. Once again, it is best to consult with a doctor, use good judgement, and gauge the comfort level of the receiver and the practitioner.
  
• And under NO circumstances should a person under the influence of drugs or alcohol receive bodywork.
  

•  Osteoporosis, or recent broken fractures, broken bones, sprains
• Open wounds, recent scars, bruises, varicose veins, inflammations or sores that might be hidden by clothing
• Early pregnancy (first trimester)
  
• Contagious illness

Simple as that..

Last updated on June 13, 2008 by Gina Loree' Marks