Do You Really Need to Drink Water After a Massage?

People often ask me: ‘I’ve heard you’re supposed to drink lots of water after a massage. Is that actually true?’

The short answer is, staying well hydrated is always a good idea, but you don’t need to dramatically increase your water intake just because you’ve had a massage.

Massage doesn’t ‘flush toxins’ from your muscles, despite this being a common explanation that has been repeated for years.

What massage can do is leave you feeling deeply relaxed, warm and sometimes a little sleepy. If you’ve arrived at your appointment already dehydrated, you may simply notice that more afterwards.

So, should you drink water after a massage?

Yes, drink if you’re thirsty, and continue to hydrate normally throughout the day.

There’s no need to force down litres of water in the hope of flushing anything out. Your body already has very capable systems, including your kidneys and liver, that manage waste products.

What about tea?

If you’re not a huge fan of plain water, that’s okay. Other drinks and water-rich foods also contribute to your daily fluid intake.

Herbal tea can be a lovely option, especially after a relaxing massage.

And yes, you can still enjoy your morning coffee. You don’t need to panic that one cup of coffee is going to undo all the good work of your massage!

My advice?

Listen to your body. Drink when you’re thirsty and aim to stay reasonably hydrated throughout the day.

And after your massage?

Enjoy that lovely, relaxed feeling. 😊