Which condition is a contraindication for receiving shiatsu?

Which condition is a contraindication for receiving shiatsu?

• A. Herniated disk
• B. Common cold
• C. Migraine
• D. Allergies

Answer: (A)

The key idea is recognizing which conditions make receiving pressure risky because they can be worsened by touch, especially around the spine and areas with active injury. A herniated disk involves the disk protruding and potentially pressing on nearby nerves; applying pressure or traction in that region can aggravate the herniation and increase pain or nerve symptoms. Because shiatsu often uses sustained pressure and some spinal work, it’s avoided to protect against further injury or inflammation. The other choices don’t pose the same direct risk. A common cold is a temporary, non-structural illness; massage or shiatsu can be gentle and supportive, though you’d adjust intensity or postpone if there’s fever or a contagious infection. Migraine may be a sensitive condition, but it isn’t an automatic contraindication; many therapists tailor techniques to avoid triggering points and work in a way that may relieve tension without provoking pain. Allergies aren’t a barrier to receiving shiatsu; you’d simply avoid any agents you’re allergic to, such as fragrances or topical substances, and communicate about areas of skin sensitivity. So, the condition that makes shiatsu contraindicated here is a herniated disk because of the risk of worsening spinal nerve symptoms with pressure.

The key idea is recognizing which conditions make receiving pressure risky because they can be worsened by touch, especially around the spine and areas with active injury. A herniated disk involves the disk protruding and potentially pressing on nearby nerves; applying pressure or traction in that region can aggravate the herniation and increase pain or nerve symptoms. Because shiatsu often uses sustained pressure and some spinal work, it’s avoided to protect against further injury or inflammation.

The other choices don’t pose the same direct risk. A common cold is a temporary, non-structural illness; massage or shiatsu can be gentle and supportive, though you’d adjust intensity or postpone if there’s fever or a contagious infection. Migraine may be a sensitive condition, but it isn’t an automatic contraindication; many therapists tailor techniques to avoid triggering points and work in a way that may relieve tension without provoking pain. Allergies aren’t a barrier to receiving shiatsu; you’d simply avoid any agents you’re allergic to, such as fragrances or topical substances, and communicate about areas of skin sensitivity.

So, the condition that makes shiatsu contraindicated here is a herniated disk because of the risk of worsening spinal nerve symptoms with pressure.