Receive the Most Benefits from Your Massage
The best massages often include preparation. These expert tips help you receive the greatest benefits during and after your massage treatment.
1. Just Show Up
The most important thing to do to get ready for a treatment is to just show up. Don’t allow anything to override this time you set aside for yourself. By showing up it sends a powerful message to the universe that you believe you deserve it and are worth it.
2. Plan Ahead
When you’ve made the commitment to a spa or massage day, let that commitment start before your appointment. Don’t party the night before; having residual intoxicants in the system can end up making you feel nauseous, unwell, or lightheaded during or after a treatment. Especially if you will be using steam or sauna pre- or post-treatment. Eat lightly. Having a full stomach when receiving a treatment can be uncomfortable.
3. Hydrate, Hydrate Hydrate
Take it easy and drink lots of clean fluids like room temperature water and warm herbal tea after your treatment. Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you even more than usual post-massage, which is a reason to imbibe carefully or even cut back. All forms of massage increase circulation throughout the lymphatic system, so you may experience more elimination of fluids, requiring more hydration to rebalance.
4. Soak and Supplement
Your body will be detoxing and readjusting. If you feel body soreness, that isn’t unusual and it can be a good sign. It means something shifted. If you find yourself achey the day after a treatment an Epsom salt bath will help. A big bag of salts can be procured at any drug store for about $7. I tell all my clients to keep Epsom salts in the house as they can reduce swelling and promote relaxation. Increasing your magnesium intake can also assist with any post-massage pain and help you sleep.
5. Restorative Practices
Scheduling in a restorative or gentle yoga class a day or two after a massage can also boost the process of assimilating the positive after-effects. This energetic support is helpful because you may feel more emotional after a massage. Massage is powerful medicine that can unblock stagnant energy so crying also isn’t out of the ordinary. If tears show up let them flow. It’s cleansing.
The post 5 Tips to Support Your Massage Treatment appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.
