Bodywork – Limits & Contraindications

In bodywork, the aim is to stay present with the body as much as possible. To successfully achieve this goal, we must take some safety precautions. The client, with the help of the therapist, can regulate the intensity and length of their experience. Progressing and growth take time and practice. At all costs, one must avoid overcharging themselves mentally or physically. Overwhelming the body has no benefits. On the contrary, there are multiple risks one takes with overactivation, primarily re-traumatization. Therefore, the therapist needs to carefully choose the breathing pattern that will be used. 

To practice responsibly, the following physiological limitations must be accommodated.

Limitations:

Reduced Lung Capacity

– Attempting to completely charge the body through deep, connected breathwork may make people with restricted lung capacity dizzy, which is not beneficial, especially in a consciousness-based practice like bodywork. The breathwork component’s length and depth can be adjusted to fit the needs of each individual. For instance, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth may be helpful if inhaling via the mouth is too intense.

Age

– Utilizing the felt sense is especially beneficial because it alerts us to the areas of our body that are functioning well and those that require care. Even if the body’s mobility is restricted, or less than it once was, people can still obtain outstanding outcomes. Even though the energy and movement within the body are delicate and little, they can still cause a major shift. Even when there are no tremors or unraveling that can be seen, energetic charge and discharge can still occur.

Pain

– One place may scream for attention while other areas are left out for those who have chronic pain from conditions like arthritis or other ailments. In certain situations, the felt sense might help in “seeing past” painful locations to check in with other body parts. On the other side, those who have been hurt frequently may steer clear of the region altogether. Once more, the key is bodily awareness and knowledge. In bodywork, the client understands when, how much, and how long to activate. Additionally, the client is aware of when enough is enough. It’s crucial to keep in mind that even the smallest motions have the power to create miracles; with time and diligent practice, the movements may grow larger. For people who are confined to wheelchairs or beds, please understand that energy is moving through tissues whether or not they feel it. Even without nerve impulses or muscle activity; circulation, lymph flow, and other processes continue.

Contraindications

SOMA Bodywork can result in intense physical and emotional releases. For your safety, you are NOT allowed to participate in SOMA Bodywork y if you have any of the following conditions:

Medical Conditions

• Neurological & Cardiovascular: Epilepsy, seizures, strokes (CVA), transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), detached retina, glaucoma, uncontrolled high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases (heart attack history, arrhythmia, heart failure), aneurysms (personal or immediate family history), use of prescription blood thinners, implanted medical devices (pacemakers, neurostimulators).
• Psychiatric & Mental Health: Severe mental disorders (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, paranoia, psychotic episodes, depersonalization, dissociative disorders, etc.), severe anxiety or PTSD (without professional support), hospitalization for a psychiatric condition or emotional crisis within the past 10 years, active substance withdrawal (alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other drugs), low impulse control.
• Chronic & Autoimmune Diseases: Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency), chronic respiratory diseases (COPD-II, COPD-III), unstable diabetes (especially Type 1 Diabetes), severe autoimmune or inflammatory diseases (Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, severe Fibromyalgia), terminal illnesses or chronic diseases with symptoms of decompensation, cancer (only contraindicated for those undergoing active treatment or in advanced stages—consult a doctor if in remission).
• Acute & Musculoskeletal Conditions: Acute somatic or viral diseases, severe adrenal fatigue or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME), osteoporosis or unhealed injuries, severe chronic pain conditions affecting movement, major surgery within the last 6 months (especially abdominal, heart, or neurological procedures).

More Contraindications

Pregnany

Women should refrain from using deep breathwork during any stage of their pregnancy.

A history or current symptoms of seizures, epilepsy, and/or severe heart disease

Seizures, epilepsy, or severe heart disease are among the illnesses that may not react well to bodywork sessions. Meditation or calm, deliberate movement activities may be preferable in these circumstances.

A history or current symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and/or borderline personality disorder.

The intensity of bodywork can trigger psychosis in people who suffer from mental illness, particularly schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder.

Severe Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that affects blood chemistry, and bodywork can have an influence on blood chemistry. Most individuals with relatively mild diabetes who take control of their food and medications can endure bodywork. However, individuals with severe diabetes should avoid bodywork sessions.

Drugs or Alcohol

While well-managed prescription medication regimens should be maintained during bodywork practice, people under the influence of recreational drugs or alcohol should abstain from participating in a bodywork session.

Acute physical injuries

can be exacerbated by a variety of movements, and the movements in bodywork are autonomic. This means that they are not directed by conscious thought and could inadvertently aggravate an injury. After healing, however, it is possible that bodywork can be introduced. In these cases, several elements are required, including but not limited to a solid understanding of the injury and how it happened; a clear felt sense of the body, to assess healing; clearance from medical practitioners associated with treatment; commitment to rehabilitation and other physiological therapies to avoid further injury; and commitment to releasing tension associated with the injury. In the period before bodywork is indicated, those with acute physical injuries might consult with a physical therapist to choose more appropriate modalities until they have recovered enough to participate in bodywork.

Detached retina, glaucoma, uncontrolled high blood pressure, strokes, TIA's, or other brain/neurological conditions, cardiovascular issues, severe osteoporosis, or thrombosis

It is possible to introduce bodywork after healing from any health condition or major surgery, but it is crucial to obtain approval from medical professionals in specific cases. Individuals with conditions such as epilepsy, detached retina, glaucoma, uncontrolled high blood pressure, strokes, TIA's, seizures, or other brain/neurological conditions, cardiovascular issues, severe osteoporosis, or thrombosis should consult with their healthcare provider before undergoing Holosomatic Body Therapy. Additionally, those with a history of aneurysms in their immediate family or using prescription blood thinners should seek medical advice. It is essential to refrain from Holosomatic Body Therapy during acute somatic and viral diseases, as well as in the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD-II and COPD-III) and chronic diseases with symptoms of decompensation or terminal illness. Taking these precautions ensures the safety and well-being of individuals considering such holistic approaches to bodywork.

Recent injuries, fractures, or acute inflammation may require medical attention before somatic bodywork.

Contagious illness or infection

If you have a contagious illness or infection, it's advisable to postpone bodywork to prevent the spreading of the condition. Elevated body temperature can be a sign of infection, and somatic bodywork might exacerbate the symptoms or spread the infection.

Open wounds, severe sunburn, contagious skin conditions, or recent surgery may be contraindications for specific techniques.

Avoid using intense massage strokes for clients taking blood thinners or those with bleeding disorders.

Do not engage in bodywork on areas containing varicose veins, undiagnosed lumps or bumps, bruises, sunburn, deep or open cuts, or any condition that hasn't been cleared by a medical professional.

Recent surgeries require clearance from a healthcare professional before engaging in somatic bodywork.

Clients with serious health conditions, such as cancer, should consult with their healthcare team before starting any kind of bodywork therapy.

Conditions like HIV, hepatitis, or other infectious diseases may require modifications or restrictions in bodywork practices.

Extreme pain or discomfort that is not well understood and requires further assessment before undergoing bodywork.