Whether you have enjoyed your massage at home or in a spa, many a masseuse will recommend a glass of water at the end of the treatment. Is it really necessary and what benefits, if any, are there of drinking water straight after your massage?
The Myth About Flushing Toxins
We all know it feels pretty good to get a professional full body massage. There are also a whole host of health benefits such as increasing blood circulation, boosting the production of feel good hormones and reducing stress. But does massage help with the removal of toxins?
Sometimes, at the end of your session, you may hear yourself being told:
“Drink lots of water now, it will help flush away the toxins!”
Toxins are poisonous organic substances that can enter your body through many means. Breathing polluted air, eating bad food or coming into contact with contaminated products can all introduce toxins into your bloodstream. Dangerous toxins can even be produced from within our own cells.
Our bodies are naturallyconstantly working awayto remove toxins. This is donethrough an intricate web of biological methodsconnecting ourvarious organs. Your lymphatic system, lungs, liver and kidneys all play key parts in thecleansing process. Toxins are identified, filtered outand finallyremoved from your body altogether when you sweat, pee or poop.
Removing toxins from the body is therefore a complicated biological process. There is no scientific evidence to show that massage therapy either helps extract toxins or that drinking a glass of water after a massage will flush those toxinsaway.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is a by-product of normal metabolic activity and not a toxin. Whilst deep tissue massages do not release toxins they can help with the clearing of excess lactic acid that builds up in our muscles over time and after strenuous activities. There is evidence to suggest that muscle soreness can also be reduced through such methods.
Why Water IS Good After A Massage
There are many good reasons to drink water after your massage.
You will probably have noticed how you often need to pee during orafter a massage. During deep tissue or sports massage therapy, your muscles are worked quite hard. Various organs throughout your body begin to work faster as a resultand water is an essential element forthe continued effective operation of these organs.
As blood beings to pump around your body more quickly and fluids such as excess lactic acid are carried away from muscles towards kidneys you may feela need to urinate. As well as urinating, many people find they also heat up and sweat during a massage. As a result of these responses to massage, your body loses water and shouldbe rehydrated.
In addition to the medicalbenefits of drinking water after a massageto avoid any dehydration, cooling down with a freshglass of water feels great at the end of an intensive therapy session.
A nice idea is to fill a jug with water,ice and some sliced fruit (lemon, oranges or cucumber are popular choices) before your massage begins. Leave it by the side of your bed for the fruit slices to infuse. After an hour or so, you willhave a lightly scented cool and healthydrink to enjoy. Your therapist may appreciate a glass too!
FAQs
Drinking water post massage helps the body flush out any accumulated materials that were released during the massage. This is especially pertinent in deep tissue and therapeutic massage as massage stimulates circulation in the body while expressing water, salt and other minerals from the muscles.
What happens if I don't drink water after a massage? ›
If you neglect to drink water after a massage, you may experience symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, and fatigue.
Why is water so important after a massage? ›
Just like when you exercise, massage, especially deep tissue or sports massage, dehydrates muscles and removes electrolytes. In order to help your kidneys and liver process and flush out these toxins, it is important to drink extra water.
How much water should you drink after a massage? ›
There is no specific amount of water that you should drink after a massage, as the amount of water you need can vary depending on a number of factors such as your age, size, and activity level. However, it is generally recommended to drink at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day to maintain proper hydration.
What happens if you don't drink water after lymphatic drainage? ›
As the water in the body depletes our lymphatic flow decreases and the lymph becomes stagnant, congested and dirty due to a build-up of toxins that cannot be eliminated at the necessary rate.
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.
Why do I pee a lot after a massage? ›
First off, massages are dehydrating. 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.
How often should you get massages? ›
It is recommended to be getting massaged at least once every three weeks (or every two) to help aid in healthy tissue repair and reduce pain felt from the intensive workouts that the body is going through. Massage will also help with the accumulation of work-related stress.
Do you lose water weight after massage? ›
Research indicates that abdominal massage may decrease abdominal circumference. This is likely a result of reduced bloating and water retention.
Why do you have to go to the bathroom after a massage? ›
As blood beings to pump around your body more quickly and fluids such as excess lactic acid are carried away from muscles towards kidneys you may feel a need to urinate. As well as urinating, many people find they also heat up and sweat during a massage.
Massage can be dehydrating. The manipulation of muscles can deplete them of water. By drinking water, you can rehydrate your muscles for the same reason you'd drink water after exercise and other forms of exertion because when the muscles are worked, they can lose water and electrolytes.
What happens to your body after a massage? ›
Massage causes the release of endorphins which has been shown to reduce pain and muscle tension. Massage can help to reduce irritated receptors in the muscles by reducing overactivity in the sympathetic nervous system.
Is it okay to drink cold water after a massage? ›
Definitely. A good therapist should always advise you to do this. Drinking water helps your body to flush out the waste products released from tense muscles during the massage.
Do you poop after lymphatic drainage? ›
Increased Urination and Bowel Movements
It's an expected side effect and a positive sign that your body is efficiently removing lymph waste. These are the body's natural methods to eliminate waste, ensuring that your system continues to function optimally.
Where does the fluid go after lymphatic massage? ›
A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage massage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling in your tissues.
How do toxins leave the body after lymphatic massage? ›
The whole purpose of a manual lymphatic drainage massage is to help balance fluid and remove waste/toxins from the body, and how does that happen, through your urine. The increased need to urinate is actually a really really good thing.
Can a massage therapist tell if you're dehydrated? ›
Your massage therapist will be able to easily tell if you haven't been drinking enough water, since trigger points throughout the body - especially the upper back - will be exceptionally tender.
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 is metabolic waste after massage? ›
Here are some of the primary toxins that are commonly released during and after a massage: Lactic Acid: Lactic acid is a metabolic byproduct that accumulates in muscles during intense physical activity or stress. It can lead to muscle soreness and fatigue.
