Contraindications
Most people can greatly benefit from massage therapy. However, massage may not be suitable for everyone.
MASSAGE THERAPY CONTRAINDICATIONS
- blood thinners
- bleeding disorders
- burns or healing wounds
- deep vein thrombosis
- fractures
- severe osteoporosis
- severe thrombocytopenia
- BOTOX or FILLERS *
Discuss the pros and cons of massage with your doctor - especially if you are pregnant, have cancer or unexplained pain. Some forms of massage can leave you feeling a bit sore the next day. However, massage shouldn't ordinarily be painful or uncomfortable. Despite its benefits, massage isn't meant as a replacement for regular medical care. Let your doctor know you're trying massage and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans you have.
DO
- arrive at your appointment well hydrated
- eat a small nutritious snack 1-2 hours prior to your session
- bring a snack with you to have post treatment for an energy boost
- make sure you have time to rest after
- stretching and light exercise such as walking is recommended the next morning
DON'T
- drink coffee or alcohol before or after your session
- eat a large meal prior to therapy
- take a hot shower
- stress
- listen to news or loud music
- overexert yourself
- physical activity should be limited or avoided completely the rest of the day
Please tell your practitioner if you have ever experienced discomfort after cupping,
or tend to respond strongly to acupuncture, cupping, or bodywork.
Treatments can easily be modified to be more gentle and still very
effective.
Note: avoid adding any type of mint essential oils to your bath, as they will
produce an undesired cold sensation
CUPPING THERAPY CONTRAINDICATIONS
- BOTOX or FILLERS *
- slipped disc
- organ failure
- undergoing cancer therapies
- sunburn
- ruptured, ulcerated or inflamed skin
- fever
- convulsions
- easy bleeding
- hernias
- liver or kidnesy illness
- cardiomyopathy
- renal failure
- edema
- ascites
- varicose veins
- psoriasis, eczema or rosacea
- systemic cancers
- surgical incisions (recent)
- hives, herpes or shingles
- pregnant
- nursing
- bleeding disorders/ medication
- burns or healing wounds
- deep vein thrombosis
- fractures
- severe osteoporosis
- metal joint/ bone replacements, plates, screws
- ELECTRICAL IMPLANTS – pacemakers, insulin monitors, transdermal drug delivery system
note: cupping therapy may not be appropriate if you are exhausted, hungry, or emotionally upset
Please read the following carefully before receiving cupping therapy
- If you are very weak, dealing with a prolonged disease, or have low blood pressure, please let your practitioner know, as you may be able to receive cupping, but it will be a more gentle treatment and you should give yourself plenty of time to rest afterward.
- If you have a bleeding disorder or taking blood thinners, cupping treatments may not be appropriate or should be done with extreme caution.
- Cupping should not be performed on areas of severely dry/flaky, infected, broken, sunburned, burned, or inflamed skin.
DO
- drink plenty of water to help the lymphatic system eliminate waste
- eat nutritious foods the days surrounding your treatment
- stretching and light exercise such as walking is highly recommended the day after treatment to help increase circulation and aid in fading of cup marks
DON'T
- DRINK ALCOHOL
- Expose yourself to chills, drafts or heat for 4-6 hours
- take hot shower, bath, or sauna until next day following bodywork
- receive other body work for 48 hours...this could overload your system or negate the work that has been done
- eat fried or processed food, drink caffeine, alcohol, dairy or sugary foods/ drinks, for at least 24 hours after treatment
Cupping opens the the skins pores, making the body vulnerable to attack from outside
influence. For the same reason, avoiding dampness from water is important. These
environmental factors can trigger stiffness and pain
and reduce the flow of energy and blood.
If you have any soreness post-session or if your cupping marks are very dark,
massaging arnica gel, cream, or oil into the area can help promote healing and
reduce discomfort.