Massage, Mind & Body

It’s pretty well known that the body is approximately 75% water. That alone is reason to keep our bodies hydrated on a regular basis. But why is drinking water after receiving massage so important? Well, the short answer is that it helps to flush the lactic acid and other waste products from your bloodstream, which decreases muscle fatigue and tension.

Lactic acid is the main waste product of muscle metabolism that is produced when muscles are engaged through exertion, exercise and even massage. Nutrients, oxygen and these waste products are transported by blood circulation to and from the muscles. Massage (and cardiovascular exercise) helps improve both blood and lymph circulation while moving cell byproduct from muscle tissue to the lymph and blood stream. Keeping the muscle tissues well-hydrated assists in the final step of flushing these byproduct from the body.

Drinking water is logical but it isn’t the only way to flush your system. Consuming water-rich foods (like fruits and vegetables, decaffeinated teas, and brothy soups) is another way to get more water into your system without carrying a gallon of water with you at all times. Another post massage therapy technique that helps flush toxins from the body is soaking in an epsom salt bath. This works especially well after deep tissue or NMT work when the chances of soreness is greater. The skin is the largest organ of the body and the epsom salt in a warm bath uses it to draw toxins out of the body. The high magnesium content of the salt releases muscle tension and eases overall soreness after deep massage work. Soaking for 15-20 minutes in a warm bath with two-four cups of salt is recommended. It is a good idea to continue to drink water or decaffeinated tea (caffeine causes many people to lose fluids) while soaking to avoid dehydration and lightheadedness when you get out. It’s best to do this soak the night after receiving deep massage work (or after an intense workout) right before bed. This soak promotes restful sleep and speeds the healing of tense muscles so you’ll sleep like a baby and won’t feel the achiness the next day.