Have you ever experienced that euphoric, slightly disoriented sensation after a massage, almost as if you’ve had one too many drinks? This is not an uncommon phenomenon and it’s often referred to as “massage drunkness.”
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the science behind this feeling, exploring the release of toxins from muscles, increased blood circulation, and the role of endorphins in creating this intoxicated state.
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Understanding The “Massage Drunkness” Phenomenon
When you feel drunk after a massage, it’s due to the release of endorphins, increased circulation, lowered stress levels and other contributing factors.
Release Of Endorphins
One of the primary reasons for feeling “massage drunk” is due to the release of endorphins during a massage session. Endorphins are natural pain-relievers and mood-enhancers that contribute to an overall sense of relaxation and well-being.
For example, deep tissue massage tends to release higher amounts of endorphins compared to lighter Swedish massage techniques. This helps alleviate stress and discomfort in knots or tight muscles throughout your body.
When you receive a massage while dealing with alcoholism, it is essential to be aware that mixing alcohol with the treatment can amplify the “drunken” effect you may experience after your session.
This is because massages increase circulation and flush toxins from muscles which cause alcohol to hit your bloodstream more quickly than usual.
Increased Circulation
Increased circulation is a crucial factor in understanding the phenomenon of feeling drunk after a massage. As massages help to improve blood flow throughout the body, this often leads to relaxation and muscle tension relief.
For example, if you consume alcohol prior to receiving a massage, the improved blood flow may cause the absorbed alcohol within your muscles to enter the bloodstream more rapidly and remain there longer than usual.
This can result in experiencing an amplified sense of intoxication similar to what one might feel when “massage drunk.” Additionally, increased circulation can enhance nicotine’s potency from cigarettes consumed before or after your physical therapy session.
Lowered Stress Levels
The phenomenon of “massage drunkness” can be attributed to lowered stress levels, which is particularly important for individuals struggling with alcoholism.
Furthermore, massage treatments have been shown to reduce the body’s “fight-or-flight” response. This innate reaction is often overactive in those dealing with addiction, resulting in heightened anxiety and tension.
By incorporating massage into their wellness practices, people recovering from alcoholism can experience improved mood and energy while benefiting from enhanced mental health through physical touch therapy.
Contributing Factors To Feeling Drunk After A Massage
Feeling drunk after a massage is not uncommon, and it can be caused by several factors. Some of the contributing factors to feeling drunk after a massage are:
- Release of endorphins: Massages trigger the release of endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that can produce feelings similar to those of being intoxicated.
- Increased circulation: Massages improve blood flow and circulation in the body, leading to a rush of oxygen-rich blood to the brain, which can enhance relaxation and feelings of euphoria.
- Lowered stress levels: When you receive a massage, your body experiences a decrease in stress hormones like cortisol, which can have an impact on how you feel afterwards.
- Toxins: Massage therapy releases metabolic wastes (toxins) from the lymph and muscles into the bloodstream leading to feeling drunk or poisoned post-treatment.
- Hydration status: Poor hydration before or after treatment could cause symptoms related to low blood sugar like dizziness or feeling faint.
- Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol before or after a massage can not only increase feelings of drunkenness but also leads to dehydration that amplifies symptoms post-treatment.
- Physical fatigue: Feeling tired before or after having a massage may enhance sensations related to intoxication-like effects because your muscles will be relaxed, making you more receptive physiologically to these sensations.
What Should You Do If You Feel Drunk After A Massage?
If you feel dizzy or drunk after a massage, don’t panic! Simply take some time to rest, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine. It’s also important to inform your massage therapist so they can adjust their techniques accordingly.
Take Time To Rest
After a massage, taking time to rest is crucial. It allows your body to continue the healing process by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Resting also helps alleviate the symptoms of “massage drunkness,” such as dizziness or nausea, which can be overwhelming if you jump back into daily activities too quickly.
It’s essential to listen to your body and avoid any strenuous activity for at least a few hours following your massage session. Depending on how you’re feeling, you might consider taking an additional day off from work or other obligations just so that you have enough time for optimal recovery.
Drink Plenty Of Water
One of the most important things to do after a massage, especially if you’re feeling “massage drunk,” is to drink plenty of water. Hydration is key in helping your body recover and flush out toxins released during the massage.
Dehydration can lead to unnecessary soreness, nausea, pain, and an overall sluggish feeling. Massage therapists often recommend drinking water before and after the massage as substances are released from the muscles during a massage.
