It’s important to drink water as not only does it flush toxins out of your system, but re-hydrates dry, brittle or painful tissue. If you notice that you're feeling light headed or tired, it's a sign that your body is detoxifying and is a reminder to hydrate.

Stretching realigns your muscle fibers and improves muscle recovery. It’s important to continue to move and activate tender muscles after your massage.

Massage therapy has a big effect on the body’s circulation and also stimulates digestion. If you’re feeling fatigued post-massage, this might be the result of not eating. Following a massage your body needs to refuel. Opt for nourishing herbs and grounding vegetables. Try herbs like rosemary, clove, ginger or turmeric in a tea or added to your meal.

Self-massage a balm or oil using light to medium pressure over tender muscles to help assist in the recovery process.

If you're experiencing acute inflammation, use a cold ice pack over the area. Or you can use heat therapy to relax tense muscles and relieve stress. Try using a hot water bottle or run a hand towel under hot water and hold for 20 seconds at a time.

Cancel your plans, rest and recharge post-massage.

Keep a journal with you to write out any strong feelings or beliefs that come up. During a massage, the therapist assists in releasing stored emotions that are trapped in the tissues. You may feel these arise during or after a massage. This is energy in motion. Crying and the urge to sigh when exhaling is normal and welcomed during and after a treatment.  Please be kind to yourself and know that these emotions are shifting and releasing.

Cassie Magill, massage therapist ~ @melt_bycassmagill

Melt massage studio (melt-massagestudio.com)

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