massage and mimosas

the impact of alcohol and massage on the nervous and muscular systems

I was enjoying a day at one of our local spas this January, and it was perfect in every way. Gorgeous views, a stunning facility where the details and hospitality were considered in every moment. It was a true wellness experience for all of my senses with the opportunity to enjoy hydrotherapy circuits before and after my massage service, a complimentary lunch with delicious greens, miso soup, fruits, teas and waters.

I was deeply relaxed and cared for throughout the entire day.

At the cafe, I noticed without judgement, mimosas and wines flowing for other guests. It was thought provoking to me as a massage therapist, to see the conflicts being placed on the body while partaking in both a spa experience and consuming alcohol.

Let’s start first with what happens to the nervous system when you receive massage; massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS), the part of our autonomic nervous system (ANS) that facilites rest and digest, improves digestion, promotes healing, decreases heart rate and blood pressure and counterbalances the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), fight or flight.

On the contrary, drinking alcohol inhibits the PSNS and stimulates the SNS.

While alcohol can offer an initial feeling of relaxation, it is physiologically doing the opposite of what is happening during a massage by increasing heart rate and anxiety, increasing respiratory rate and inhibiting digestion.

Moving away from the spa experience and into my treatment room.

Awareness around alcohol use could be considered by the client when the client has a goal of pain management and tension relief. Alcohol negatively impacts muscle tissue by decreasing protein synthesis, causing dehydration and stiffness, it increases inflammation and impacts nutrient absorption, which is necessary for healthy muscle function. While again on the contrary, massage promotes protein synthesis, and facilitates faster recover by reducing inflammatory cytokines and accelerating repair.

I can offer all of the time and techniques in the world in a session, but if the body is being challenged with alcohol, it really negates the work.

As a massage therapist, is it out of my scope to offer nutritional advice, but I’m inspired to offer education on the impacts of this substance because of how it physiologically contradicts the work and benefits of massage therapy.