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

Author: Riley Kirlin  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 29, 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.

Should you eat before a full body massage?

So, what's the best timing for a massage in relation to your meals? 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.

Is it better 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 should you not do before a full body massage?

  • Things Not To Do Before a Massage
  • Don't Sunburn.
  • Don't ``Caffeinate''
  • Don't Eat a Large Meal.
  • Don't Run a Marathon.
  • Don't Apply Lotion or Oil.
  • Don't Apply Topical Medications, Patches or Tapes.
  • Don't Take Prescription Pain Medication.

Can I get a body massage after eating?

It is best to not eat for at least 90 minutes before your massage treatment and only a light meal at that time. The body needs time to digest your food. This is the same caution you would take when you go swimming or exercising.

Should You Eat Before A Massage:

Is it better to eat after a massage?

It's generally advised to wait at least 30 minutes to an hour after a massage before eating; this gives your body time to transition from the relaxed state of the massage to a state ready for digestion.

What should I do before and after a full body massage?

Here's our basic guidelines for pre and post massage care to ensure that you receive the best massage experience possible.
  1. Before: Take a shower. ...
  2. Before: Arrive early. ...
  3. Before: Don't eat a heavy meal. ...
  4. After: Drink lots of water. ...
  5. After: Avoid strenuous activities. ...
  6. After: Go home and wind down.

What is the ideal time for a full body massage?

For many others, the best time to get a massage is in the evening. It may be the calmest, least busy part of your day while also aligning with goals for unwinding before bed. Getting a massage in the evening is great for stress relief as well as for helping your body recover from the normal wear and tear of the day.

What is the 1st rule of massage therapy?

The first rule of massage therapy is to ensure the comfort and safety of the client. This includes creating a comfortable and relaxing environment, using proper techniques and pressure, and communicating effectively with the client to ensure that they are comfortable with the massage.

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.

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

Specifically, for: Stress aim to schedule an evening massage as it tends to relieve the physical and mental stress accumulated during the day. Alternatively, you can also get such a stress-relieving experience from an afternoon massage (ideally after work). Muscle pain you can aim for an evening massage as well.

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.

How to get ready for a full body massage?

10 tips to get the most from your massage
  1. Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible.
  2. Don't eat just before a massage session. ...
  3. Be on time. ...
  4. Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. ...
  5. Communicate with your massage therapist. ...
  6. Remember to breathe normally.

Should I 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.

What is a good tip for a full body massage?

Even though there is no fixed amount, the standard tipping range for massage therapy typically falls between 15-25% of the session cost. The lower end (15%) is generally acceptable for a good experience, while 20% is more common for exceptional service.

What is the best drink after a massage?

Drinking water improves the body's ability to deal with fatigue and pain in general. Along with hydrating, take a day to rest after a massage, and try to avoid intense exercise to give your muscles a chance to catch their breath.

What is the etiquette for a full body massage?

You must cover all open skin (cuts, warts, etc) with a bandaid and bring to the therapists attention prior to your massage. Remove all make-up from face before climbing on to the massage table. Replacing stained linens can be very costly. Remove all jewelry prior to your massage.

What are the four T's of massage?

The four T's of massage are:
  • Skin/body temperature.
  • Muscle/facia tone.
  • Muscle or tissue texture, and finally.
  • Tenderness to palpation – which is subjective to the patient.

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.

How long should a full body massage take?

In general, one hour is an appropriate length for a relaxing full body massage. It allows for a few minutes spent on each area of the body, but in 60 minutes it is unlikely we can address an area where you have specific pain and still perform a thorough full body massage.

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.

Do you take everything off for a full body massage?

For a full-body massage, you can opt to keep your pants on or go completely in the buff.

What to tell your massage therapist?

What To Tell Your Massage Therapist
  • Let your therapist know if you've had a recent injury, when it occurred, and what caused it. ...
  • Tell your therapist if you'd like them to pay special attention to a problem area in your body such as tense shoulders, neck, or jaw.

How much clothing do I take off for a massage?

TIPS FOR TAKING OFF CLOTHES FOR A MASSAGE

Always leave your underwear on. Women should wear a bra and briefs / pants, while men should wear briefs / boxer shorts - imagine what you would wear to the beach. 2. If you're feeling uncomfortable taking your clothes off, talk to your massage therapist.

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.

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