How Much Water to Drink After Massage?

Why is it Important to Drink Water After Massage?

There is a lot of conflicting information surrounding massage and what to or not to do post-massage. However, drinking water after a massage is widely recommended – most experts advise this. But why is drinking water after a massage so beneficial?

In this article, Herbal Spa explains this while advising on the amount of water to drink and other recommended post-massage practices to maximize the results.

I. Why Should You Drink Water After a Massage?

There are several reasons why experts recommend drinking water after a massage. These often include:

Feeling thirsty or having a dry mouth

Massage can lead to dehydration. Manipulating the muscles can deplete water and make clients feel as though they have engaged in high-intensity exercise (similar to DOMS). Therefore, clients need to hydrate before and after the massage to prevent muscle dehydration.

To prevent dehydration symptoms such as fatigue and headache

In addition to the above, this dehydration can cause other symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and muscle cramps.

Sweating

Some people sweat more than usual during a massage and therefore require more water to replenish the lost fluids.

To flush out toxins

Some experts believe that massage releases toxins in the body and recommend drinking water after a massage to help flush out these toxins. However, it is important to note that massage does not release toxins.

Drinking water after a massage is essential to prevent dehydration and fatigue

II. How Much Water to Drink After Massage?

There is no specific amount of water you should drink after a massage, as the required amount can vary depending on factors such as age, body size, and your level of activity. However, it is generally recommended to drink at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day to maintain proper hydration.

After a massage, you may feel thirstier than usual due to increased circulation and blood flow during the massage. The massage process can also dehydrate the body through sweating and increased blood circulation. Additionally, the movements and muscle manipulation during the massage can lead to the release of toxins, causing the body to lose water.

Drinking water after a massage can help replenish fluids and support the body's natural metabolic waste elimination process. You should drink water until you feel adequately hydrated and continue to drink water throughout the day to assist the body in eliminating any toxins that may have been released during the massage.

How much water to drink after massage

III. What happens if you don't drink water after a massage?

If you don't drink water after a massage, you may experience short-term effects such as feeling thirsty or having a dry mouth. It's important to drink water after a massage to help the body eliminate any toxins that may have been released during the massage. Dehydration can also lead to issues including fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps.

The body's circulation significantly improves with water, thereby increasing blood flow throughout the body. This provides the muscles with fresh blood and oxygen, allowing for the efficient removal of waste from the muscles. In general, it's important to stay well-hydrated throughout the day, but it's particularly crucial to drink water after a massage to support the body's natural processes and enhance overall physical and mental well-being.

You may feel thirsty or have a dry mouth if you don’t drink water after a massage

IV. Why does Massage Cause Dehydration?

The human body consists of approximately 60% water (estimates vary depending on individual size, shape, gender, etc.). Of this water, two-thirds is intracellular and one-third is extracellular. Within the extracellular fluid, about 25-30% is intravascular (i.e., in the plasma) and the remaining 70-75% is in the interstitial space (i.e., in the tissues). However, the fluid in the interstitial space can move between the blood vessels and the tissues (which is why people with heart failure may have swollen ankles).

During massage, the massage therapist compresses the tissues, forcing fluid from within the tissues into the lymphatic system and then into the bloodstream. The volume of flow in the plasma increases, causing an increased flow through the kidneys, enhancing filtration at the glomerulus, and thus increasing urine output. This is precisely the process that makes you need to use the restroom after swimming: the pressure of the water on the body also forces fluid into circulation.

Currently, whether the increased urine output is sufficient to cause dehydration is debatable, but I have noticed some individuals tend to be more sensitive to dehydration than others. I don't feel significantly thirstier after a massage or swimming, but perhaps some individuals do!

Additionally, individuals who have consumed alcohol before a massage may feel more intoxicated afterward, as the blood flow through superficial tissues and the diffusion of alcohol from fat back into circulation increase, leading to higher blood alcohol levels.

Massage can lead to dehydration

V. Other things to do after a massage

In addition to drinking water after a massage, there are several other recommendations from experts on what clients should do post-session. These include:

Stretching

Some massage techniques, such as Sports Massage or Deep Tissue Massage, can cause muscle soreness similar to what people experience after exercising. Stretching essentially realigns muscle fibers and improves muscle recovery.

Eating

Some individuals report feeling light-headed after a massage, which may be the result of inadequate food intake before the session. After a massage, the body needs nourishment. It's advisable to eat lightly before the massage and then have a meal afterward. Bananas or nuts are excellent options.

Resting

While not always feasible, scheduling massage appointments during times when rest is possible can prolong the relaxation experience – maximizing the benefits of the massage.

VI. What Not to Do After a Massage

Naturally, there are certain things recommended to avoid after a massage to maximize its benefits. These include:

Avoid taking a shower immediately after a massage, as this will wash away the massage oils which offer some benefits.

If a shower is necessary after a massage, it's best to avoid hot water, as it can exacerbate inflammation.

Similarly, refrain from using heat to alleviate massage-related discomfort. Instead, opt for cold therapy.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can negatively impact the hydration process.

VII. Do You Drink Plenty of Water Before a Massage?

You should drink plenty of water before a massage to enhance the massage experience and its potential side effects. Adequate hydration before a massage can help reduce muscle tension and stiffness, making the massage more effective. Consider how easy it is to manipulate, twist, and bend a wet piece of fabric compared to a stiff one – this also applies to muscles. Well-hydrated muscles are easier to massage. Hydration can also contribute to a more comfortable massage by softening and moisturizing your skin.

Furthermore, hydration can help improve blood flow, potentially increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, while aiding in the removal of metabolic waste such as lactic acid. Staying adequately hydrated can help eliminate toxins from your system and improve circulation.

Moreover, massage can have a positive impact on lymphatic flow, the movement of lymph, a clear fluid containing white blood cells, and other immune system cells throughout the body. Massage therapists may use techniques such as gentle stroking, light tapping, and vibration to help move lymph and increase its flow. This can help reduce inflammation and swelling. When the body is dehydrated, lymph becomes more viscous and less mobile through lymphatic vessels.

You should drink water in the days leading up to the massage as well as immediately before the session to ensure that you are adequately hydrated. To supplement water intake, consider bringing a water bottle so that you can take sips during the massage if needed.

VIII. Conclusion

Drinking water after a massage is encouraged for various reasons, but the primary motivation is to ensure proper hydration. Massage can lead to dehydration, especially with more intense techniques. Therefore, strong water consumption is highly recommended to prevent symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and soreness.

However, we cannot overlook the health and wellness benefits that massage provides, coupled with a range of specialized massage packages at Herbal Spa. We provide everything you need to have a relaxing, safe, and effective massage experience.