Side effects are usually limited to some soreness, particularly after the first session of Tui na massage.
Generally a stone massage produces only the positive side effects of a feeling of peacefulness and spiritual renewal. No negative side effects have been reported.
Adverse effects from massage therapy are quite rare, and are usually related to unusually vigorous methods or used when contraindicated.
Facial massage may irritate and worsen such skin conditions as acne, psoriasis or eczema.
Geriatric massage is very gentle and rarely causes adverse effects. More vigorous forms of massage, however, have been associated with bleeding in such vital organs as the liver or with the formation of blood clots.
Chinese thoroughwax can cause nausea, dizziness, sweating, and intestinal discomfort when taken in excessively high dosages.
Massage has no ill side effects during menstruation. Some people find that massage actually helps with cramping and pre menstrual symptoms.
Intense massage, however, may increase the risk of injury to the body. Vigorous massage has been associated with muscle pain and such injuries as bleeding in the liver or other vital organs
There are no side effects associated with the use of Chinese yam.
Can cause diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Many Chinese herbalists mix this herb with grains-of-paradise fruit, a kind of cardamon, to prevent these side effects.
In traditional Chinese medicine, coix has been used without any undesirable side effects. There are indications, however, that people who eat large amounts of coix as food can become dehydrated.
No undesirable side effects have been reported.
Sometimes people are concerned that massage may leave them too relaxed or too mentally unfocused. To the contrary, massage tends to leave people feeling more relaxed and alert. Especially if it is of the Eastern variety. Thai massage and Acupressure energize, rejuvenate, and bring a feeling of calm alertness after having it performed.