Warm water helps to relax and loosen muscles which can help reduce discomfort during a massage. A warm bath with Epsom salts (also known as magnesium sulphate) is ideal before a massage because Epsom salts helps to relax muscles.
A post-massage bath can indeed be very soothing, particularly a hot bath. It helps to extend the relaxing experience and can potentially ease any lingering soreness from deep tissue work.
As all of my patients know, and future ones will find out, I love to recommend hydrotherapy and hydration following a massage therapy session. I have always tried to explain why both are necessary following a massage, specifically a deep tissue therapeutic massage.
Shower Before Massage
A shower will also help loosen up your muscles to help you receive more benefits from the treatment. Plus, it's easier to feel confident and relaxed about the massage when you know you're squeaky-clean!
Sauna Before Massage
Firstly, the heat from the sauna can help to relax your muscles, making them more receptive to the massage. This can make the massage more effective and potentially more enjoyable. Secondly, the sauna can help to detoxify your body, which can enhance the detoxifying effects of the massage.
By beginning with cold therapy to address immediate inflammation and then transitioning to massage, individuals can experience an enhanced healing process. This sequential approach allows for the soothing of acute issues with cold therapy, followed by the deeper, more sustained healing offered by massage.
Nicotine and alcohol should be taboo during the sauna bath. No sporting activities between sauna sessions. This would put unnecessary strain on the heart and circulatory system. In order to positively support the detoxification of your body, you should give your body enough liquid after the last sauna session.
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.
The best way to relax these muscles before a massage is to spend approximately 10-15 minutes in your hot tub spa. The best temperature to achieve this is to have your hot tub spa set at 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit (it is best to first check with your doctor about preferred temperatures for your own personal use).
Our recommendation: Step one: Hot – 5 to 10 minutes in a hot bath. Step two: Cold – A walk around the spa or, if you want to challenge yourself, head to a cold plunge pool and walk in up to your knees or further for 10 seconds. Step three: Relax – Head to our bistro for a tea and a chat break for 20 minutes.
Take a warm shower
First, the warm water will begin allowing your mind and body to relax making it more open to receiving massage. By cleaning your body prior to a massage, you can also mitigate some personal hygiene insecurities, if you have any, plus it is greatly appreciated by your massage therapist.
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. (Naumann Carlstrom says some of her clients can't get up from the table fast enough.)
Bonus! - Using the hydrotherapy and sauna facilities before (and not after) a massage, gives the therapeutic oils and lotions used in your treatment the chance to work their nourishing magic on the skin. Spa therapists recommend leaving products to sink in for an hour or two after your treatment for maximum benefit.
Warm water helps to relax and loosen muscles which can help reduce discomfort during a massage. A warm bath with Epsom salts (also known as magnesium sulphate) is ideal before a massage because Epsom salts helps to relax muscles.
A body oil can be used before your shower, in your shower, or after your shower. Always be cautious of slippery shower tubs! Before the Shower: If you suffer from very dry or irritated skin, pour a bit of oil into your hands and massage it gently into the skin.
By soaking in the hot tub before your massage for 15-20 minutes, you'll enjoy a better massage. Your surface muscles will be relaxed by the hot water and the jets making it possible for the masseuse to work deeper with your feeling pain.
Whether you choose your massage treatment to take place before or after using the spa facilities, the relaxation benefits obtained are the same. However, if this is your first Nordic spa experience, we suggest that you start with a massage, as this will give you more flexibility for the rest of your day at the spa.
Since many massages involve oils, it is best to get your massage treatment later so that none of the massage oils will get in the onsen. Additionally, spending time in the onsen is the perfect way to loosen up your muscles before your massage, so it is as effective as possible in promoting relaxation.
By taking a shower immediately after your massage therapy session, you will wash off the massage oils. These massage oils are not yet completely absorbed by the skin cells.
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.
And they were all unanimous in their verdict that one should take a sauna bath before a massage. The reason: a sauna session will make the muscle tissues soft, which in turn, will enable a deep massage. Also, sauna bathing will alleviate pain in tense areas of the body, making massage way more relaxing.
Cooling off after the sauna is important because you can catch a cold if you sweat too much. Sauna-goers should leave enough time to cool down before warming up again. If you can, don't have a shower straight after the sauna. It's better for the body if you cool off in the fresh air first.
While the optimal duration may vary depending on individual factors and sauna types, a general guideline of 15-30 minutes per session, 2-4 times per week, is a good starting point.