Why should you not drink after a massage?

Author: Dr. Summer Zulauf  |  Last update: Sunday, May 4, 2025

After a massage, your body is in a state of relaxation and detoxification, and introducing alcohol can counteract these effects, potentially causing a harsher hangover or adverse reactions. Instead, opt for hydrating with water or herbal tea to enhance the detoxifying effects of your massage.

How long should you wait to drink alcohol after a massage?

Drinking alcohol after massage therapy can dehydrate your body and make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. It can also interfere with the benefits of the massages, such as increased blood circulation and reduced muscle tension. Alcoholic drinks should be avoided for at least 12-24 hours after the massage.

What will happen if you drink cold water after a massage?

Your massage therapist will likely have included some time during your session to stretch and release tension in a variety of muscles and connective tissue, so by drinking at least 8 ounces of water afterward, you can help flush away any toxins that may have been left behind.

What shouldn't you do after a massage?

We have listed ten (10) things that you should not do after a massage.
  1. Not Drinking Enough Water. ...
  2. Take A Shower Immediately. ...
  3. Taking Hot Shower. ...
  4. Eating A Large Meal. ...
  5. Drinking Coffee. ...
  6. Drinking Alcohol. ...
  7. Doing Strenuous Exercise or Activities. ...
  8. Stressing Yourself Out.

What happens if you don't drink a lot of water after a massage?

If you don't drink water after a massage, your body may struggle to flush out the toxins and metabolic waste released from the muscles. This can lead to headaches, fatigue, and muscle soreness. Hydration is key to optimizing the benefits of a massage and preventing post-massage discomfort.

Massage Detox and Why You Should Drink Water Afterwards Explains Lacey Massage Therapist

Why do they say not to shower after a massage?

After a massage, your body is in a state of relaxation and recovery, and the massage oils applied to your skin continue to nourish it. Taking a hot bath immediately could strip away these benefits. Generally, it's recommended to wait at least two to three hours after a massage before taking a bath.

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.

Can massage therapists feel knots?

In conclusion, yes, massage therapists can indeed feel knots in your muscles. Through their extensive training and experience, they have honed their ability to detect areas of tension and release them effectively.

How do you know if you got a bad massage?

Experiencing sharp pain or excessive discomfort during or after the session is a clear indication that the massage wasn't beneficial. While some discomfort can be normal, especially with deep tissue massage, it should never cross the line into sharp pain.

Why am I so tired after a deep tissue massage?

Feeling fatigue after a massage is a common and normal reaction. Massages influence blood flow, blood pressure, and heart rate, resulting in feelings of tiredness.

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.

Why no caffeine after massage?

Drinking Coffee

But we advise against drinking coffee after a massage, as this hinders the detoxification and rehydration process. If you do decide to drink coffee, make sure to wait at least a few hours and double your water intake. But we recommend challenging yourself to wait.

How many hours to shower after a 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.

Why do I feel unwell after a massage?

Release of toxins: Deep tissue massage is known for its ability to release toxins trapped in the muscles through manipulation and pressure techniques. When these toxins are released into the bloodstream, it can sometimes overwhelm the body's detoxification systems, leading to feelings of sickness or flu-like symptoms.

What happens if you drink alcohol after lymphatic drainage massage?

To optimise the effectiveness of your MLD therapy, avoid alcohol for at least three days before and after the treatment. Alcohol can dehydrate the body, which can hinder the lymphatic system's function. Abstaining from alcohol helps ensure that your lymphatic system can perform at its best during and after the session.

Should you shower before a massage?

Be sure to come in fresh and clean before your appointment. You don't want any sweat, chlorine or grime rubbed into your skin. Plus, it's just the polite thing to do for your massage therapist. If you have time, a nice, warm shower can help relax your mind and your muscles before your treatment.

What are red flags in massage therapy?

Poor Communication and Boundary Setting. A professional massage therapist should communicate clearly about the massage process and respect your boundaries. Be wary of therapists who are vague or pushy about undressing. As Mikki noted, “If they're trying to brush past anything or be very quick, that's a red flag.

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 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.

Where should a massage therapist not touch?

Never touch the client's genitals or anus. Clients can only provide explicit consent to have their genital area and gluteal cleft exposed for the purpose of Massage Therapy during childbirth.

What does it mean when a massage therapist says you are tight?

4 Talking about tightness suggests an uncanny ability to feel your pain. The therapist is saying, in effect, “I can tell that you are feeling stiff, because I can feel your tight muscles.” This is a good way to impress anyone with a body.

What does it feel like when a knot releases?

This myofascial release has a comparable sensation to being rocked by your mother when you were a baby. It causes a pleasant wave sensation to travel throughout the body. It is, in fact, a relaxing experience. That wave infiltrates the restricted areas to allow for softening.

Is it okay to drink alcohol after a massage?

Drinking alcohol can actually dehydrate your body and make you feel worse after a massage. Alcohol also inhibits the body's natural ability to heal, so it's best to avoid it altogether. If you do decide to drink alcohol after a massage, be sure to drink plenty of water as well to stay hydrated.

Can a massage therapist tell if you're dehydrated?

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.

Why should you drink water first thing in the morning?

Your metabolism can increase by up to 25% when you drink water on an empty stomach. A faster metabolism will make your entire body feel better and more energetic. Increased energy. Besides the energetic boost from your increased metabolism, drinking water on an empty stomach also increases your red blood cell count.

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