Is It Ok To Get A Massage After Drinking Alcohol? Effects Explained

What is more relaxing? A nice glass of wine or a deep tissue massage? Why not mix both of them together.

Well, they both sound great to us, but can you actually do that?

We checked in with massage therapy experts and they have weighed in on this topic.

Find out what the right answer is, so you can plan properly.

Onwards!

What Happens When Getting A Massage And Drinking Alcohol

There are a few ways that massages and alcohol can interact. 

First, getting a massage can dull your senses, which can mean that you drink more alcohol than you intended to. This can lead to worse hangover symptoms the next day. 

Second, massages can affect your motor function. If you’re getting a massage after drinking alcohol, your judgment may be impaired and you might not be able to drive or operate machinery safely. 

Finally, keep in mind that alcohol dehydrates the body. So if you’re getting a massage, it’s important to drink plenty of water afterwards to stay hydrated.

Can I Drink Before A Massage?

Chalkboard with question marks and a light bulb

No, it’s not recommended. 

Massages are relaxing and detoxifying experiences, but if you drink prior to your massage, you’ll be dehydrated and the massage therapist will have a harder time working the tension out of your muscles. 

Not to mention, alcohol impairs cognitive reasoning and your brain in ways that might make you less receptive to the massage therapist’s techniques. Drink after your massage instead!

In general, it’s best to drink plenty of water before and after a massage and stay away from that one glass of wine.

How Alcohol Affects Our Bodies And Brains

Man hungover with alcohol in bathroom over the toilet

Most people are familiar with the immediate effects of alcohol on the body and brain.  However, here are the main effects that alcohol can have on your body and mind.

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes increased urination and dehydration. It also impairs reasoning and judgment, and can make you feel more relaxed or even sleepy. 

In large amounts, alcohol can cause vomiting and blackouts. Long-term exposure and high body alcohol level can damage the liver, pancreas, heart and brain. 

It weakens the body’s immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. 

Finally, chronic drinking can lead to alcoholism, a serious condition that requires medical treatment. If you think you might have a problem with alcohol consumption, please consult a doctor or other medical professional for help.

How Do Massages Affect The Body

Massage therapists applying pressure on body for muscle and stress relief.

There’s no doubt that getting a soothing massage feels good. But what exactly is happening to your body when you do?

First, let’s start with the basics. A massage affects and manipulates soft tissues in the body, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. Massage therapists use their hands, forearms, elbows, and sometimes even feet to knead muscles and loosen knots.

One of the main benefits is that a body massage boosts circulation and reduces blood pressure. When your muscles are massaged, they increase blood flow throughout your body. Since a massage increases circulation it can lead to improved muscle tone and better skin complexion.

Also a massage releases toxins from your muscles. This can improve your circulation and help you to feel less stressed. Massages can also help to relieve pain in your joints and muscles.

Overall, massages are great, whether you get them at the spa or if you invest in a massage chair for your home.

Keys For Mixing Alcohol And Massage

Mixing batter in bowl for cake in the kitchen.

If you’re looking to combine massage and alcohol, there are a few things you should keep in mind. 

First, check with your massage therapist. When it comes to alcohol licensed massage therapists experts recommend waiting four hours after drinking before getting a massage. 

Second, avoid binge drinking! Sipping slowly throughout the day should be just fine.

Finally, focus on hydration with water. Alcohol is a diuretic and will dehydrate your body. So, if you decide to have glass make sure you hydrate.

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Putting It All Together

Drinking alcohol is something most people like to enjoy. It is a way to take the edge off and relax.

A massage is also a great way to relax. Whether you go to a spa or use a top massage chair, there are plenty of benefits.

But when you mix the two together, massage therapy experts agree it is only bad news.

If you decide to drink before a massage, the massage just amplifies the effects of the alcohol where you will feel more drunk and lose more motor coordination.

Also, the alcohol dehydrates your body and makes it more difficult for the massage to ease any tension or loosen strained muscles.

Overall, it is not a good idea to mix and you will cause more harm to your body than do any good.

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Director of Wellness

Yoshi

Fact Checked by our Director of Wellness Hi! My name is Yoshi! We understand that investing in massage devices is a big deal. So my team and I devote our time to thoroughly researching every single topic and product we write about. We hope you find our reviews helpful and informative.


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