Bangkok: Massage is a popular form of relaxation, but if done incorrectly or on the wrong points, especially these five dangerous spots that should never be massaged, it can be life-threatening. According to Thai News Agency, massages don't always relieve fatigue effectively, and incorrect or improper massage techniques can be dangerous. A recent case, shared by Dr. Pracha Kanyaprasit, a specialist in neurosurgery, on his Facebook page "Dr. Pracha Brain Surgery," involved a wife massaging her husband to relieve muscle tension. Afterward, the tension worsened. The husband went to bed and woke up feeling weakness in his right arm and leg, unable to speak, and without any pre-existing conditions. He was initially taken to a district hospital before being referred to a larger hospital. Dr. Kanyaprasit explained that the black area on the CT scan indicated brain death, meaning the patient had been dead for over eight hours. Normally, the brain has four blood vessels: front right, front left, back right, and back l eft. In this case, the death was caused by a ruptured, displaced blood vessel in the neck, leading to a blood clot blocking the patient's own blood vessels. This left the patient with only three blood vessels supplying the brain. Because the blockage occurred overnight, there was insufficient time for further intervention except to perform a craniotomy to increase the chances of survival.
Dr. Pracha further explained that pressing or massaging the carotid artery on the front of the neck can cause the blood vessel to rupture, tear, and cut into its own wall, leading to a blood clot and subsequent blockage. This is what resulted in brain death on the left side in this case. This case serves as a cautionary tale: forceful neck massage can cause blood vessels to rupture, tear, and become blocked, a condition known as carotid artery dissection. He emphasized that if a patient wants their wife to give them a massage, she should learn proper Thai massage techniques to avoid pressing on vital blood vessels. Thai massage practitioners are taught that pressing on the front and back of the neck is dangerous and can lead to disability or stroke.
A warning to those with aches and pains: massage lovers need to know these "five points you shouldn't massage." The temples, due to weak bones and thin muscles covering the head, can be easily injured with too much pressure. The neck, with its pulse points, can be dangerous if the wrong points are pressed, potentially damaging blood vessels in the brain. The spine and pelvis are also risky areas for inexperienced therapists, as careless or overly forceful massage can cause dislocations or fractures. The armpit, with its many blood vessels and nerves, can suffer from torn nerves if pressure is applied incorrectly. Finally, the abdomen, which houses important organs, can be harmed by forceful massage, resulting in discomfort and pain.
Additionally, massages should be avoided in areas such as the head, where too much force can cause skull fractures or nerve compression, and the face, where nerves and glands can be damaged. Similarly, the upper arm and buttocks, which contain nerves that supply muscles, should be treated with care to prevent pain, numbness, or dysfunction.
Warnings extend to specific individuals as well. Pregnant women, those menstruating, people with osteoporosis, and individuals with conditions related to blood clotting, rashes, open wounds, advanced cancer, immunodeficiency diseases, or contagious diseases like COVID-19 should avoid massages. Even those who have just eaten or have spinal problems should be cautious, as massages can worsen their conditions.
To ensure safety and effective relief from aches and pains, it is advised to choose a massage parlor that meets standards and has the knowledge to perform massage correctly according to the principles of traditional Thai medicine.