QuestionI was hoping you maybe able to tell me what might cause nausea while getting a chair massage.
My body was really tight (neck, shoulder, & arm) so I went to get a massage. This was not my first time and I somewhat frequently get massage but it never happened to me before. Massage felt really goog when the therapist is working through the knots all over my upper body and arm but about 25 min. into the session, I suddenly became nauseated. Do you have any idea what causes it? I take High BP medication (I have been taking for a 5 years) but my BP is under control. I am 39 years old and otherwise healthy.
Any information is appreciated.
AnswerGreetings Katie. There are two possibilites that I can think of right off hand. Massage really should never cause nausea, unless stomach work is being done. It probably is not the medications, as you have been on them for 5 years and have had no other problems like this. As this is not the case, it might have been caused by not eating. This is a remote possibility, but it still exists. Sometimes, if your blood sugar takes a dive, as it can during a massage, it can cause some nausea.
More likely, it might be (in my opinion; remember, I cannot diagnose any conditions, so if you have any concerns, please contact your doctor) what is called an emotional release. The body has this exrememly fascinating ability to store memories and emotions in the tissues. Sometimes this can be recalled or released during a massage. I would have to ask a few questions to get a better idea: have you been under a lot of emotional stress lately? Did you have any other sensations during the nausea attack, like heart palpitations, sweating, or nervouness? Have you been having other attacks of nausea (often my panic attacks are accompanied by severe nausea) It can take a lot to get the emotions to surface, but it does happen. I have had several during massages; I once got furious with a friend as she practiced on me, and it was no fault of her's. I had stored anger in my shoulder blades, and by working on them, she released the anger. I breathed through it, and worked it out with her.
I would keep an eye on it, Katie, and if it happens much more, get it checked out. If you think that it might be emoitinal stress, start doing more to relax yourself; so many people begin to take themselves for granted, and only begin to put themselves first when they develope serious medical problems.
I hope this was of some help, Katie. Please feel free to write with any other questions. Also, feel free to rate me on AllExperts; both positive and constructive feedback helps me learn to help others better.
Sincerely,
Christopher Hall
