Focus and attention, pain relief, rehabilitation and healing as well as overall health benefits are gained from therapeutic massage according to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). Research studies have found that office workers who receive regular massages are more alert, perform better at their jobs and experience less stress than those who did not receive regular massages. Massage also relieves tension-related headaches and headaches due to eye strain. 

Although it feels like pampering, therapeutic massage improves blood circulation and decreases blood pressure. It has also been proven to reduce the pain and swelling caused by strained muscles and sprained ligaments, which is why professional sports teams have full-time staff to massage their players. 

To enhance your massage experience, there are some guidelines worth following after a spa treatment, be it acupuncture, or something more traditional like a therapeutic massage: 

1. Rehydrate: During spa treatments, you often lose some water, release toxins and drain lymph nodes.  In order to ‘flush’ away those toxins and replace lost water, drink a lot of fluids, namely H2O, for 24 hours post-treatment.
2. Avoid Rigorous Activity: After a spa treatment, you are often very relaxed.  In order to adjust out of your deep relaxation and to avoid tensing up, stay relaxed and avoid overly strenuous, rigorous or exciting activities
3. Avoid Alcohol: Many treatments will release toxins into your system and cause you to lose some water.  Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours to avoid further dehydration and intensified toxicity in your system.
4. Eat Lightly: Eat a light meal or snack after your treatment to replenish. That said, avoid eating too much, as it may cause you to feel nauseous or sick.
5. Resist the Shower: Although it might sound a little unhygienic, showering or washing your face immediately after a treatment isn’t recommended.  If you had any other treatments that used essential oils, creams and/or botanicals, this will allow your skin the maximum benefit of the product ingredients and soak up the minerals and anti-oxidants longer.
6. Products for Home:  take some bath products home with you and take a bath at least once per week to de-stress between massages.  You can enhance the experience by adding essential oils, light a candle put on some music and de-stress.

 No matter what, it is best to check with your therapist to know the best post-treatment protocol for your specific treatment.