It is not uncommon for one to feel sick after receiving a massage. In fact, it’s one of the most common side effects of getting a massage. The symptoms can range from nausea, vomiting as well as headache and dizziness. There are many reasons why this may happen but before we explore those reasons let’s go over what you can do if you find yourself in that situation.
Causes for Sickness After a Massage
When a person gets a massage, they usually expect to feel good and relaxed. But sometimes after the massage process has ended there are unpleasant side effects that can make the person feel sick or dizzy. There are many reasons why a person may experience this after their massage process.
Common Reasons for feeling sick after a massage are:
- Metabolic Waste Build up
- Overwhelmed Lymphatic System
- Lack of Proper Breathing
- Dehydration
- Lack of Energy
- Low Blood Sugar
- Rough Massage Treatment by the Masseuse
- Allergic Reaction
- Other Underlying Conditions
Metabolic Waste Build up
The deep tissue massage process can cause the muscles to release toxins into your bloodstream. If this is not flushed out or released it will make you nauseous and dizzy
Overwhelmed Lymphatic System
Deep tissue massage can push the lymphatic fluid that is trapped in your tissues to different parts of your body. If it’s not properly released then it will make you feel sick and dizzy
Lack of Proper Breathing
The deep tissue process can cause a person’s breathing pattern to change which would make them nauseous or dizzy because they are not getting enough oxygen into their body
Dehydration
Dehydrating fluids can make a person feel sick or dizzy. This is common in those who have experienced vomiting after deep tissue massage
Lack of Energy
If the muscles are very tired they may lack the energy to release toxins and the lymphatic fluid which could lead to nausea, vomiting and dizzy spells
Low Blood Sugar:
Low blood sugar can lead to nausea which is also caused by deep tissue massage because it stimulates the circulation of your body. This would make you feel sick or dizzy
Rough Massage Treatment by the Masseuse
The masseuse was too rough with your back or neck which can lead to pain, nausea, vomiting and dizzy spells.
Allergic Reaction
Oils and creams were not compatible with your skin type and caused an allergic reaction. Your skin was irritated during the whole process.
Other Underlying Conditions
You have an underlying condition like pregnancy-related hypertension, lupus, etc.
What You Can Do if You Feel Sick After a Massage
If at any point during your massage process or afterwards you find yourself feeling sick, take some time to rest. If the symptoms don’t go away you may want to talk with your physician about what is happening and how best to proceed in getting better.
In the meantime, if you’re experiencing nausea or vomiting after a massage it can be beneficial for you to stay hydrated by drinking fluids such as water or fresh fruit juices. If you drink fluids that are too cold or spicy they may trigger nausea and vomiting so it might be best to avoid them at this time.
It’s also a good idea to eat bland foods such as toast, rice, bananas and crackers before taking any medications for your symptoms which can make the side effects worse.
Final Thoughts
In this post, we’ve discussed the many different causes of feeling sick after a massage.
From deep tissue to dehydration and loss of energy- there are many factors that can lead to nausea or dizziness if you aren’t careful during your session.
The best way to feel better is by staying hydrated with fluids such as water or juice, eating bland foods like crackers, rice etc., and resting until they’re no longer nauseous.
It’s important to talk with a physician about what may be going on in order to get an accurate diagnosis so they can treat whatever the underlying cause may be.
Common Questions and Answers (FAQs)
What toxins are released into the body that make you feel sick after a massage?
During a massage, the physical manipulation of the muscles and tissues can help release built-up toxins, such as lactic acid and metabolic waste, into the bloodstream. This can cause feelings of discomfort, headache, fatigue, or nausea, which is commonly referred to as a “detox reaction.” However, this is a normal and temporary response to the massage therapy, and the symptoms usually resolve within a short period of time. It’s important to drink plenty of water after a massage to help flush out the toxins and maintain proper hydration.
How long would one feel sick after a massage?
The duration of symptoms after a massage can vary from person to person and depends on several factors, such as the type and intensity of the massage, the individual’s overall health, and the amount of toxins released into the bloodstream.
For most people, any discomfort or symptoms are temporary and resolve within a few hours to a day after the massage.
If symptoms persist or become severe, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying health issues.
Why does my body feel worse after a massage?
It’s not uncommon for some people to feel worse after a massage, especially if it’s their first time or if the massage was particularly intense.
This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as a “detox reaction” and can be caused by the release of built-up toxins, such as lactic acid and metabolic waste, into the bloodstream. The physical manipulation of the muscles and tissues during the massage can also trigger the immune system and cause temporary discomfort or soreness.
Additionally, some people may experience headaches, fatigue, nausea, or other symptoms after a massage. However, these symptoms are usually short-lived and resolve on their own within a short period of time.
It’s important to drink plenty of water after a massage to help flush out the toxins and maintain proper hydration. If symptoms persist or become severe, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider.
