Post Therapy Self Care
Stay hydrated & rested after all therapeutic bodywork sessions. Healing responses to any bodywork will occur. You may feel tired, sore, or achy post treatment. However, these reactions are signs that your body is cleansing itself of waste and stagnation. After your session you may momentarily experience thirst, headaches, increased bowel movement, increased urination, or sinus drainage.
Take it easy and avoid vigorous exercise immediately after your session. Walking, stretching, yin yoga, and other gentle movements that align with your abilities are great options to do the next day if you want to further unwind and increase therapeutic effects!⠀
While it’s always important to stay hydrated, it’s especially important anytime you are getting bodywork done. Drink plenty of room-temperature water before your session as well as 24-48 hours after.
Following post therapy guidelines will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed for days to follow. Failure to do so may result in feeling sore, tired and depleted.
We recommend taking an Epsom salt bath the night post any massage treatment. Epsom salt is much different than traditional table salt, sodium. It’s chemical compound is magnesium sulfate, or epsomite, one of the very few minerals that crystallizes.
Magnesium absorption is the primary benefit of an Epsom salt bath. Magnesium plays a role in a range of biological processes, from facilitating proper muscle and nerve function to aiding protein synthesis and blood pressure regulation. Studies have found that increasing the body’s levels of magnesium may also be a treatment for some forms of osteoarthritis. The World Health Organization even lists Epsom salt in its catalog of some of the most vital medications that a basic health system should possess.
Epsom Salt Bath recipe:
- 2 to 4 cups epsom salt - check ingredients to make sure there are no additives or fragrance
- use warm water, as hot baths & heat may overwhelm the body
- soak for 20 to 40 minutes
optional - add a few drops of your favorite therapeutic grade essential oil for increased health benefits
Note: avoid adding any type of mint essential oils to your bath, as they will produce an undesired cold sensation