Should you drink water before or after a massage?

As any massage therapist will tell you, water is essential to maintaining proper health and should be incorporated into any massage plan. Drinking water both before and after a massage can help maximize its effects and help the body recover faster and more efficiently. In this article, we’ll go over the different benefits of drinking water before and after a massage, as well as how much water to drink following a massage session.

Drinking Water Before a Massage

There are numerous advantages to drinking water before a massage. The most obvious benefit is that drinking water helps keep the body hydrated. This is important because dehydration can lead to troubled muscles, which are much harder to work with than softer, hydrated muscles. It’s been likened to a sponge; a dry sponge is going to be very rigid and difficult to manipulate, but if it’s full of water, it will become much more supple and easier to work with.

Drinking water before a massage can also help to improve circulation in the body, as it assists in shifting metabolic waste and releasing toxins from the body. Staying hydrated also helps in relieving muscle tension, so drink plenty of water before your massage session to help maximize its effects.

How Much Water Should be Drunk?

Generally speaking, it’s safe to drink between four and eight glasses of water during and before your massage session. For best results, try to avoid consuming soda or any sugary drinks, as well as alcohol, as these can interfere with the effectiveness of the massage. Additionally, abstain from any type of heavy meal before your massage, as it can make you feel full and uncomfortable during the session.

Drinking Water After a Massage

Drinking water after a massage session is equally as important as drinking water before it for the best results. Drinking water helps to keep the body hydrated and assists the kidneys in getting rid of metabolic waste. It also helps to relax any tense muscles, as well as reduce stress and improve circulation.

Hydrating also helps to improve joint mobility, making sure that your body is limber and dynamic. As with drinking water before your massage session, drinking between four and eight glasses of water after your massage can help to maximize its effects and make sure your body recuperates properly and quickly.

Tips for Successful Hydration

In order to make sure you’re adequately hydrated both before and after your massage session, it’s important to practice good day-to-day hydration habits. It’s important to avoid chugging a glass or two of water all at once as this can cause your body to have difficulty absorbing it. Instead, try to evenly sip water throughout the entire day.

Drinking one large glass of water before your massage and then two large glasses afterwards is a great way to stay hydrated both before and after it. Additionally, try to leave at least an hour between the time you drink or eat any thing and the start of your massage. Eating or drinking just before a massage can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable during your session.

Conclusion

Drinking water both before and after a massage is key to maximizing its effects and improving your overall health and wellbeing. Keeping your body hydrated encourages your muscles to relax, helps to flush out metabolic waste and toxins, improves circulation and joint mobility, and reduces stress. Aim to drink between four and eight glasses of water both before and after your massage, and sip your water evenly throughout the entire day. Additionally, avoid any heavy meals or alcoholic drinks before your massage. Following these guidelines can help you stay adequately hydrated and enjoy the full benefits of your massage session.