What Are The Disadvantages of Shiatsu? Risks, Side Effects & Contraindications
Key Takeaways
Side Effects are Temporary: Mild tiredness, slight muscle ache, or a temporary headache are common and usually pass within 24 hours.
Contraindications are Clear: Conditions like high fever, acute infections, severe osteoporosis, or recent surgery require consultation or postponement.
No Nerve Damage Risk: When performed by a qualified practitioner, Shiatsu is non-invasive and does not pose a risk of nerve damage.
Safety is a Partnership: Openly discussing your full health history is the most important step for a safe and effective treatment.
Rest is Key: Allowing for rest immediately after the session maximises the body's natural healing response.
Is Shiatsu for Everyone? Understanding Potential Drawbacks
Shiatsu is a gentle, hands-on therapy rooted in traditional Japanese healing principles. It is a profoundly nurturing practice, aiming to balance the body’s energy system and promote deep relaxation. many people find it to be an ideal treatment for easing stress, chronic tension, and fatigue, as it works to address the person as a whole, rather than just isolated symptoms.
However, when exploring any holistic treatment, it is natural—and wise—to ask: Is it right for me?
This thoughtful question leads us to explore potential drawbacks and sensitivities. While Shiatsu is safe and non-invasive for most, a responsible practitioner must always approach every body with care, humility, and caution. We meet you where you are, and that means being open and honest about when Shiatsu might not be the most suitable choice, or what to expect afterward. Asking, What are the disadvantages of Shiatsu? is not a sign of doubt, but a gentle step towards informed, safe wellness. This guide is dedicated to providing that warm, grounded, and reassuring overview, ensuring your wellness journey remains safe and supportive.
Some risks are worth taking, and if you’re taking them, it’s better to be aware and prepared to avoid any extra unpleasantness.
Common Side Effects: What to Expect After Treatment
Sometimes, the body responds to therapeutic touch by releasing deeply held tension. This release can manifest as a few common and temporary side effects. Knowing about these reactions in advance can help you feel calm and reassured after your session.
Many people report feeling deeply relaxed, sometimes even sleepy, immediately after a Shiatsu session. This is a positive sign that your body is moving towards a calmer state. However, other temporary effects, sometimes grouped under the secondary keyword Side effects of acupressure massage, can include:
A "Dull Ache" or Soreness: Since Shiatsu involves pressing on specific points and moving limbs, some recipients might feel a mild, muscular soreness similar to what you might experience after gentle exercise. This should be temporary.
Increased Tiredness: It is common to feel a wave of fatigue, as the body uses its resources to rebalance and process the treatment. We encourage you to honour this need for rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day.
Mild Headache: In rare instances, a temporary mild headache can occur as the body adjusts to shifts in blood flow and released tension. Staying well-hydrated is the best countermeasure.
These reactions are simply part of the healing process—a sign that your body is moving and adjusting. They rarely last longer than 24 to 48 hours.
Why Do Side Effects Occur?
Shiatsu is a therapy based on applying pressure to meridian lines and tsubo (pressure points) using the fingers, thumbs, and palms. This focused pressure encourages the flow of Qi (life energy) throughout the body. When energy flow is restricted, applying pressure can help release stagnation. When the stagnation is released, the body begins a natural cleansing process, which can temporarily cause these mild, gentle reactions. They are often less intense than those experienced after a deep tissue or strong Swedish massage.
When to Avoid Shiatsu: A Shiatsu Contraindications List
A key part of the therapeutic relationship is open communication, especially concerning your health history. There are certain circumstances or pre-existing conditions—known as contraindications—where Shiatsu should be avoided, postponed, or adapted with great care. This careful approach ensures your safety above all else. Understanding this Shiatsu contraindications list is paramount for a responsible practitioner and client.
Serious Health Conditions
It is vital to be aware of the following conditions, where the gentle pressure of Shiatsu may be counterproductive or require doctor approval (Secondary Keyword: When to avoid Shiatsu therapy):
Fever or Acute Illness: If you are acutely unwell, especially with a fever or flu, your body is already busy fighting the infection. Treatment should be postponed until you have fully recovered.
Infectious Skin Conditions: Any active rashes, open wounds, or highly contagious skin infections should be avoided to prevent irritation or spreading the condition.
