What provisions does a massage therapist take with blood shunting?

Along certain circulatory pathways such as the intestines there are points where small arteries have direct connections with veins. When these connections are open they act as shunts which allows blood in the artery to have direct access to a vein. These interconnections allow for sudden and major diversions of blood volume according to the physical needs of the body - this is blood shunting.

A massage therapist should avoid offering treatments to a client who has just had a heavy meal. This is because there will be increased blood circulation in the intestinal area, resulting in a decrease supply to other areas.