Article by Carol Martin
License Massage Therapist
License # MA82720
Although there are numerous ways to achieve improved self care, such as a self massage, hydration is one key aspect to your life as it helps your overall bodily functions. With massage, the body becomes dehydrated because the muscles release fluid with water and electrolytes which are circulated through the body and then released to the kidneys to be released from the body. The kidneys are unable to function properly without enough water. A primary function of the liver is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy however, if the liver has to do the work of the kidneys, it can’t operate at full speed. The body perceives not drinking enough water as a threat to survival and begins to hold every drop which causes fluid retention. This is why it is important to drink a lot of water after a massage to rehydrate your body.
When your body is massaged, whether it is with the self massage techniques or it is from a massage therapist, the tension and knots within the muscles are improved along with the circulation throughout your body. When this happens fluid is released along with metabolic byproducts. These toxins become circulated throughout your body which is why water becomes so important. Drinking water hydrates the kidneys to productively flush out all these toxins.
Overall, next time you have a massage or use self massage techniques, remember to hydrate your body!
Do you keep track of your daily water intake?
To know the recommended amount of water that you should drink everyday, use this equation:
Body Weight divided by 1/2 and then multiplied by 1oz.
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