Mixing Alcohol & Massage: Why You Should Never Do It
We all deserve the chance to recover physically and mentally after a long week, and an adult beverage (or two) followed by a soothing massage might sound like a perfect recipe for relaxation.
However, if you want to unwind at home but combine a few stiff drinks and a massage treatment, you should know that massage professionals discourage the combination of alcohol and massage.
While there is debate about how long you should wait after drinking a massage, massage therapists are in agreement that it's unsafe to massage a client who has had too many drinks or been drinking.
Why shouldn't I have a massage right after drinking?
The key is moderation. Alcohol has a significant impact on your body. When you're intoxicated or under the influence, the two don't mix well in a healthy manner.
Let's look at the fundamentals of how alcohol and massage impact your body in a little more detail.
How massage affects the body
- Massage decreases edema by increasing circulation and moving the lymph fluid throughout the body, making it easier to lose extra fluids. (This is why following a massage, your therapist will urge you to drink lots of water.)
- Massage has been shown to lower blood pressure and stress hormones, such as cortisol, while increasing pleasurable chemicals like dopamine and serotonin in the body. It brings you to the deep state of relaxation.
- Massage relaxes the muscles and eliminates waste products from them into the circulation, which may make alcohol consumption even more dangerous. Let me elaborate a bit more on this point, when alcohol meets toxins, this means that those toxins will be redistributed instead of eliminated, and you don't want them to go into your cells, as alcohol has a vasodilator.
How alcohol affects the body
- Alcohol is well-known for its dehydrating properties, as anyone who has ever had a hangover headache can attest.
- Alcohol causes your blood vessels to dilate, allowing the alcohol to travel through your body and raising your blood alcohol concentration.
- It is a fact that alcohol has an effect on cognitive thinking. Alcohol consumption can affect reflexes, motor control, and coordination.
- Binge drinking can deplete your body's immunological system, making you more susceptible to illnesses. A single binge-drinking episode can limit your body's ability to ward off infections for up to 24 hours.
What is the effect of massage on alcohol?
- The relaxation-inducing qualities of alcohol and massage are mutually opposed. Alcohol and massage both provide comfort. However, the deep restfulness of massage, in conjunction with the numbing effect of alcohol, makes it hard to be in touch with your body during your massage. This makes it more difficult for both you and your therapist to determine what pressure is appropriate. You do want to feel the massage, don't you?
- Drunkenness that has been amplified. Alcohol goes through your blood. Circulation is increased by massage, which means alcohol enters your circulation faster and stays there for longer. Because of this amplified impact, some massage therapists have witnessed tipsy clients get more inebriated during a massage.
- Intensified hangovers. Massage and alcohol have a dehydrating effect. This doesn't just make you thirstier; it can also aggravate hangover symptoms. However, if you have a hangover and then get a massage, the massage might assist you in overcoming it.
- The body's immune system is strengthened by massage, but drinking too much can weaken the body's immune system, implying that you lose this important health advantage of massage, effectively canceling out the beneficial impact.
Best massage practices with alcohol
Massage therapists who are certified will typically refuse to work on a visibly intoxicated person. While they may deal with customers who have had a glass of wine but aren't drunk, massage professionals urge that you wait at least four hours after drinking before getting one.
Long story short, [too much] alcohol and massage don't mix well. Feel free to have a glass of wine or a mimosa before your massage, but keep the Oktoberfest-style beer binge as an after-massage treat if you’re hoping to get the best from both worlds.
Are you looking for a massage while you travel in Xiaoliuqiu? Book us now for an in-room Thai massage session.
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In the past year, more and more of my students have come to me saying, “I’m thinking about leaving my 9–5 job and becoming a full-time massage therapist.”
It’s a beautiful thought. And a powerful decision. But I also feel a strong urge to share the reality of this path—because while it can be deeply rewarding, it’s not always soft and glowing. It’s not always an Instagram dream. So I wrote this for anyone feeling that call—to help you walk into this journey with both courage and clarity.
這一年以來，越來越多學生對我說：「我在考慮離開朝九晚五的工作，轉而當全職按摩師。」
光是聽到這個想法，我就覺得很美，很有力量。但我同時也覺得，有必要把這條路的真實面貌寫下來。因為成為一位泰式按摩療癒師，雖然非常有成就感，但它絕對不是光鮮亮麗、充滿濾鏡的夢想工作。我寫下這篇文章，是為了所有感受到這個「召喚」的人，幫助你帶著勇氣與清晰踏上這條療癒之路。
Thai massage is more than just a bodywork technique; it is an ancient healing art deeply rooted in mindfulness, movement, and energy balance. With the growing recognition of Thai massage worldwide, professional competitions have emerged to showcase skilled practitioners, inspire innovation, and raise industry standards. If you’ve ever considered participating in a Thai massage championship, here’s what you need to know and why you should follow these fascinating events.
泰式按摩不僅僅是一種身體療法，更是一門根植於正念、動作與能量平衡的古老療癒藝術。隨著泰式按摩在全球範圍內的認可度提高，專業競賽應運而生，為技術精湛的按摩師提供展示才華、激發創新並提升行業標準的平台。如果你曾考慮參加泰式按摩大賽，以下是你需要了解的資訊，以及為什麼這些賽事值得關注。
Thai massage, an ancient practice originating from Thailand, combines elements of yoga, acupressure, and meditation to promote holistic wellness. Despite its growing popularity, several myths surround this therapeutic technique, deterring some from experiencing its benefits. Here, we address these misconceptions and provide a comprehensive overview of what Thai massage truly offers.
泰式按摩源自泰國，結合瑜伽、穴位按壓與冥想，以促進整體健康。雖然泰式按摩越來越受歡迎，但仍有許多迷思讓人卻步，錯過了這項療法的好處。在這篇文章中，我們將破解這些常見誤解，並帶你深入了解泰式按摩的真正精髓。
Massage therapy is a physically demanding profession, and without proper body mechanics, many therapists develop chronic pain and postural issues. Over time, poor ergonomics can lead to conditions like back pain, shoulder impingement, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even burnout. Understanding these common ergonomic mistakes can help massage therapists protect their bodies and extend their careers.
按摩是一項高度依賴身體的工作，若沒有正確的人體工學概念，許多按摩師最終會面臨慢性疼痛與姿勢不良問題。長期下來，不良的工作習慣可能導致下背痛、肩夾擠症候群、腕隧道症候群，甚至職業倦怠。了解這些常見的人體工學錯誤，並進行改善，能幫助你保護自己的身體，延長職業壽命。
Xiaoliuqiu, a peaceful island off the coast of Taiwan, offers a unique opportunity to study Thai massage in a tranquil, nature-rich environment. The island’s calming atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for learning a healing art that promotes balance, energy, and well-being. If you're considering enrolling in a Thai massage certification course, here are some compelling reasons why Xiaoliuqiu should be your destination.
小琉球，這個位於台灣海岸的寧靜小島，提供了一個在自然充盈的環境中學習泰式按摩的獨特機會。島上的寧靜氛圍是學習促進平衡、能量和健康的療癒藝術的完美背景。如果您正在考慮報名參加泰式按摩認證課程，以下是一些令人信服的理由，為什麼小琉球應該是您的理想目的地。
