What to drink before a massage?

Author: Dennis Reichert  |  Last update: Monday, June 30, 2025

When the body is dehydrated, the lymph fluid becomes thicker and more difficult to move through the lymphatic vessels. 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.

What is the best thing to drink before a massage?

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.

What should you not do before a massage?

  • 1. Eating a heavy meal before the massage
  • 2. Drinking alcohol or caffeine before the massage
  • 3. Being dehydrated
  • 4. Wearing jewelry or other accessories that could interfere with the massage
  • 5. Not communicating with your massage therapist about any injuries or areas of sensitivity Upvote Profile photo for Ssaamir

How do you hydrate before a massage?

It's generally recommended to drink about 8 to 16 ounces (about 240 to 480 milliliters) of water before a massage. Staying hydrated helps improve circulation and can enhance the effectiveness of the massage.

Should you have caffeine before a massage?

Eating right before a massage is typically not recommended. This can cause you to feel bloated and uncomfortable on the treatment table. It is also not recommended to drink coffee or alcohol before a treatment as these are both diuretics and can dehydrate your body.

5 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Massage

What should be avoided during 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.

Why shouldn't you drink before a massage?

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it promotes dehydration, and this can increase the risk of muscle cramps during your massage. Also, massages typically encourage circulation, and when you've consumed alcohol, this enhanced blood flow can result in quicker intoxication and potentially a severe hangover.

Should you shower before a massage?

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.

How do I prepare for my first full body massage?

Preparing for Your First Massage
  1. Congrats – you've booked your very first massage! ...
  2. Take a shower or bath. ...
  3. Skip the moisturizer, perfumes and makeup. ...
  4. Avoid eating a heavy meal prior to your massage. ...
  5. Drink plenty of water the day of your session. ...
  6. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before your appointment. ...
  7. Exercise beforehand.

What happens if I don't drink water after a massage?

When your head, neck and shoulders have been massaged it stimulates the lymphatic system, which in turn drives out toxins. This means water is essential to flush out the toxins, so if you don't drink water after a massage, you can sometimes experience a slight headache.

Why can't you shower after a massage?

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.

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 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.

How to get the most out of a massage?

10 tips to get the most from your massage
  1. Remember to breathe normally. ...
  2. Relax your muscles and your mind. ...
  3. Drink extra water after your massage.
  4. Don't get up too quickly and do allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session. ...
  5. Be prepared to schedule several massage sessions.

What not to eat before a massage?

Things You Shouldn't Do Before a Full Body Massage

Eating a heavy meal. It's best to eat at least 2-3 hours before your session to ensure optimum comfort. Drinking alcohol or caffeine, as they can both cause dehydration and reduce the benefits of the massage.

Do you wear clothes for full body massage?

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.

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 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.

Do you wear a bra during a massage?

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.

Is it better to drink before or after a massage?

In general, it is a good idea to drink plenty of water throughout the day, but it is especially important to drink water after a massage to support your body's natural processes and promote optimal health and well-being.

How often should you get a massage?

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.

Should I shave before a massage?

So do you need to shave before getting a massage? Our response to this FAQ is simple: it's entirely up to you and what you're most comfortable with. "It makes no difference to us, and it will not affect your massage" said Kurt, LMT at Williamsburg. "If you're comfortable not shaving, we're comfortable as well."

Can you get wet after a massage?

The bottom line is that you can shower after your massage if it's your preference, but you should shower safely. Take your time getting up from the massage table, listen to your body before stepping into the shower, and monitor the heat of the water to make sure the temp doesn't get too hot.

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.

Should you take ibuprofen before a massage?

if you are in enough pain that you must take medication it is best to reschedule your massage. Muscle relaxers, mood stabilizers, and pain medications can interfere with your perception of pain and/or your ability to communicate with your massage therapist.

Previous article
What does it say about a man with a beard?
Next article
What volume developer to use for grey hair?