10 Things you absolutely need to know before using massage services

Massage services are becoming one of the smartest choices to help improve blood circulation, enhance immunity, reduce anxiety, and even improve sleep quality. However, to make this experience complete and achieve the highest effectiveness, join Fuji in reading the article below to know the 10 things you must know about massage services.

1. Breathe deeply and evenly

During the massage, especially when the technicians are working on knots and tight muscles, you may sometimes feel pain that causes your breath to become rapid and uneven. However, instead of tensing up, relax your body, and breathe deeply and evenly to supply oxygen to your blood and help the massage therapy be more effective in softening tense muscles.

2. Drink plenty of water after the massage

It is particularly important to hydrate after a massage. Jim Memory, a therapeutic massage expert and owner of the famous Be Well Boston massage system, says, ‘Similar to when you exercise, your muscle tissues can become dehydrated during the massage. Therefore, drinking plenty of water after the massage is very useful in rehydrating, nourishing healthy muscle tissues, and helping to flush out toxins that accumulate when your muscles are worked on.

3. Take a Warm Shower Before the Massage

For the best results, take a warm shower before getting a massage. A warm shower not only helps increase blood circulation to the brain, making nerve cells function better and boosting the body’s immune system, but also helps the body detoxify. These benefits will enhance the effectiveness of the massage and help you enjoy the relaxation process more.

4. Exercise Before the Massage

Do you have both a massage and gym session scheduled on the same day and wonder which to do first? You should definitely exercise first because after the massage, it’s better to rest and recharge rather than workout, which would tighten your muscles after a relaxing session. While exercising before might make your muscles slightly sore, it also serves as a “warm-up” before the massage.

If you prefer to work out after the massage, it’s best to wait about 24 hours to allow your body to fully recover.

5. Book an Appointment in Advance

As massage services become more popular and in-demand, reputable massage centers often get busy or fully booked. To avoid waiting or missing out on an appointment, it’s advisable to book in advance. This not only saves your time but also allows the massage center to serve you better.

6. You Might Not Control Passing Gas

Massage will certainly help you relax, but did you know it can also improve your digestion? So, if you find yourself passing gas uncontrollably during the massage, don’t worry, it’s completely normal.

If you’re concerned, try to avoid high-fiber foods, use the restroom beforehand, and don’t drink too much water before your massage.

7. Avoid Eating Right Before the Massage

You shouldn’t eat a heavy meal just before going to the spa for a massage, as it can make you feel uncomfortable during the session. Instead, have a light snack about an hour before your massage, and avoid going hungry, as you might feel dizzy or faint during the massage. Such an experience would prevent you from fully enjoying the relaxation and reduce the effectiveness of the massage.

8. Speak Up

During the massage, don’t hesitate to share or remind the therapist about any moves that make you uncomfortable, pressure that doesn’t suit you, or if something causes pain. If you’re experiencing pain in a specific area, let your therapist know so they can adjust their technique to alleviate your discomfort.

9. Follow the Advised Massage Schedule

We all know that after the first massage session, you can feel the wonderful benefits it brings to your body. However, this journey will be most effective if you can adhere to a fixed schedule as advised or at least maintain a regular routine. If possible, consider massage therapy as part of your long-term health care routine.

Your life, work, and daily habits continue, so your pain and muscle tension will persist if you don’t maintain a regular massage schedule.

10. Avoid Drinking Coffee Immediately After a Massage

If you’re someone who “can’t live without” coffee every day, enjoy it before your massage session. You might not know, but drinking caffeine right after a massage can tense up the muscles that have just been relaxed. Therefore, it’s best to avoid it if possible and instead try herbal tea or water.

I hope this sharing has provided you with useful knowledge about massage services to help you maximize the benefits of massage for your body.