How long to wait to eat after a massage?

Author: Brian Kub  |  Last update: Friday, September 5, 2025

After your massage, wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before eating. This allows your body to fully absorb the benefits of the massage and settle into a state of relaxation.

How long after a massage can I eat?

It's generally safe to eat after a massage, but it's best to wait at least 30 minutes to an hour. Eating immediately after a massage could cause discomfort due to the body's focus on digestion, potentially diminishing the relaxation benefits. Opt ...

Is it better to eat before or after a full body massage?

Our therapists recommend eating a light meal or coming in on an empty stomach prior to your massage. Eating too much too close to your service can leave you feeling too bloated on the table. It's also best to avoid drinking alcohol or limiting the amount of alcohol you consume prior to your appointment.

How long should I rest after a massage?

At a minimum, you should rest for at least 24 hours after your massage to ensure your muscles have plenty of time to repair themselves. Post-massage soreness is completely normal after a sports massage, and your muscles may still feel tight after 48 hours, which is a sign they are still recovering.

What are the do's and don'ts after a massage?

After a massage, it is important to drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, and get plenty of rest. You should also avoid smoking, drinking caffeine, working out, and taking hot baths or showers. If you have any questions about what to do or not do after a massage, please ask your massage therapist.

After Massage Tips

What not to eat or drink after a massage?

Stimulants like caffeine and alcohol can disrupt the relaxation effects of a massage and should be avoided directly after the session.

Why do they say not to shower after a massage?

After a massage, your body is in a state of relaxation and recovery, and the massage oils applied to your skin continue to nourish it. Taking a hot bath immediately could strip away these benefits. Generally, it's recommended to wait at least two to three hours after a massage before taking a bath.

Why do you sleep better after a massage?

Massage also has positive effects on the nervous system, which can aid in sleep, explains Dana Davis, massage therapist and owner of Midnight Sun Massage. “Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is in charge of the body's rest-and-relaxation response,” she says.

How often should you get massages?

1. What are the general massage frequency guidelines? It is generally recommended to get a massage once a month to maintain the benefits of relaxation and stress relief. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially if they have specific health concerns or physical discomfort.

How long does inflammation last after deep tissue massage?

A deep tissue massage can help to reduce muscle tension, increase blood flow and oxygenation to the muscles, reduce pain and stiffness, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being. It may also cause some soreness or discomfort, but it typically disappears within a day or two.

What is the best food to eat after a massage?

Foods To Eat After Your Massage
  • Lean Protein: Foods like chicken, fish, and tofu are excellent for muscle repair. ...
  • Healthy Fats: Incorporate foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and seeds. ...
  • Fruits & Vegetables: Continue to consume fruits and vegetables for their hydration and nutrient content.

How much should I tip a massage therapist?

Standard Tip Percentage Guidelines for a Massage

A good rule of thumb for tipping in the massage industry is between 15% and 20% of the total service cost, which is the standard practice in the broader service industry.

Do you shower after a full-body massage?

While you can shower after a massage, waiting at least 2-3 hours allows your body to fully benefit from the oils. You can take a lukewarm shower (skip the hot water) a few hours after the massage. Remember to use a gentle cleanser to rinse off any excess oil, but stay away from harsh soaps and scrubbing.

Why am I so hungry after a massage?

After a massage, you may feel hungry. This happens due to the increase of blood circulation, which maximizes body systems function including, our digestive system. And, by eating a large meal, you will end up feeling bloated, sluggish, or lethargic.

What not to do during a massage?

Here are some examples of what you, as the client, should never do! :
  • Don't joke if this is a “happy ending" massage or make any sexual comments. ...
  • Don't get sexually excited, it's inappropriate. ...
  • Don't break wind. ...
  • Avoid talking too much. ...
  • Don't use your phone. ...
  • Don't be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

What is the best thing to drink after a massage?

Our muscles also soak up water like a sponge and become more pliable with hydration. It's beneficial to drink water after your massage because as the massage therapist manipulates your muscles, substances are released.

What is the most pleasurable type of massage?

The Most Relaxing Types of Massages
  • Swedish Massage. The most common type of massage therapy, Swedish massage will help to relax you with a combination of specific movements including: ...
  • Hot Stone Massage. Another very relaxing type of massage is the hot stone massage. ...
  • Chair Massage. ...
  • Aromatherapy Massage.

Is a 60 or 90 minute massage better?

The longer you receive a massage, the deeper you can relax. During a 90 minute massage, your body has more time to fully relax, which can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and tension. This deeper state of relaxation can also help to improve the quality of your sleep and promote better overall wellness.

How long do the benefits of a massage last?

The duration of massage effects varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the type of massage, individual response, and the purpose of the session. Generally, the benefits of a massage can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Are massages better in the morning or night?

It's always better to get your massage after you have exercised. If you tend to get sleepy from a massage, you should have it as late in the day as possible so that you can just go home afterwards. If you don't want massage to take time out of your day, you can get one early in the morning.

What happens to the brain after a massage?

Releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good and diminish pain. If you have real aches or pains, the morphine-like effect from the endorphins works by blocking pain signals from the brain causing a decrease in discomfort.

What happens if you fall asleep during a massage?

While some might see it as a sign of boredom or lack of engagement, the truth is that falling asleep during a massage is actually a common and beneficial occurrence. In fact, it's often a sign that the massage is doing its job properly.

Why do you need the toilet after a massage?

First off, massages are dehydrating. Kneading and working muscle gets fluid pumping out of the soft tissue and into your circulatory system, where it heads toward your kidneys. That's why many people have to pee right after a massage.

Why masseuse burp when massaging?

It's possible that a masseuse burps because he or she receives the effect of the massage itself. “I mean, masseuses use their energy when applying pressures. So maybe, since they're using their own hands, and the therapy oils, there's a stimulation on their palms.

What to eat after a massage?

Keep it light after your massage with Snacks!
  • Plain Greek Yogurt. Paired with fruit of your choice, Greek Yogurt is the perfect creamy texture with a light tart flavor to bring the right amount of calcium and a hefty does of protein to keep you full until dinner time. ...
  • Watermelon. ...
  • Sweet Potatoes.

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