Increasing your water intake can also reduce the chances of feeling sore post-massage.
Avoid Alcohol
It is essential for individuals struggling with alcoholism to avoid consuming alcohol after receiving a massage. The combination of the two can lead to increased dehydration, desensitization to pain, and inhibit natural healing processes.
Furthermore, alcohol likes to store in muscles, and massage increases blood flow leading to potential discomfort. It’s important always to prioritize self-care and take steps towards sobriety while undergoing treatment such as massage therapy.
Staying hydrated before and after a massage can help alleviate any symptoms of “massage drunkness” without requiring the use of harmful substances like alcohol.
Inform Your Massage Therapist
If you feel drunk after a massage, it is crucial to inform your massage therapist right away. A professional massage therapist will take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and wellbeing.
They may adjust their approach or stop the session altogether if needed.
It’s also worth noting that informing your massage therapist of how you’re feeling can lead to better results from subsequent sessions. By letting them know of any concerns, they can tailor the therapy to address specific areas or avoid certain activities that might cause discomfort.
Alleviate The Symptoms Of “massage Drunkness”
If you are experiencing “massage drunkness” after a massage, here are some ways to alleviate the symptoms:
- Take some time to rest and relax in a quiet place where there is no sensory overload.
- Drink plenty of water to rehydrate your body, which helps with detoxification and reduces the feeling of dizziness.
- Avoid alcohol or any other intoxicants, as they can increase the symptoms of “massage drunkness”.
- Inform your massage therapist so that they can adjust the intensity or duration of the massage if needed.
- Try to alleviate any muscle soreness by stretching gently or using heat therapy.
How To Avoid Feeling Drunk After A Massage?
To prevent feeling drunk after a massage, make sure to hydrate before and after your session, eat a light meal beforehand, and avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine. Don’t forget to communicate any concerns with your therapist.
Hydrate Before And After The Massage
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Staying hydrated before and after a massage is crucial to avoid feeling drunk or lightheaded. Massages can be dehydrating as they stimulate the circulatory system, which increases fluid loss through sweating and urination.
Adequate hydration helps eliminate toxins released during the massage, reducing soreness and fatigue. Water also aids in maintaining healthy muscles by keeping them supple and preventing pain.
It’s important to drink plenty of water after the session to rehydrate your body properly.
Eat A Light Meal Before The Massage
One good way to avoid feeling drunk after a massage session is to eat a light meal or snack beforehand. Nourishing meals can help the body respond better, and it’s essential to ensure that one is not hungry during the massage.
A lightweight snack like fruit, yogurt, or nuts will go a long way in providing sufficient energy levels throughout the session. However, heavy meals should be avoided immediately after a massage as they can leave one feeling bloated and uncomfortable.
Letting the body digest food first before undergoing any therapy ensures smooth blood flow circulation and optimal nutrient absorption for maximum relaxation benefits.
Avoid Consuming Alcohol Or Caffeine
If you’re prone to feeling drunk after a massage, it’s best to steer clear of consuming alcohol or caffeine before your session. Alcohol and caffeine can both dehydrate your body, which can exacerbate the symptoms of “massage drunkness.” In some cases, customers who drink alcohol before their massage have reported feeling even more lightheaded and disoriented during the session.
Nicotine use may also have a stronger effect on the body after a massage because of increased circulation. To avoid this risk altogether, it’s recommended that you simply avoid consuming any substances that could contribute to dehydration or heightened physical sensations prior to receiving your massage.
Communicate With Your Massage Therapist
It’s crucial to communicate with your massage therapist if you feel drunk after a massage. They can help you understand why this is happening and suggest ways to alleviate the symptoms.
For example, they may recommend that you take some rest or drink plenty of water while avoiding alcohol.
Your massage therapist might also ask about your health history to see if there are any contributing factors like dehydration or stress levels that could be affecting how you’re feeling post-massage.
Remember, communication is key when it comes to getting the most out of your massage therapy sessions, especially if you have a history of alcoholism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, feeling drunk after a massage is not uncommon and often occurs due to the release of endorphins, increased circulation, and lowered stress levels.
It is important to take care of yourself if you experience this phenomenon by resting, hydrating, avoiding alcohol and caffeine consumption, informing your massage therapist, and alleviating any accompanying symptoms.
To prevent feeling drunk after a massage in the future, consider hydrating before and after the session, eating a light meal beforehand, avoiding alcohol or caffeine intake altogether on that day.
Remember that massages are highly therapeutic but can impact different individuals differently depending on their body type.
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