After Care

How Will I Feel After The Massage Or Bodywork Session?

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a release from long-term aches and pains developed over time from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity, which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water afterward, avoid strenuous activity, alcohol consumption and try to get plenty of rest.

In more severe and rare occurrence, a person can experience what is known in the industry as a “healing crisis”. Also known as the “Herxheimer Reaction”, a healing crisis occurs when the body tries to eliminate toxins at a faster rate than they can be disposed of.

Any person receiving bodywork can have a healing crisis. The more toxic one’s bodily systems are, the more severe the detoxification experience. This reaction signifies that the bodywork received is working and that your body is going through the process of cleaning itself of impurities, toxins and imbalances. A healing crisis is temporary, however it can occur immediately, within several days or several weeks after a bodywork session. These effects usually pass within several days. Sleep and hydration are the best things for your body at this time.

There are some common symptoms typical of a healing crisis:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Low-grade fever
  • Joint and muscle aches
  • An odd or metallic taste in the mouth
  • Muscle cramps
  • Skin eruptions
  • Intense emotional states
  • Increased sweating, urination or defecation
  • Dizziness or light headedness