Is it bad to get a massage on an empty stomach?

Author: Lisandro Grady  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 26, 2025

It is generally recommended to eat a light meal or snack about 1 to 2 hours before your massage session. This allows enough time for your body to digest the food and ensures that you have enough energy during the massage. Opt for easily digestible foods like fruits, vegetables, or a small portion of lean protein.

Is it okay to get massage on an empty stomach?

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.

What happens if I eat before a massage?

Enjoying a big meal before you have a massage stimulates digestion. Not to mention it may leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. Your best bet is to eat a light meal about two hours beforehand to allow for digestion. Being uncomfortably full will just ruin your experience.

When should I avoid getting a massage?

Contraindications of Massage Therapy
  1. Cuts or open wounds.
  2. Bruises.
  3. Varicose veins.
  4. Broken bones.
  5. Burns.
  6. Some skin conditions.

Is it okay to have massage while fasting?

Massages -- Get as many full-body, deep-tissue massages as you can afford during the fast. At a minimum, get two 90-minute massages, one on Day 3 and another on Day 9 of the fast. Tell the therapist you're fasting and need help circulating your lymph system. You'll have to go to the bathroom during the massage.

Training On an Empty Stomach - Still a Bad Idea (New Study)

What are forbidden during fasting?

Fasting generally entails abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from before the first light of dawn until the setting of the sun.

Is it better to fast before massage?

Yes, you can eat before a massage. In fact, having a snack before a massage can help prevent or minimize post-massage dizziness when you get up off the table.

What body parts should not be massaged?

These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.

What is the best time of day to get a body massage?

If you have a busy lifestyle and seek relaxation after a long day of work and family commitments, an evening or before-bed massage can help you relax your body and mind. On the other hand, a morning or afternoon massage can increase your energy levels and help you face the day.

What are 3 instances when massage is not recommended?

Certain skin conditions, such as open wounds, burns, rashes, or contagious skin infections (like impetigo or fungal infections), should not be treated with massage. Even non-contagious skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may be aggravated by massage if not handled carefully.

What should you not do before a massage?

Here are some things you should avoid doing before a full body massage:
  • Eating a heavy meal. ...
  • Drinking alcohol or caffeine, as they can both cause dehydration and reduce the benefits of the massage.
  • Wearing restrictive clothing that makes it difficult for your masseuse to access the muscles they need to work on.

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.

Do they massage your stomach in a full body massage?

There is a problem in the massage industry: Less and less of the body is being included in many full-body massage sessions. The anterior torso, including the chest and abdomen; hips; buttocks; and medial thigh are avoided or only given cursory attention during many massage sessions.

Can you get a massage if you just ate?

It is generally recommended to eat a light meal or snack about 1 to 2 hours before your massage session. This allows enough time for your body to digest the food and ensures that you have enough energy during the massage. Opt for easily digestible foods like fruits, vegetables, or a small portion of lean protein.

When shouldn t you massage?

The skin rashes that are contagious or sensitive should not be massaged. A sunburn is also contraindicated for massage therapy, and the sunburn should be healed first. If you have uncontrolled inflammation you may not want to get a massage.

What is the first rule of massage?

1. Slow down when you need to. Speed up when you don't need to slow down.

When not to massage a muscle?

In the acute stage of muscle rupture, the severed muscle may still bleed. Massage will increase bleeding and tissue damage and slow healing. After the first 48–72 hours, massage can be performed, depending on the extent of the muscle injury.

What is the best first massage to get?

For first-timers, a Swedish massage is often recommended as the best choice. It uses gentle techniques like long strokes and kneading to promote relaxation and improve circulation. Swedish massage is soothing, relieves muscle tension, and reduces stress. It's a great introduction to massage therapy.

Should I eat before or after a massage?

Eating Before Your Massage

Massage can trigger your digestive system and make it work better and harder. If you have a big meal before a massage, it might make you feel bloated and gross. Eat some fruits and veggies a couple hours before your massage to allow time for you to digest them.

What areas are off limits during a massage?

These include direct manipulation of the spine, the front of the neck, and any visibly injured or inflamed areas.

What not to say 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 most relaxing body part to massage?

Choosing Your Massage Focus Target Spots
  • ➪ Head. In our view, a head massage is a great choice for some extra focus, as it can be highly relaxing yet revitalising at the same time. ...
  • ➪ Neck & Shoulders. One of Top 3 selected body parts. ...
  • ➪ Back. ...
  • ➪ Buttocks. ...
  • ➪ Thighs. ...
  • ➪ Calves. ...
  • ➪ Feet. ...
  • ➪ Arms & Hands.

What is the most favorite body part to be massaged?

The back is one of the most requested areas in any massage. It's where many people carry stress, tension, and discomfort from sitting, standing, or physical activity. Therapists focus on the upper, middle, and lower back to release tightness and improve mobility. The neck and shoulders are another high-tension zone.

What is the etiquette for a full body massage?

Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. If you don't want to remove your clothing, wear clothing that will be comfortable during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be massaged.

What not to eat after a massage?

To maximize the benefits of a massage and reduce the risk of pain/cramping, I recommend avoiding alcoholic beverages, fried food and refined sugars for 24 hours post-treatment.

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