To Sip or Not to Sip: The Dilemma of Getting a Massage Drunk

When it comes to relaxation, many people enjoy pairing their favorite leisure activities, such as sipping a glass of wine with a good book or pairing a cold beer with a day at the beach. But what happens when you consider indulging in alcohol before a soothing massage session? "Should I get a massage drunk?" might seem like an innocuous question, but it's important to know that mixing alcohol and massage is not a good cocktail for your health. But why? Let’s take a look.

The risks of getting a massage drunk

First and foremost, alcohol and massage both have potent effects on your body - at first glance, they may even seem like they could complement each other, given that both can induce feelings of relaxation. However, combining the two can actually lead to adverse effects:

Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it promotes dehydration, and this can increase the risk of muscle cramps during your massage. Also, massages typically encourage circulation, and when you've consumed alcohol, this enhanced blood flow can result in quicker intoxication and potentially a severe hangover.

Nausea 

Moreover, the relaxing benefits of a massage can be counteracted by alcohol. Instead of leaving the session feeling revitalized and tension-free, you may feel dizzy, nauseous, or overly fatigued. 

This is because alcohol impairs the body's innate healing processes, which are amplified during a massage. When you consume alcohol, it's metabolized by your liver, which is forced to work harder, slowing down other critical bodily functions. During a massage, toxins are released from your muscles and need to be processed by your liver; but if your liver is already working overtime because of alcohol, it won't be able to efficiently handle these additional toxins, leading to a potential build-up in your system. This can result in feelings of nausea and fatigue post-massage, reducing the overall benefits.

Safety

Safety is another crucial concern: being under the influence of alcohol can impair your judgement, coordination and balance, making it hazardous to get onto and off from the massage table.

In addition to this, alcohol affects the central nervous system, slowing down communication between your brain and your body. This can numb the pain and discomfort signals, resulting in the potential for a deeper or harsher massage than your body can actually tolerate, leading to post-massage soreness or injury.

Etiquette

While the negative health impacts of getting a massage drunk are significant, it's equally important to think about the experience from the perspective of the massage therapist. Their primary goal is to foster an environment of trust, respect, and comfort with their clients, and if a client arrives intoxicated, it may make it difficult for them to gauge the individual's comfort levels accurately. 

Ultimately, therapists aim to provide the best service they can - whether in a salon or during and in-home massage - and working with a client who has been drinking can be both challenging and uncomfortable. 

Alcohol after massage: is it a good idea?

Just as you shouldn't have alcohol before a massage, you might wonder, "can you drink after a massage?" While a post-massage drink might seem tempting, it's advisable to refrain for similar reasons.

Drinking alcohol after a massage can result in rapid rehydration. After a massage, your body is in a state of relaxation and detoxification, and introducing alcohol can counteract these effects, potentially causing a harsher hangover or adverse reactions. Instead, opt for hydrating with water or herbal tea to enhance the detoxifying effects of your massage.

A better way to relax

If you're considering combining alcohol and massage in the name of relaxation, there are safer and more effective alternatives. A warm bath, calming music, or gentle yoga can all enhance your relaxation before a massage.

Remember, the purpose of full body massage therapy is to alleviate tension, enhance wellbeing, and promote healing. Introducing alcohol into the equation can diminish these effects, turning a potential source of rejuvenation into an experience that leaves you feeling worse.

So, the next time you think about reaching for a glass of wine or beer before your massage, remember: alcohol and massage are two things best enjoyed separately. Prioritize your health and well-being by savoring your drink and booking your massage on different days. After all, the best way to indulge in relaxation is by ensuring it doesn't compromise your health.