High Quality H2O: The Key to Healthy Hydration
By: StacyAtZeel
The effects of a therapeutic massage and bodywork session can be profound; but it's essential to remember to hydrate afterward.
"The lingering sensation of a good bodywork session can last for days," says gifted healer and New York City massage therapist Madeline Michaels. "You've had your lymphatics drained, stress has been lifted, muscles have been stretched and soothed, and for the most part, the mind has achieved that "still point," allowing for greater healing to take place-emotionally and physically."
One way to facilitate this overall sense of wellness and balance is to drink up-water, that is. Madeline explains.
"Follow up by drinking quality water to help flush toxins from the body," she says. "During a massage, there is an energy exchange within the cells of the body; the old (toxins and waste) is pushed out of the cells and the new (oxygen) enters them. Water flushes toxins and waste from the body and transports nutrients to where they are needed."
The key is to drink eight to 10 glasses of pure water a day.
Coconut water can be great for hydrating the body too. If you opt for this tropically-inspired cocktail, Madeline recommends that you aim for between four and six ounces after your massage or workout. What this does is it replenishes the body with salts (minerals), sugars and vitamins that have been used up by the cells during physical activity or a massage.
