After Care Advice

• Keep well hydrated by sipping water or herbal teas.  The bodywork you received can help address the build up of lactic acid in your muscles and promote the clearing of normal by-products of muscle metabolism from your body whilst it was being worked on. Keeping well hydrated by drinking water or herbal teas can further aid this process.
• Rest for at least 12-24 hours after treatment to allow your body to heal and recover.  It is not unusual to feel tired after a treatment so try to plan your treatment on a day when you can relax afterwards.
• Try to avoid heavy meals or large meals before and after treatment. The body needs to divert its energies to clearing and healing and a heavy meal will put stress on this process. You want to feel re-energised and not bloated.
• Try to cut down caffeine, smoking and alcohol on the day of your treatment. They are all dehydrating and post-massage is a time when your body needs more water. You don’t want these substances to further tax your filtering organs. Water is best until your body has had some time to rest and recover.
• Try to be aware of your posture.  Bad posture can cause muscle tension.
• If you have had an oil based treatment, do not shower or bathe for at least 6 hours after the treatment, this will allow the oils to better penetrate the skin.
• Again if you have had an oil based treatment, avoid direct exposure to strong sunlight or sun beds after treatment as certain oils are photo toxic and could burn.
• Avoid driving immediately after treatment as you may feel too relaxed or sleepy to concentrate on the road. Speak to your therapist if you feel you need more time to revive and stay alert before you leave the clinic.

Complementary therapy is an individual and personal treatment and it is possible that a person might experience different feelings and symptoms as the body tries to get rid of the by-products of muscle metabolism.  Most people feel very relaxed. However, it is not unusual to feel any of the following:

• Changes in bowel movements / urine
• Aching or sore muscles (including headache)
• Feeling sleepy or tired
• Heightened emotional or meditative state
• Flu-like symptoms (possibly unrelated to the massage itself)

These effects are only temporary and should subside within 24-48 hours.  If you are in anyway worried about anything you may be experiencing, please contact Claire on 07746737487 or email c.ferguson474@btinternet.com.  If your symptoms persist please contact your Health Care Adviser or your doctor as your symptoms may not be connected to the treatment you have received.