Certain Cancers: If you are undergoing treatment for cancer, or within five years of remission, always consult your oncologist before receiving any bodywork. While gentle touch can be supportive, certain techniques may be contraindicated or require modification.
Serious Heart Conditions: For anyone with a severe, unstable heart condition, deep work or strong stimulation may be inappropriate. Always seek medical advice first.
Acute Injuries and Inflammation
Shiatsu, like other forms of manual therapy, must be adapted or avoided entirely in areas of acute physical trauma:
Recent Fractures or Dislocations: The affected area should not be treated with Shiatsu until it has fully healed and been medically cleared.
Severe Osteoporosis: Because Shiatsu involves firm pressure, practitioners must take great care when treating clients with severe bone density loss. A lighter touch or modification is essential to prevent injury.
Active Inflammation or Swelling: If you have acute arthritis, bursitis, or any other area that is hot, swollen, or highly painful, applying pressure would likely increase inflammation and discomfort. We would gently work around the area or focus on balancing other parts of the body.
Clotting Disorders or Anticoagulant Use: Due to the pressure applied, clients on certain blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) or those with conditions affecting blood clotting may bruise easily. Your practitioner must be informed so the pressure can be significantly reduced to ensure safety.
Sensitive Life Stages
The intensity of Shiatsu should also be carefully adapted during certain life changes. Pregnancy is a wonderful time for gentle, supportive bodywork, but it is a critical time for the practitioner to have specialist training. Certain points are known to stimulate or affect the uterus and should be avoided, especially in the first trimester. Always choose a practitioner who is fully qualified in providing Japanese therapies to expectant mothers.
Gentle Care: Addressing Shiatsu Massage Risks and Safety
When people discuss Shiatsu massage risks, they are often concerned about intensity or injury. However, genuine risks in Shiatsu are low, particularly when compared to deeper, more aggressive forms of bodywork. Shiatsu rarely focuses on manipulating muscles or forcing joints, but rather on pressing on the surface of the body along energy lines.
The Importance of Communication
The greatest measure of safety lies in open, sincere communication. Your initial consultation is not just a formality; it is a vital exchange where your practitioner establishes your complete health profile. They need to know about any surgeries, metal implants (e.g., pace-makers, joint replacements), medications, or recent accidents.
A skilled practitioner will adjust every technique based on your report. For example, if a client reports sensitive lower back issues, the practitioner will use their hands and forearms gently, avoiding deep, sudden movements. We aim to create a calm space through words before we even use touch. If anything feels uncomfortable or too intense during the session, you should always feel empowered to speak up immediately. This collaboration is what makes the experience nurturing and safe.
How Shiatsu Differs from Deep Tissue Massage
The approach to touch in Shiatsu is profoundly different from that of deep tissue massage. Deep tissue work often aims to break down adhesions and tightness by working aggressively into the muscle fibres. This can be painful and lead to significant post-treatment soreness.
Shiatsu, in contrast, applies sustained, perpendicular pressure to specific points along the meridians. The goal is to stimulate the energy within the body, not forcibly rearrange the muscle tissue, as thoroughly explored in Shiatsu pressure techniques. While the pressure can be firm—using body weight rather than muscular effort—it should never feel sharp or cause you to hold your breath. It is a steady, nurturing kind of pressure designed to ease tension, not cause resistance.
Nerve Damage Concerns Shiatsu: Setting the Record Straight
The secondary keyword Nerve damage concerns Shiatsu is sometimes searched online, often stemming from general fears about acupressure or deep massage techniques near the spine or sensitive areas.
It is important to state clearly that when performed by a properly trained and qualified practitioner, Shiatsu does not carry a risk of nerve damage. The pressure is applied using the palms, thumbs, and fingers and is always directed into the body tissues, not forced across bones or joints in a manipulative way.
A professional Shiatsu practitioner has extensive training in anatomy and physiology. They understand the location of major nerve pathways and the spine and know exactly where pressure is safe and therapeutic, and where it must be avoided or modified. If you have underlying nerve-related conditions, such as Sciatica or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Shiatsu can often be beneficial for easing related muscle tension, but the practitioner will always adapt the technique to ensure the delicate nerves are never directly compromised. Trust in your practitioner’s qualifications allows you to truly rest and reconnect during your session.
Our Unique Insight: The Power of Sincere Consultation
The most significant step you can take toward mitigating any perceived risk or disadvantage of Shiatsu happens before you even lie on the mat: the sincere and thorough consultation.
