Drinking Alcohol Before Your Massage

So the big day is just around the corner. The list of who is coming to your event is complete with friends and family arriving from all over the country. Hotel rooms are booked and the big party planning is almost to finished.Your planner suggests bringing in a massage therapist, what a fabulous idea. Who doesn’t like massage. Sounds perfect right?

We know the benefits of massage in terms of increasing circulation, releases toxins and helps our muscles relax and can reduce blood pressure etc. But how much do you really know about the reasons NOT to receive a massage.

Professional Opinion

  • Most massage professionals recommend avoiding alcohol before a massage. Since massage releases toxins from the muscles into the bloodstream the effects of alcohol become heightened after a massage, and not in a pleasant way. The overload of toxins in the bloodstream puts an additional strain on the liver beyond just drinking the dehydrating alcohol.
  • Because massage supports increased blood flow, drinking alcohol before a massage is not recommended. In fact, most well trained massage therapists and spas have a “no service” policy for parties where alcohol is being served. Of course it is each person’s obligation to manage their health so keep in mind even two glasses of wine has an effect on the body; add in a massage and the outcome might not be such a great experience.
  • As much as a salon/spa would love to have your business, you can rest assured you are working with an ethical manager who will work with you to help you and your guests enjoy their party AND receive massage at a different time.

In conclusion, massage therapists are always recommending drinking lots of water after a massage. The water is to hydrate and help move toxins out of the body. Stick to water and save the alcohol for another time. Even if a party planner insists on combining alcohol and massage at an event, and you can rest assured they will unknowingly lead guests to an unhealthy outcome, take control and if you want a massage don’t drink and if you want to drink hold off on the massage.