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Just wondering what people were thinking about telling clients to drink water after massage. I think it's just a nice gesture, a friendly reminder to drink water, because it good, not because it helps flush you or whatever.

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On the contrary, It's more than just a "nice gesture". It's our responsiblity to our clients to encourage them into a healthier lifestyle. It might even have you pulling them kicking and screaming(just kidding :)The water aids in the transport of many nutrients, vitamins, etc. when we massage it help with the bloodflow/lymph flow if the cli is hydrated and continues to hydrate after leaving a massage. For all of those that don't believe a massage moves around toxins in your body. I know for a fact that it does. My first two years (1 in school and 1 out) were spent feeling sick to my stomach, kind of like morning sickness. Anytime I GAVE Or recieved a massage, I would not only give the cli a little upset  stomach, I would walk away feeling like crap. It may be the ENERGY or it may have been the toxins. However, it was definately real. I have since then "adjusted"  so to speak,but water is and has always been the key in balanced life.
Thanks Gordon....I would like a scientist to answer many questions for me too...the human body is a mystery but one of the coolest ones ever I think - I actually appreciate this thread because I was somewhat misinformed and I was craving some research. And yes, perhaps "toxins" is the wrong word.

Gordon J. Wallis said:
Hey,,your cool Lucianna...I always like to play sort of a devils advocate in here..I very well could be incorrect with whatever I say in here..Just doesn't make sense to me though..But who am I ? ... But maybe there is a better word then toxins?  How about. Waist products of metabolism?  I dont even know if thats true?  Would there be a difference thats measurable after a massage compared to just drinking more water without a massage?  Is there a scientist in here?
I know sometimes i piss people off in here... gosh I dont really mean too.. so dont ever let this site get u down..cause trust me.. it can.. lol    Massage is like the martial arts... like,, my martial art is better then yours.. lol     I know a lot about massage, but at the same time..i hardly know anything.
yea I know.  This site can be irritating . There's always a few different belief systems, and people take sides...But a good massage remains a good massage regardless.

Ty said:

Gordon,

"Is there a scientist in here"? - There used to be some good ones until they were hounded off.  Few wanted any version but their own.

:) I was on here before and it pissed me off and so I hadn't been on in a while. I decided to come on again and promised myself I would just participate without taking anything personally. Honestly, I was not mad. I just decided to be blunt in my own way. It's all good. I am happy to read your last sentence. I feel the same way......and always thirsty for more knowledge. I enjoy your point of view and respect the fact that you have a lot of experience as a massage therapist. I'm all about what is factual when it comes to the science of massage so I appreciate hearing truths or being given direction toward research....just maybe minus the condescending and presumptious tones of some people...but if that's the only way I can get it I'll take it...I'm strong enough and confident enough not to take it in.

 

I love massage and love being a massage therapist so I really enjoy this site. I love seeing the point of view of others and also, hearing about the experiences other massage therapists are having. I don't agree with all points of view but I don't really think that matters.

 

Talk to you soon ~ L.

 

 

Amen.

Gordon J. Wallis said:
yea I know.  This site can be irritating . There's always a few different belief systems, and people take sides...But a good massage remains a good massage regardless.

Ty said:

Gordon,

"Is there a scientist in here"? - There used to be some good ones until they were hounded off.  Few wanted any version but their own.

I completely disagree with everyone who believes that water is not imperative after a massage. If it was no big deal, then why do clients feel nauseous after a massage if they DON'T drink enough water? And believe me, I have found this to happen in several different cases personally, and have had many others verify the same. 

 

Additionally, I'm all for playing devil's advocate and seeing both sides, but if you're going to do that you need to state that you're playing the other hand and not speaking in facts or absolutes. 

Telling them the Toxin line is what I disagree with..Its been debunked for years... I offer water to my clients after every massage. 

A toxin and metabolic waste are two VERY different things. You can massage people til the cows come home and you are never going to "squeeze toxins out of a muscle" and then flush it like a toilet by drinking water. That is the oldest myth in massage and one that everybody needs to cease and desist perpetuating.Unless you have ingested poison or been bitten by a rattlesnake, you do not have "toxins." I suggest everyone read up on what a toxin is. If there's one in your body, you probably shouldn't be receiving a massage.

 

Yes, the scientists have all been run off from here, and that's a shame.

Thanks Laura...I plan on doing some learning on this subject in the next few days...I have to admit I still think there is truth to the fact that we have toxins in our body's but I have already learned that my original understanding of toxins building up in muscles is false. I feel really bad about telling anyone that but all I can do now is correct it going forward. That being said, with all the crap that is in food that most people eat these days I find it hard to believe there isn't some sort of buildup in the tissues. Just based on how you feel when you eat processed vs. whole tells me there is truth to that. Whether or not it's accurate to call it "toxin" or "waste" is yet to be determined for me. I am going to do some studying.

Laura Allen said:

A toxin and metabolic waste are two VERY different things. You can massage people til the cows come home and you are never going to "squeeze toxins out of a muscle" and then flush it like a toilet by drinking water. That is the oldest myth in massage and one that everybody needs to cease and desist perpetuating.Unless you have ingested poison or been bitten by a rattlesnake, you do not have "toxins." I suggest everyone read up on what a toxin is. If there's one in your body, you probably shouldn't be receiving a massage.

 

Yes, the scientists have all been run off from here, and that's a shame.

Thanks all! The words flush, toxins, ,stabilize are too rich for me. I will stick with giving it to them regardless because it's a good thing regardless. I appreciate everyone insight and thoughts, no matter how it sounds to everyone else. Keep them coming!
Yea, giving water is a good thing...For me, this thread is finished...But trust me... It will come up again...lol

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