In our practice, we don't just ask about medical conditions; we gently ask about your current emotional and energy state. This holistic approach ensures we understand that you are not just a collection of symptoms, but a whole person experiencing life. If you come in feeling deeply exhausted, our approach will be much gentler and more restful than if you arrive with specific, localized muscle tightness. This is one of the key differences when considering a treatment like Shiatsu vs. Reiki. The disadvantage of an impersonal, rushed session, where the consultation is skipped, is that the treatment will miss the mark. A dedicated, personalized consultation transforms the experience, ensuring the treatment is perfectly tailored and, above all, safe. It is this empathy and humility that defines a nurturing space.
Actionable Strategy: Three Steps to a Safer Shiatsu Session
While a good practitioner handles the clinical aspects of safety, there are three small, actionable steps you can take today to ensure your Shiatsu experience is maximally beneficial and safe, making the investment in yourself completely worthwhile.
Be Explicit About Medications and History: Before your session, make a brief note of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking, along with the dates of any recent surgeries or significant injuries. Even seemingly unrelated issues, like a recent bout of food poisoning or a heavy course of antibiotics, can affect your energy levels and how your body responds to the treatment. This clarity allows your therapist to adapt their pressure and focus areas immediately.
Practice the Pause Button: During the session, if you feel any discomfort that makes you tense up or pull away—even slightly—gently speak up. Remember, you are in a nurturing space. A responsible practitioner will immediately soften their touch or move to a different area. The goal is a soft exhale, not a held breath.
Prioritise Post-Treatment Rest: The most common drawback is temporary fatigue. To minimize this and maximise the restorative effects, schedule your appointments at a time when you can dedicate the following hour to gentle rest. Avoid heavy exercise, significant work demands, or driving long distances immediately afterward. Treat yourself with kindness and ease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Shiatsu effective for pain?
Shiatsu is widely used as a complementary therapy to help manage various types of chronic and acute pain, including back pain, neck stiffness, and headaches. By applying pressure to specific points and promoting better Qi flow, it encourages the body's natural ability to ease tension and discomfort. It is not a direct pain cure, but rather a supportive therapy that helps relax the nervous system, which in turn reduces the perception of pain.
Should I feel pain during a Shiatsu session?
No, you should not feel sharp or unbearable pain. While some pressure points might feel tender or "sore-good" due to existing muscle tension or energy blockages, the experience should be deeply therapeutic and manageable. If you feel compelled to flinch or tense up, the pressure is too strong. The experience should always align with the gentle, welcoming, and quiet confidence that defines the practice.
How often should I receive Shiatsu?
The ideal frequency depends entirely on your current health status and wellness goals. For acute issues, such as a recent flare-up of tension or stress, weekly sessions may be beneficial initially. For general wellness, balance, and stress maintenance, receiving Shiatsu every two to four weeks is often sufficient. Your practitioner can recommend a personalized plan based on your needs and what you are trying to achieve through this holistic approach to healing.
Conclusion
The initial question, What are the disadvantages of Shiatsu? is a thoughtful, sincere inquiry that deserves an equally sincere answer. The truth is that the disadvantages are minimal—often limited to temporary, mild fatigue or slight soreness—provided the treatment is approached with professional rigour and caution.
The primary requirement for safe and effective Shiatsu is not avoiding the treatment, but ensuring the practitioner is skilled, and the client is open and honest during the consultation. By understanding the few contraindications and communicating openly about your body's specific needs, you transform any potential drawback into a key step on a safe, nurturing, and sincere wellness journey. If you are looking for an established practitioner in the area, you can learn more about our Japanese massage services. We also invite you to explore our price options to find the right treatment for you.
About the Author
This article was brought to you by Norma Powell, a dedicated practitioner with a passion for traditional Japanese therapies. Norma offers expert guidance through practical strategies, ensuring clients are treated with care and their experiences are deeply restorative. Her approach is rooted in clear, simple communication and genuine empathy, ensuring every session feels like a soft exhale—steady, nurturing, and sincere.
Sources
Shiatsu massage: Benefits, side effects, and more (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/shiatsu-massage)
Shiatsu | Complementary and Alternative therapy - Cancer Research UK (https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/shiatsu)
Contraindications - shiatsu-london.net (https://www.shiatsu-london.net/contraindications)
