The short answer
You can ask for any area to be avoided, change the pressure, and stop at any time without giving a reason. Our general guidance: skip massage and see a doctor if you have new or severe pain, numbness, swelling, a recent injury or surgery, a blood clotting problem, or you are pregnant and have not asked your doctor. If you feel unsafe, leave and call 110. The 113 protection hotline helps after harassment or assault, 24 hours a day.
Your boundaries
- You decide which areas are massaged. Private areas are never part of a professional massage.
- You can keep clothes on, ask to stay covered, or change your mind mid-session.
- You can stop at any time: 我想先結束，謝謝。 (I'd like to finish now, thank you.)
- Boundaries apply both ways: therapists are workers entitled to respect too.
When to skip massage, or ask a doctor first
Massage shops in Taiwan are non-medical businesses. They may not diagnose, treat or give medical advice. Our general guidance: talk to a doctor before booking if you have:
- pain that is new, severe or getting worse, or numbness or tingling;
- a recent injury, fracture or surgery;
- a blood clotting problem, or you take blood thinners;
- sudden swelling, pain or warmth in one leg;
- an infection, rash, burn or open wound where you would be massaged;
- pregnancy, or a serious medical condition such as heart disease or cancer.
According to the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), there have been rare reports of serious side effects, such as a blood clot, nerve injury, or bone fracture
, and it suggests asking a health care provider if you are not sure massage is right for you. Relax.tw makes no health claims. The list above is our general guidance, not an NCCIH list, and not medical advice for your situation.
If something goes wrong
| Situation | Call |
|---|---|
| You are in danger, or a crime is happening | 110 police |
| Medical emergency, injury, fire | 119 ambulance and fire |
| Sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence: help and advice, 24 hours, free | 113 protection hotline |
| A dispute about price, a package or a refund | 1950 consumer service hotline |
For harassment by someone you do not know in a shop or public place, Taiwan's government guidance is to report it to the police where it happened. Keep receipts, booking messages and the therapist's number if you can.
Facts on this page checked 9 November 2026. Prices and policies change: confirm with the business.