3 Ways to Craft your Perfect Post-Massage Ritual
If you’ve ever wondered, “what should I do (or not do) after my massage?” – this is for you. These after-care rituals will elevate your post-massage experience and help you get the most out of your treatment by supporting your body’s natural healing process.
What activities support your body after a massage?
The best post-massage rituals will include activities that: ease muscle tension, promote circulation, restore mobility, and support the body’s natural detox systems. These include:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Soaking in an Epsom Salt bath
- Stretching in a slow, controlled manner
- Engaging in gentle movement, like walking
- Booking another massage 1-2 weeks out
What activities should you avoid after a massage?
After a massage, it’s best to avoid activities that could overly strain your body or inhibit your natural detox systems. These include:
- Engaging in strenuous activities and exercise
- Drinking alcohol or coffee
What should you consider when crafting a post-massage ritual that’s right for you?
At Be Well Bodyworks, each massage treatment will be custom tailored to meet your needs. Likewise, your post-massage ritual will be as unique as you and your life are. It might also look different after each treatment depending on several factors:
- How much time do you have?
- What materials and spaces do you have access to?
- What else do you need to give your attention to?
3 Post-Massage Rituals – is one of these right for you?
- I’ve got 15 minutes after my massage before I need to be back at work, where I’ll be sitting at a desk the rest of the day.
- Have a bottle of water with you at your desk and consider adding a packet of electrolytes for extra hydration. Imagine a string reaching up towards the sky from your sternum while you work, lifting your chest and supporting your posture. Set a timer on your phone to remind yourself to gently stretch for 2 minutes at least twice during your work day.
- I have a babysitter helping out for 1 hour after my massage. Then I need to be home with the kids and working on dinner.
- Bring a water bottle with you to a nearby park and enjoy a gentle walk before you return home. Make a game of stretching with the kids when you get back. If that feels out of reach, pause at least twice while working on dinner to stretch your neck and shoulders.
- I have the rest of the evening to myself and can take my time after my massage.
- Draw a hot bath for yourself and enjoy a luxurious soak. Consider lighting a candle, adding Epsom Salt, or applying a bath & body oil to elevate the experience. Bring a mug of tea or cup of water with you. When you’ve finished, spend some time gently stretching and checking back in with your body, noticing anything that may have shifted after your massage treatment.
What if I don’t do any of these things?
At the end of the day, it’s about being kind to your body and mind. Simply arriving at the massage studio is an act of care. These post-massage rituals are a way to elevate your everyday experience. They’re the cherry on top, not the sundae itself. You’re doing your best and however many moments of care you’re able to give yourself – it’s enough.
For more information on post-massage care, click here. If you have questions about massage, please contact us. We offer several types of massage in Longmont, Colorado.