When you book a massage, you most likely anticipate the feeling of being pampered in complete solitude. You’re probably looking to reduce stress, alleviate aches and pains, and rejuvenate your senses. A therapeutic massage provides all of these benefits, but if you neglect to drink enough water you may not be reaping the rewards completely.

Water is essential to overall good health, but it’s even more important to consume before and after a massage treatment. There are several reasons why this is such a critical part of the process:

• It Helps Flush Out Toxins: During a deep tissue massage, your muscles are deeply manipulated. This may cause toxins within the body to be released and flow into the bloodstream. Drinking water after a massage helps your kidneys and pancreas process and flush these toxins from the body.
• It Deeply Hydrates: Drinking water before a massage helps you feel better during a massage. It’s not a good idea to go into a massage treatment dehydrated, because your body will be busy releasing toxins into your bloodstream. Without an ample supply of water, you could feel lightheaded or queasy. Simply put, it’s important to drink water so you can enjoy the massage from beginning to end.
• It Makes Muscles More Limber: Your massage therapist will also have a much easier time massaging your muscles if you are hydrated. In fact, many therapists perform dehydration “tests” to determine just how well the skin performs under pressure. If skin is loose, thin, or wrinkled, that’s usually an indication of dehydration. By drinking enough water beforehand, your muscle fibers will be fuller and much less likely to feel pain when manipulated.

Water is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. If you’re hoping to reduce stress levels and enjoy a relaxing, therapeutic massage treatment, drink up before and after your appointment. Your body will thank you.

MassageLuXe is a state-of-the-art massage facility with multiple locations in Missouri and Illinois. Skilled therapists offer a host of therapeutic treatments, including Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, and hot stone massage, all in a luxurious, soothing environment. For more information, visit the company’s website, or call the Edwardsville location at (618) 307-0093.