Help your body to get the most out of the massage.
Imagine this situation:
You’ve just come out of a massage parlour. Your body is relaxed, your mind is calm, you feel a few pounds lighter. But after just a few hours… it’s as if the magic has gone. The muscles are tense again, the fatigue returns and you ask yourself: “Did I do something wrong?”
There are more of us like that.
Many people – especially those who are just starting out – don’t realize that massage is only half of the whole experience. The other half happens after it.
So…
- What to do after a massage?
- What to avoid?
- How to prolong the beneficial effects that the masseur or masseuse has just given you?
Let’s go through it step by step.
Why is post-massage hydration essential?
The massage will open up the lymphatic system and release toxins from the tissues. However, if your body doesn’t have enough fluids, these toxins have no way to leave – and can re-deposit, leading to fatigue, headaches or even irritability.
Let’s explain this in a little more detail. First of all, massages are dehydrating. When you massage, fluid is pumped out of your soft tissue and into your circulatory system, where it travels to your kidneys. This is why many people feel like going to the toilet right after a massage. Then there is the issue of metabolic waste, which is produced by the muscles during daily activity and even more so after a good massage. That’s why it’s important to help your kidneys to be able to remove the newly produced metabolic waste.
Solution. Continue to drink water over the next 24 hours.
Gentle herbal teas are also excellent to promote detoxification (e.g. dandelion, nettle, ginger).
After the massage, your body needs to replenish fluids, preferably in the form of pure water.
Why you shouldn’t go straight to work after a massage or fitness
The massage will open up the lymphatic system and release toxins from the tissues. However, if your body doesn’t have enough fluids, these toxins have no way to leave – and can re-deposit, leading to fatigue, headaches or even irritability.
Let’s explain this in a little more detail. First of all, massages are dehydrating. When you massage, fluid is pumped out of your soft tissue and into your circulatory system, where it travels to your kidneys. This is why many people feel like going to the toilet right after a massage. Then there is the issue of metabolic waste, which is produced by the muscles during daily activity and even more so after a good massage. That’s why it’s important to help your kidneys to be able to remove the newly produced metabolic waste.
So what to do?
Give yourself at least 1-2 hours of rest after the massage. Ideally, you should take the rest of the day off. Avoid strenuous physical activity, intense sports or heavy lifting after the massage.
Intense exercise can strain your muscles that have just been relaxed, which can lead to injury. In addition, your body may also experience an increase in joint range of motion that you may not be used to, which can increase your risk of injury.
Instead, lie down for a while, meditate, or take an easy walk.
And what if you have to go to work right away? You can help yourself then, too.
- Set a reminder for short breaks,
- move gently (try active sitting),
- drink plenty of water (yes, that water again!),
- and take a warm bath or stretch before bed.
After a Thai massage, relax, because massage is an active intervention in the muscles, tendons, fascia and nervous system.
Listen to your body
After a massage, some people feel like they are in the clouds, others may experience light muscle aches – especially after more intense techniques such as traditional Thai massage.
And here it’s important to say: Your body knows what it needs, you just have to listen to it.
Post-massage symptoms that are fine:
- Gentle tiredness or drowsiness
- Increased urination (a sign that the lymphatic system is working)
- muscle tenderness (like after a good workout)
Symptoms that are not okay:
- Sharp, severe pain
- Numbness or loss of sensation
- dizziness or nausea (if persistent)
In these cases, contact your massage therapist and inform him/her of your symptoms. He or she will be able to give you advice or recommend further action. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, do not hesitate to contact your doctor or the emergency room. It may be a reaction to the massage that requires professional assessment.
Avoid hot showers or baths
Although it is tempting to take a hot shower or bath immediately after the massage to relax even more, this is not recommended. Massage itself stimulates blood circulation and dilates blood vessels. Hot water will intensify this effect, which can lead to dizziness, nausea or even fainting.
After a more intense massage, your muscles may be slightly irritated. Hot water can make this inflammation even worse. In addition, hot water causes sweating, which leads to fluid loss. And as you already know, it’s important to stay hydrated after a massage so your body can get rid of the toxins released.
That’s why we recommend you wait a few hours before indulging in a hot bath.
After the massage, some people feel like they are in the clouds, others may experience light muscle pain
Don’t overeat
After the massage, the body is in a state of relaxation and regeneration. Digesting a heavy meal requires a lot of energy, which can disrupt this process. Some people may experience mild nausea after a massage. Heavy food can make this feeling worse. Massage is known to help release toxins from the body, heavy food can slow down this process. After the massage, you may prefer to have some easily digestible food, such as salads, fruits, vegetables or soups.
Why a massage once in a while is not enough
You probably know the feeling:
Once in a while I “reward” myself with a massage and then I have peace of mind for a few weeks. But in a few days the pain is back. Why?
Because your body remembers. And when you regularly go back to bad habits (sitting for long periods of time, stress, lack of exercise), your muscles stiffen up again.
Massage is not a luxury.
Massage is maintenance. Just like a dentist or a physiotherapist.
How do you make it a routine?
- Book your appointments in advance – regularity will do you good
- Rotate different types of massage (reflexology, oil massage, foot massage…)
- Trust your feelings – if you feel you need a massage, you probably really need it
Conclusion: the massage doesn’t end when you leave the salon
Your body is your temple. And massage is the way to keep it functional, healthy and happy.
To get the most out of your massage:
- drink plenty of water
- relax
- listen to your body
- and remember that regularity is essential
In our Thai massage parlours we are happy to give you advice after the massage. To us you are not just another customer, every person is unique and that is how we treat our clients.
