So, you’re planning your first (or next) massage session and you’re gearing up for a day of rest and relaxation. To get the most out of your massage, you’ll want to plan your day and consider a few important things to reap the full benefits.
We’re diving into some important do’s and don’ts before a massage to help you get the best bang for your buck from your next massage session.
Ready to plan the ultimate massage day experience? Let’s dive into all the frequently asked questions you’re probably curious about.
What’s the best time to book a massage?
First up, let’s help you figure out the best time to slot a massage session in your diary.
The best time to book a massage really depends on what you want to get out of the massage. If you’re looking for deep relaxation to promote better sleep you may want to book an evening massage so you can hop into bed straight after your session.
On the flip side, if you’ve got a big day ahead and want to relieve those pre-meeting jitters, a morning massage to help you start your day feeling relaxed may be your best bet.
Some people also feel more energised after a massage, whereas others feel tired so you’ll want to take that into consideration when deciding which time slot suits you best.
Should you eat before and after a massage?
One of the most common questions flying around about massages is this: can I eat before a massage?
So, let’s set the record straight. Typically, it’s not recommended to eat two hours before your massage as it stimulates digestion, and can make you feel more bloated and tired during your session.
Our tip? Avoid eating big meals that are quite filling right before your booking, and instead, opt for something light like some fruit or veggies as a snack and give yourself some time to digest it before your massage.
The same goes for your post-massage meal. Try to avoid a heavy meal after your massage session as this can make you feel bloated and sluggish instead of feeling energised.
A light snack should do the trick or if you’re feeling hungry try a nourishing poke bowl or veggie stir fry with some rice.
What should you drink before and after a massage?
In a similar vein, keeping your body hydrated before and after your booking is key to reaping the full benefits of your massage.
Ideally, you should be drinking plenty of water throughout the day before and after your massage to stay hydrated. Plus, did you know that drinking water helps to clear your lymphatic system too?
You should also be drinking plenty of water after your massage as your muscles can get dehydrated during the treatment.
Another tip is to avoid caffeine and alcohol before and after your massage and swap it with some herbal tea instead. It’s also a good idea to hit the pause button on drinking alcohol before and after your massage asdrinking alcohol weakens the body’s immune system which essentially cancels out the positive effects of massages which strengthen the immune system.
Should you shower before or after a massage?
Before you hop in the shower, here’s what you need to know about showering before and after a massage. Ultimately, the answer to ‘can you take a shower after a massage?’ really depends on who you ask.
It’s best to ask your specific massage therapist if you should shower before your massage because the answer can vary depending on the type of massage you’ve booked.
Showering after a massage also depends on the person. Some massages use oils that can make your skin feel sticky, so showering after your session might be a no-brainer (especially if you’re heading out for dinner straight after your booking).
Should you shave your legs before a massage?
While it isn’t essential, whipping out the razor and shaving prior to your massage can make you feel more comfortable during your session.
It’s really about personal preference. Your massage therapist has likely worked with hundreds of different clients and won’t mind if you don’t shave your legs.
However, if you feel more comfortable, shaving your legs may make you feel less stressed about the massage process and therefore can help you relax more during your session.
Should you plan your massage before or after a workout?
Are you planning to break a sweat on the same day as your massage? Depending on what type of massage you’ve booked, you might need to adjust your usual workout schedule.
Pre-workout massages can be great to loosen up tight spots and warm up your muscles to prepare you for an intense workout. Ideally, you’ll want to book a more relaxing style of massages, such as a Swedish relaxation massage or an aromatherapy massage.
Post-workout massages focus on relieving muscle fatigue and inflammation. These massages work to improve circulation following a heavy workout and can actually improve recovery time. These massages typically include a sports massage, deep-tissue massage or myofascial release massages.
Should you use a sauna or steam room before or after a massage?
Heading to the sauna or steam room before and after your massage session offers differing benefits, so it depends on what you want to get out of it.
Using a sauna before a massage can help you feel more relaxed for your upcoming session. The heat from a sauna relaxes your muscles, especially tight pain points in the body – it’s almost like priming your body for a massage.
Heading to the sauna post-massage helps to sweat the toxins out of your body and offers many detoxifying benefits. Really, there is no right or wrong time to use a sauna or steam room, it all depends on what you want to get out of your massage.
Now that you’re up to speed on all the dos and dont’s of what to do before and after your massage, you can get ready to reap the benefits of massages, and book an at-home massage with Blys.
Ready to reap the healing benefits of massages?
Book an at-home massage treatment and try it for yourself.
