A good massage can induce feelings of calm and serenity like nothing else. However, the feeling does not have to end as soon as the massage is over. By following some general principles, you can carry over the benefits of massage therapy into other aspects of your life. 

Taking care of yourself after a massage is an integral part of your overall experience. In fact, your post-massage care determines what you get out of each session and how long it will last. Unfortunately, this aspect of massage therapy is often overlooked. 

Here, the registered massage therapists at Atlantic Chiropractic provide you with a list of best practices so that you get the most out of each massage. 

Read on to learn more. 

Although not always possible, it is always a good idea to rest after your massage. The intention behind this is to prolong the sense of deep relaxation for as long as possible. So the next time you decide to get a massage, schedule some downtime after to reap its full benefits. 

Additionally, it is also a good practice to listen to your body and what it needs. For example, if you want to sleep after a massage, try your best to get some rest, even if it is just a short nap. Alternatively, if you feel like curling up in a blanket to read, then that’s exactly what you should do. 

Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate. Blood flow increases to areas being massaged, thus providing nutrients and energy to those areas. This is one of the primary reasons why you feel refreshed after a massage. By staying hydrated, you further improve the delivery of blood and nutrients to affected areas, amplifying your massage’s benefits. 

Furthermore, a massage causes the release of toxins and other harmful substances. Staying hydrated before and after your session helps flush out these toxic substances from your blood. 

In addition to impacting blood circulation, a massage also stimulates digestion. Thus, refueling with a healthy snack is essential. This is especially true if you are feeling a little lightheaded after a massage.

It is important not to overindulge, though. While you may want to treat yourself with a heavy meal after your therapy session, this is not a good practice. Overeating can override the feelings of peace and calm, nullifying the effect created by your massage. Therefore, consider something light - veggies or nuts are excellent options. 

Take a Warm Bath

A slow warm bath post-massage can further enhance your experience. It allows you to relax even deeper while also helping recovery. You can take this a step further by adding some Epsom salt to your bath. 

Adding Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) will help heal any aches and pains post-massage. While the warm water will make you more relaxed, open up blood vessels and increase circulation.

It is a good idea to abstain from alcohol and coffee for at least 12 hours post-massage. This is because both caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating agents and thus impede recovery. 

Additionally, both substances interfere with the brain’s biochemistry and thus can reverse the good feelings induced by a massage. 

A short stretching session can help you maximize the benefits of your massage. Stretching improves blood circulation and the flow of oxygen to affected areas. This enables you to recover better and quicker. 

As a side benefit, stretching is excellent at opening up stiff muscles. It can also realign your muscle fibers and restore joints to their optimal condition. Furthermore, it also improves your flexibility and range of motion, increasing the effectiveness of future massage sessions. 

Has all this talk of massage therapy have you scrambling to book your next session? If so, 

the trained and licensed therapists at Atlantic Chiropractic have got you covered. 

Call (902) 407-6070 or visit our website to book an appointment right now.