The Massage Hangover

Sometimes. Only sometimes I have a client who comes in and says "Gina, I don't understand. I was sore (or wiped out) the day after my massage."

First, being a little sore is NORMAL after a massage, especially if its been a while since you have had one. The soreness is kind of like the soreness after a quality workout and usually says au revoir in 24-48 hours. The WIPED OUT feeling is something different. Its usually due to dehydration.

"But GINA, I drink a big container of water every day."
Doesn't matter.

How often have you gotten up from the massage table and had to (ahem) pee? We just finished an hour or longer of making your blood vessels bigger which transports more blood, oxygen and nutrients (faster!) to your body systems-- we have increased your circulation. I've always been taught that sodium and potassium help your muscles contract and relax the way they should. Knots and cramping often happen when they aren't doing a good job of that? Is it because partly of dehydration?

So when we work out a knot in a muscle, we are bringing fresh "food and drink" to the muscle. The food and drink has to come from somewhere in the body. Makes sense to replace it, eh? Water. If you don't have enough you will feel it in terms of feeling drained, maybe even a little feverish, sore, and fatigued. That's why your massage therapist always says to drink extra water after a massage. Forget everything you have ever heard about "toxins". Please. It's so last century.

You cells and body systems will also benefit from the electrolytes in a hydration drink. Not fake sugars mind you, but real honest to goodness drinks made from real ingredients, and mostly water. Remember Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium-- They are required for muscles to work, for muscles to relax and contract properly. Forget the fake food and fake news and give me something authentic, dammit. Here is one of the hydration recipes form our weekly newsletter. 

​Weekly Hello Hydration Recipe 
Keeping hydrated is an important part of staying healthy. Water promotes cardiovascular health, keeps your body cool, helps muscles and joints work better and keeps skin supple. Here is this week’s hydration recipe:
​
Cantaloupe, Honey, and Mint Water
Ingredients:
½ c water
½ c honey
4 c (about 2 lbs) cantaloupe cut into 1 inch pieces
¼ c fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
2 Tbsp fresh mint leaves
¼ tsp salt
sparkling water or club soda
mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:

• Combine the honey and water in a small saucepan and heat over medium low heat until water and honey are combined and just beginning to boil, about 2-4 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
• Combine honey syrup, cantaloupe, lime juice, mint leaves, and salt in a blender and puree until smooth.
• Using a fine meshed sieve or a piece of cheesecloth, strain the cantaloupe mixture into another container. Discard solids. You should end up with about 2 cups of liquid.
• In each glass, pour ½ c of the cantaloupe juice over ice. Fill the rest of the glass with sparkling water or club soda and stir to mix. Alternately, you can mix equal parts cantaloupe juice and sparkling water in a pitcher with ice and pour into glasses as needed. Garnish with a mint sprig and enjoy!

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