Should You Eat Before A Massage?

If you have never had a massage, you may be curious as to what you should do to prepare for your appointment. For most people, a massage is scheduled so that you can relax.  Many people will plan a full day of relaxation or “self-care” with spa treatments, perhaps a hair appointment, a nice meal, and a relaxing massage.  What many first-timers – and even some experienced massage goers – don’t realize is that eating before a massage has a direct impact on your experience.

No Eating

A big no-no when scheduling a massage is to eat beforehand. At Academy Massage, we recommend you do not eat for at least 90 minutes before your treatment. Your body needs time to be able to digest the food you eat before you receive your massage. The process of digestion moves the blood flow from the peripheral tissues and concentrates it to the digestive tract. With massage, the blood flow is drawn to the tissues that are being worked on, removing blood from the digestive tract and stalling the digestive process. This leads to poor digestion and can create an uncomfortable, heavy feeling in the stomach.

Plan Your Day

When you schedule a massage, plan your day accordingly. Try to plan your massage around meals so you will not be hungry and can enjoy your treatment without a full stomach. If possible, plan for an early morning massage; you’ll feel relaxed and refreshed for the rest of the day, and can enjoy your meals without worrying about them impacting your treatment.  You may also see some of the benefits massage can have on your digestive health.

This is just one of many tips you can use to enjoy your massage treatment better. Speak to the massage therapists at Academy Massage to learn more about how to prepare for your appointment. Book yours now by contacting us today!