Massage therapists often recommend that we drink plenty of water after a massage to reduce soreness and promote recovery. Let’s explore why you should rehydrate after a massage.
What is Massage
Massage is a therapeutic technique . By using pressure on the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissues, tendons and ligaments, it relieves muscle tension and speeds up metabolism. Massage enhances physical and mental health. This process moves water from the body into the blood system along with metabolites, which are then filtered by the kidneys and excreted from the body. So it depletes the body of water.
There are various types of massage, each with different techniques and desired results. Some of the common types include Swedish massage, Shiatsu massage, sports massage, Thai massage etc.
Why Do You Have to Drink Water After a Massage?
Replenish Moisture
The pressure exerted on the muscles during massage can push water from the muscle tissue into the bloodstream. This process may cause the muscles to lose water. Drinking water after a massage can help replenish water lost in the muscles, aid recovery, and prevent dehydration.
Excrete Metabolic Waste
Massage is thought to promote the release of metabolic byproducts in muscles, such as lactic acid, from cells into the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is the part of the body that is responsible for removing these waste products and expelling them from the body through the excretory process. Hydration helps dilute lymph fluid and ensures its smooth drainage from the body.
Prevent Muscle Soreness
After a massage, individuals may experience muscle soreness due to the deep stimulation of muscle tissue. Especially during a deep tissue massage or sports massage, drinking water can help reduce the intensity of this pain.
Tips After a Massage
After a massage, drink water slowly and steadily rather than drinking large amounts at once. This helps the body absorb water steadily and utilize it efficiently.
Watch for signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, dizziness, or strong-smelling urine. These may be signs that you need more water after a massage.
Sometimes, especially after a long or deep massage, it may be beneficial to drink water with added electrolytes. Electrolytes help to balance fluids in the body, which is especially useful if you've been sweating a lot during your workout.
Side Effects of Not Drinking Water After a Massage
- Thirst and dry mouth: These are the most immediate signs of dehydration.
- Fatigue: A lack of water can cause a decrease in energy in the body, making you feel more tired and weak.
- Headaches: Dehydration can lead to headaches, especially if there is an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes.
- Muscle cramps or twitching: Not taking enough fluids can affect the normal function of muscles and may cause cramps or twitching.
- Dark urine: Urine becomes darker when you are dehydrated because there is less water in the urine.
- Dizziness: Inadequate fluid intake can affect blood pressure and cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
Do You Need to Drink Water After Using the Shiatsu Massager?
Since the traditional manual massage under the requirement to drink water at the end of the day, some people may wonder if they need to drink water after using a shiatsu massager. The answer is yes.
Shiatsu massager is an electronic device that imitates manual massage. It mechanically simulates movements such as shiatsu, kneading and pushing. It acts on specific parts of the body, such as shiatsu neck massager, shiatsu back massager. Mainly used to relieve muscle tension, promote blood circulation and reduce pain.
Unlike traditional manual massage, Shiatsu massagers can be conveniently used at home, are easy to operate, and are able to provide deep massage to specific areas in a short period of time without requiring the skills and experience of a professional massage therapist.
However, after use, it is recommended that all should drink water in time. This is because both manual massage and shiatsu massagers promote blood circulation and lymphatic system flow, accelerating the elimination of toxins and metabolic wastes from the body. Drinking water helps these toxins to be eliminated from the body through urine, avoiding accumulation in the body and causing discomfort.
Massage FAQ
How Much Water Should I Drink After a Massage?
There is no set standard for how much water you should drink after a massage; it could be half a glass, three or four glasses. Each person's age, weight and daily activity level will have an impact. Be careful not to drink too much water or too many glasses of water at once.
A general recommendation is to drink at least 8 glasses of water (about 64 ounces or 1.9 liters) per day to stay well hydrated.
Can I Take a Shower Right After The Massage?
Whether or not to take a shower after a massage is a common question. The recommendation is to avoid bathing, especially cold or hot showers, for some time after a massage. This includes not rushing to take a shower after eating a full meal and after exercising. Here are a few reasons why you should not shower right after a massage:
- After a massage, the body may release a lot of toxins, so it is advisable to wait for at least 30 minutes to an hour before taking a shower. This helps the body to better absorb the benefits of the massage.
- Massage oils help muscles relax, and showering may wash away the oils prematurely, reducing their effectiveness.
- Massage alters thermoregulation, and an immediate hot or cold shower can stress the body.
- Massage may cause a drop in blood pressure, while a hot shower may further lower blood pressure and sometimes cause dizziness.
If you need to take a bath, it is recommended to use mild water temperature and avoid overheating or cold water to avoid unnecessary stress to the body.
Does Massage Help With Weight Loss?
Massage itself cannot directly lose weight; effective weight loss methods are a balanced diet and regular exercise. Massage can be used as a complementary method:
- Promoting blood and lymphatic circulation: Massage improves the flow of blood and the lymphatic system, accelerating metabolic waste and indirectly leading to weight loss.
- Reducing edema: By promoting fluid drainage, edema is reduced, resulting in slight weight loss.
- Relieve stress: Massage indirectly contributes to weight management by reducing stress and anxiety and helping to lower levels of stress hormones (such as cortisol).
- Promote muscle recovery: Massage relieves post-exercise muscle pain and speeds recovery, increasing the frequency and number of exercises.
Will I Feel Uncomfortable After a Massage?
It is possible to feel uncomfortable, especially after a deep tissue massage or other powerful massage. This discomfort is usually temporary and may include the following:
- Muscle pain: massage touching deep muscles can trigger muscle pain that
- Dizziness: massage may cause changes in blood pressure, the
- Fatigue: as the body releases tension and stress during the relaxation process
- Slight nausea: after a deep massage, the body accelerates the elimination of metabolic wastes and may feel mild nausea.
These symptoms usually disappear naturally within a few hours to a day after the massage. If the discomfort persists or is severe, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
In Short
Drinking water after massage is an appropriate amount of water according to personal needs. It helps replenish fluids, eliminate metabolic by-products, prevent muscle soreness, and enhance the therapeutic effect of massage.
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