Professional chair massage is the ideal way to get weekly massage sessions when you can't get to the salon. Whether you want to stay in shape or recover from sport, keep a few rules in mind before and after each session.
Summary:
1.Professional chair massage - What NOT to do before sitting in the massage chair?
2.Electric massage - After massage, the body needs a break
1.Professional chair massage - What NOT to do before sitting in the massage chair?
Massage routine rules help you streamline the procedure, avoid muscle fever and maintain your tone.
Before and after the massage in the professional chair it is best not to eat for at least 30 minutes. After each meal, the body focuses on digestion and less on local blood circulation or the process of metabolising toxins created by the cells.
Blood flow must be optimised so that oxygen and nutrients can circulate to the muscles and tissues. However, if you feel the urge to eat something, then stick to a light snack. Preferably a salad, fruit, yoghurt or a protein bar. These can also be eaten after the massage if you feel dizzy or hungry.
Performing massage in the professional chair helps the lymphatic system function which in turn supports the immune system and detoxifies the body. However, lack of hydration makes these effects more difficult. Thus, relaxing massage and proper hydration make up the effective formula to protect immunity, release toxins from the body and reduce muscle fatigue.
By hydrating before the massage, the muscles are easier to handle. Manipulating the muscles lowers the body's water and electrolyte levels, losses that promote muscle soreness. Drink water preventively. Don't wait until you're thirsty. Feeling thirsty shows that the body is already dehydrated.
Before you start your favourite professional chair massage programme, it's a good idea to prepare your body for the procedure. Get your muscles and ligaments moving with light aerobic or stretching exercises.
Turn on your relaxation music playlist. Listen to music in the background (not headphones) and select piano tunes, wind instruments, classical music, jazz or nature sounds.
2.Electric massage - After massage, the body needs a break
When you work out you're used to following a relaxation routine, aren't you? It's unlikely that there's anyone who, once back from jogging, will go straight to sleep. The same happens after completing chair massage sessions.
After completing the massage it is advisable to do some exercise and hydrate. Walking briskly and drinking water speeds up the elimination of toxins, improving the effects of the massage.
Your muscles have already been worked and stressed as if you were exercising, especially if you opted for a deep paravertebral muscle massage. Intense sports, jogging or going to the gym could do more harm than good. The muscles have been pressed, stretched and worked for 20-30 minutes. If you keep up physical activities that put the muscles to work, you risk at least muscle fever.
Set up a relaxation routine that may include aromatherapy or a bath with eucalyptus oil and bitter salt. Dead Sea bitter salts have the ability to relax stiff muscles and joints. The minerals in the salt will absorb into the skin. The warm water will open pores, optimising blood flow and also the appearance of the skin. Massage stimulates the parasympathetic system, which balances cortisol and increases serotonin.
Form a routine that fits your lifestyle and prepares you physically and mentally for your massage session. Massage therapy isn't just about relaxation. Selected programmes and techniques activate muscles, work on ligaments and joints. Thus, there is a risk that overstraining can cause or increase discomfort and thus unintentionally cancel out the therapeutic effects.