Massage in Royal Thai Spa is not only a way to relax and relieve stress, but also a serious health-improving practice. Our masters affect the body in a complex way: they improve microcirculation, stimulate lymph flow, and remove muscle clamps. All this triggers active internal processes, and drinking and nutrition before and after the procedure play an important role here.
Proper habits help to enhance the effect of the massage and consolidate the result. According to research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, proper drinking habits after a massage can reduce lactic acid levels in the muscles by 15-20%, which significantly reduces post-massage pain and speeds up recovery.
Below we go into detail about how much water you should drink, the best foods to choose, and what mistakes can negate the benefits.
How much water should I drink before a massage?
Water is the basis of all metabolic processes of the body. Before a massage, it is especially important because the body is preparing for an intensive load: blood circulation is activated, the lymphatic system intensifies, and tissues begin to eliminate metabolic products faster.
According to the American Association of Massage Therapists, more than 30% of patients complaining of lightheadedness after a massage, were dehydrated before the session.
1-2 hours before a visit to the salon it is useful to drink a glass of clean water at room temperature (about 200-300 ml). This is enough to "prepare" the body. Excessive amounts of fluid can cause discomfort, especially during abdominal work or lymphatic drainage techniques.
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Regular clients note that with a proper drinking regimen, the massage feels more comfortable: muscles relax faster, skin becomes more elastic, and the detoxification effect is more pronounced. This is especially important before procedures that aim to correct the figure, such as a course of lymphatic drainage or tightening massage.
What is the best food to eat before a massage?
It is not recommended to come hungry before a massage, but it is also a mistake to eat too much. A full stomach prevents relaxation and overloads the digestive organs, as a result, the master has to work with a tense body. The best option is a light snack 1.5-2 hours before the procedure.
What you can have:
- fruits and berries;
- vegetable salads with olive oil;
- natural yogurt or kefir;
- a small portion of steamed fish or chicken.
What to avoid:
- Fatty and fried foods;
- fast food;
- alcohol and strong coffee.
Such food weighs down the body and can negate the benefits of the massage. At Royal Thai Spa we often advise our clients to schedule a massage in the morning after a light breakfast - this way the body reacts better to the master's work and the result is brighter.
Why drink water after the procedure?
After a massage, the body actively gets rid of toxins and excess fluid. At this time, it is especially important to help the body "cleanse" itself. Clean water becomes a key ally: it speeds up the detoxification process and prevents dehydration.
According to a study in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, adequate hydration after a massage accelerates muscle recovery by up to 15%.
Why it's important:
- water flushes out metabolic waste products released during deep tissue work;
- reduces the risk of headaches and weakness after intensive techniques;
- maintains skin firmness and increases its elasticity;
- enhances the feeling of lightness and comfort.
In our salon we offer our guests traditional Thai tea with lemongrass. It gently replenishes fluids and helps to come out of a state of deep relaxation without overloading the body.
Water, tea or electrolytes: what to choose after a massage
After classic relaxation programs, pure non-carbonated water is enough. If the massage was active, with warming elements or after a sauna, it is worth supplementing the diet with herbal tea (e.g. mint or ginger) or mineral water without gas.
Herbal teas, such as chamomile or peppermint, contain flavonoids and essential oils, which, according to the National Institute of Health (USA), have a mild antispasmodic effect. Consumption of such tea after a massage can help relax muscle fibers, reducing their tension by 10-15% and preventing soreness.
Electrolyte drinks are rarely used and are usually recommended after intensive courses with significant sweating, when the body loses minerals along with the fluid. In this case, it is important to restore not only water, but also the balance of trace elements. At Royal Thai Spa we always choose our recommendations individually: warm tea is enough for some people, while for others it is better to drink mineral water.
Mistakes in drinking regimen that hinder results
Many people underestimate the role of water, and this prevents them from getting the maximum benefit from the procedures. The main mistakes:
- Ignoring drinking after a session. Without fluid replenishment, it's harder for the body to eliminate toxins.
- Excessive use of coffee and alcohol. These drinks dehydrate and increase the strain on the heart and liver.
- Attempting to "drink to excess". Excess water does not increase the effect, but puts a strain on the kidneys.
When the client observes the drinking regimen, the effect of massage becomes more noticeable and lasts longer. Our masters always remind about it after the procedures.
Foods that are good to eat after a massage
Nutrition after a massage plays a key role. At this moment, the body is actively renewed, and the metabolism works faster. To consolidate the result, it is important to choose the right products.
Useful:
- Vegetables and greens - a source of fiber, which helps flush out metabolic waste products;
- fruits and berries - vitamins and antioxidants for the skin;
- protein foods (fish, chicken, legumes) - for muscle recovery;
- porridge from whole grains - a source of energy without sugar spikes.
Avoid
- sweets and flour - they provoke edema and slow down metabolism;
- smoked meats and pickles - they retain water in the body.
According to the Sports Nutrition Association, eating protein within 1-2 hours of physical activity or deep massage improves muscle protein synthesis by up to 30%. Examples: chicken, fish, eggs, avocado.
After facials, proper nutrition is also important: a light diet helps the skin recover faster and keeps it fresh for longer.
Fluid recovery after wraps and saunas
Wraps and thermal programs are special care rituals that are actively used at Royal Thai Spa. They help to lose weight, tighten the skin and eliminate excess fluid. But along with sweat, the body loses significant amounts of water and minerals. Therefore, it is important to properly replenish the balance immediately after the session.
What we recommend:
- pure water at room temperature;
- herbal teas (lemongrass, mint, ginger);
- fruit smoothies - an easy and tasty way to restore energy.
Experts recommend drinking at least 1 liter of pure water or herbal tea within 30-60 minutes after a sauna or wrap to replenish fluid loss and help the body detoxify.
This approach helps to consolidate the effect of the procedures: the skin remains firm, the body is light, and the general well-being is harmonious. Many guests note that after a course of wraps they feel not only slimmer, but also more energetic.
Drinking and nutrition during a course of lymphatic drainage procedures
Lymphatic drainage massage is one of the most popular procedures in our salon. It helps to get rid of swelling, improves well-being and promotes weight loss. But the course requires a special approach to drinking and eating.
The basic rules:
- At least 1.5-2 liters of water per day, distributed evenly;
- a glass of water 20 minutes before the session;
- herbal tea or mineral water after the procedure.
With a course lymphatic drainage massage (5 to 10 procedures), it is recommended to increase the daily rate of water consumption by 0.5-1 liter above the usual.
Nutrition should be balanced: more vegetables, fruits, protein foods, less salt and sugar. Limiting salt is especially important - it nullifies the benefits of lymphatic drainage, as it retains fluid.
To enhance the effect, we often recommend combining a course of lymphatic drainage with other treatments, such as stick massage. This technique improves blood circulation and increases metabolism, and when combined with proper nutrition, the result is more pronounced and permanent.
Drinking habits and nutrition are the foundation of a successful massage course. It is these habits that determine how vivid and long-lasting the effect will be. If the client follows simple rules, the body recovers faster, the skin stays tighter for longer and the general well-being improves.
At Royal Thai Spa, we don't just perform treatments, but accompany our guests every step of the way. Our masters will always advise what is best to drink and eat, so that the result will last for a long time. This means that massage becomes not only a pleasant moment of relaxation, but also a step towards harmony and health for many months to come.