Why Lehi Massage and Alcohol Don’t Mix

There are a few outside actions or items that might limit the benefits you can receive from massage therapy, and one good example here is alcohol in high quantities. Massage therapists generally don't approve of combining significant amounts of alcohol with massage, and there are several reasons for this.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're happy to offer numerous forms of massage therapy to our clients throughout Lehi and other parts of Utah, from sports massage and trigger point therapy to prenatal massage and many others. How do both massage and alcohol impact the body, and why should they generally not be combined? Here's a primer.

How Massage Impacts the Body

Massage therapy is known to boost circulation and also help encourage healthier fluid exchange throughout the body. This means that your lymphatic system is more active and efficient as well, since lymph nodes work to cleanse the body of any harmful substances or potential threats to your health.

Think of how you might ache after a day spent outside shoveling snow, for example. By massaging this area and also drinking plenty of water, you might find that your body is better equipped to deal with potentially dangerous weather conditions. Even though massage therapy won't eliminate the cold or flu, it can certainly help your body handle stressful situations more efficiently and effectively.

Massage also releases toxins from your muscles. That's why you might feel especially refreshed and rejuvenated after the massage, since you're releasing any substances that the body is working to get rid of currently.

How Alcohol Impacts the Body

Alcohol, on the other hand, is a diuretic that's known to dehydrate the body. It also causes dilation of blood vessels, which can lead to a temporary loss of feeling and control. This is why many people feel dizzy after drinking alcohol or celebrating with an alcoholic beverage in their hand.

Perhaps most significantly, alcohol in too large a quantity weakens your immune system. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention claims that at least 75 percent of all infectious disease is in some way linked to excessive alcohol intake.

Why Massage and Alcohol Don't Mix

Here are some of the potential risks of mixing massage therapy with significant alcohol consumption:

• Numbed senses: Many massage therapists are trained to help clients with specific ailments or injuries recover, and they might provide deep tissue massages that involve applying some pressure. If you're not fully aware of your surroundings due to the effects of alcohol, it's possible that a massage therapist won't be able to determine how much pressure is appropriate for your current needs.
• Intensified hangovers: While hangovers are never enjoyable, you might find that you have a particularly bad one after a massage if you're drunk during it. Both massage and alcohol may work to dehydrate the body, which is the primary cause of hangover symptoms.
• Canceling out positive effects of massage: As explained above, massage therapy can have a number of positive effects on the body, from encouraging better circulation to releasing toxins from your muscles. Together with alcohol consumption, however, these benefits are more or less canceled out in many cases, specially in areas related to the immune system.

For more on why you should always avoid combining alcohol and massage, or to learn about any of our massage or float therapy services in Lehi and other parts of Utah, speak to the staff at Body Balance Massage and Float today.