Drinking water before a massage is recommended because a hydrated, soft muscle is easier to manipulate then a dehydrated, rigid one. Picture one of your muscles as a sponge. A dried up sponge is hard and rigid but once it's submerged in water, it becomes supple.
Drinking plenty of water is essential for your health. It also helps prep your muscles for an optimal massage session. Hydrated muscles are softer and more workable for your therapist. Plus, the water in your muscles will help remove waste that builds up in your system.
Massage moves around all the fluids in your body , and prompts your body to get rid of a lot. Massage stimulates the lymphatic system so by drinking water, you help your body eliminate toxins like lactic acid and uric acid, and also helps replenish itself. It hydrates the muscles as well,keeps them loosened up.
There is no need to moisturize before your massage appointment—in fact, your massage therapist may not appreciate the additional moisture or fragrance. So don't feel the need to go balls-to-the-wall with your hygiene routine prior to an appointment—it's in everyone's best interest!
It is a good idea to drink water in the days leading up to your massage, as well as immediately before the massage to ensure that you are well-hydrated. For extra hydration take a bottle of water with you, so that you can take sips during the massage if needed.
1. Slow down when you need to. Speed up when you don't need to slow down.
The temperature of the water can cause your muscles to tense up, which can negate the benefits of massage therapy. The heat can also increase the risk of dehydration. Inflammation may also occur if you are already feeling sore after the massage. Wait at least 1-2 hours before showering or taking a bath.
Your urine may become darker and smelly due to the stimulation of the kidneys. Your urination frequency may also increase throughout the day because your body is ridding itself of all the excess toxins. Lastly, you may feel sore and fatigued following your session.
"Because a massage therapist or aesthetician is providing a service, you should tip them in addition to the cost of your service." Keep in mind that when you get a massage or facial at a spa, you're paying the spa for the service you receive from the aesthetician.
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.
OPTION #1: Leave it all covered
It is possible to receive a massage fully clothed. Your massage therapist can perform your massage service regardless of attire. While they will still be able to work on your body, you may miss out on the thoroughness that comes when your therapist addresses the whole muscle, end-to-end.
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.
It's up to you. Women usually remove their bras to allow the massage therapist to work on the back and shoulder area without getting massage oil or lotion on the bra. If your problem area is your low back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting or large underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work.
Massage stimulates peristalsis (wavelike contractions that moves food through the intestines), decreases bowel transit time and increases the frequency of bowel movements. Massage also reduces tension in muscles in your lower back that can cause discomfort and pain.
Muscle knots don't contain toxins. But some people claim that deep tissue massage can lead to lymphatic drainage and the release of toxins. While the lymphatic system does work to remove waste products from your body, there's limited research on lymphatic drainage treatment in general.
Dehydration will also be evident as the trigger points in your upper back may demonstrate soreness if enough glasses of water haven't been consumed. Injuries will also be evident, as therapists can feel heat and inflammation, and even dehydrated muscles in more serious cases.
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.
If you feel like you need to pee during a massage, just tell your massage therapist. We are trained to be equipped with a robe so you can get up, go to the bathroom, and come right back to the table to resume the massage. It doesn't support your relaxation to have the urge to pee and not do anything about it.
Certain medications can cause various reactions to massage and some may even contraindicate massage all together. Medications such as muscle relaxers and heavy duty pain relievers should not be taken before your massage appointment as they can change the way your tissues respond to massage.
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.
During the massage, your therapist is likely to ask you to turn over.