Possible adverse reactions to Shiatsu

While Shiatsu is a safe treatment, it can sometimes involve some mild discomfort. It is not unusual to feel a dull ache, or sharpness in the points under treatment, although most people describe this as a ‘good' or ‘nice' pain. Some clients, however, may occasionally experience more intense, albeit short lived reactions during and/or following treatment.

For instance, during a session, clients may sometimes undergo an emotional release. Although distressing at the time, this will typically only last a few minutes, and is actually quite normal and even sometimes expected or looked for. In some cases, however, such releases may trigger a more profound change which may last longer, representing a step forward in treatment terms as the client ‘lets go' of something that may have been bothering them.

Physical reactions may include light-headedness or vertigo, or a feeling of faintness. This is due to rapid movement of energy and is most common during the early stages of treatment when a client is unused to energy work.

Some clients may experience discomfort in areas that have been treated, for example in the lower back. This normally passes in a short time and represents the body assimilating the treatment it has received.

Occasionally, clients may have flu or cold like symptoms following treatment due to the release and movement of toxins which have been released from storage in body tissue.

Whatever you are feeling, do not be embarrassed to mention or express it. Your practitioner will not be embarrassed, so neither should you. If you are unhappy or uncomfortable about any aspect of your treatment at any time, please do say. There will usually be an alternative approach, or at least an explanation as to why things have to be done in a certain way.