How long does the effect of a massage last?
During a massage, hormones such as oxytocin and other “feel good” endorphins are released in the body. The heart rate slows down, oxygen increase increases, and the state of relaxation begins to replace the state of stress in the body. Many of my clients describe this physical feeling as 'Divine'.
This immediate improvement does not disappear at the same speed. Research shows that the direct physical benefits of massage can be measured for about three days to a week. The mental effects also usually remain active for about 36 hours.
However, there are big differences from person to person. This depends on various factors.
The lifestyle and of great influence on the length of the aftereffect. Moreover, everyone's body reacts differently to a massage, and everyone's needs for a massage are different. In addition, the situations in which someone ends up in the days after the massage may be of influence. If there are many stressors in someone's life and someone lives unhealthy, then that person will have to make more effort to keep the effect.
What can I do to benefit from the massage for as long as possible?
There are some things you can do to keep the relaxing, anti-stress effects for as long as possible. The most important tip is to avoid stress-inducing situations for as long as possible. Stay relaxed, follow your breathing and listen to your body.
Avoid unrest from outside
Do not get rushed in traffic, but drive slowly. and let aggressive drivers pass you. Listen to relaxing music and avoid loud thumping music. Avoid the TV, especially the news. All of these situations suck for adrenaline and testosterone, which turn off the pheromones in your body.
Eat light meals
Avoid eating a heavy meal after a massage. Eating a large meal makes your blood pressure rise and makes you feel uncomfortable. Prefer to eat a lot of vegetables and some grains.
Drink enough
After a massage it is important to drink a lot, so that your body can properly dispose of the released waste. Avoid caffeinated drinks after a massage, as they make you feel perked up.
Time for yourself
Take the time for everything you do. Avoid strenuous activities that require effort from your head. Ensure sufficient movement. But also for moments of inner peace, for example through yoga or meditation. Plan a moment for yourself, preferably several times a day.
How do I deal with emotions and dreams after a massage?
During the massage you probably felt some physical pain, but perhaps emotions also surfaced. It is also possible that you experience emotions after the massage. Take the time for yourself and consider these emotions as a gift. By looking at your own emotion with patience and compassion, that emotion automatically sets in motion as energy flow through your body. As soon as you allow the emotion and dare to look at it, the emotion can let go and you can let it go. That gives a feeling of liberation.
Often a form of healing / emotional healing takes place after a massage treatment. You can feel tired for one or two days and sleep for hours after a session. You may even have remarkably lively dreams the night after a session. In most cases you feel revitalized with energy, you feel lighter, cheerful and fresh. You have come into contact with your body more, which creates a fuller life, where you are more able to feel things.
