Obviously, I’m a big fan of getting a good massage, and I love to tell you all about just how good a regular massage can make you feel. But there are times when a massage might not be the best choice for you.
In fact, if any of these apply to you, it might be better to reschedule your session for a time when you’re feeling better!
Coughs, Colds and Flu I get it… I know you’re feeling terrible and you’d really love to get a massage when you have the aches and pains of a bad cold – but here’s the thing; it’s not going to make you feel any better. The truth is that it may even have the opposite effect on you.
The reason is that massage is known for its ability to improve circulation which also includes your lymphatic system. If you’re fighting off a bug, the last thing your lymphatic system needs is to be forced to work harder than it already is. Getting a massage at this time will do that because it’s already busy trying to fight invading germs and carry their metabolic waste out of your system.
Overloading your system like this can make you feel awful, too…
If you’re feeling the effects of a cold, or a virus - be kind to yourself. Reschedule the massage, rest up, drink lots of chicken soup and come back when you’re fully recovered and able to feel all the positive effects of your massage treatment.
When Massage Can Make You Feel Worse Whenever you’re feeling under the weather, but choose to get a massage anyway, you put yourself at a higher risk of catching another bug. Why? Because you are compromising your immune system by making it work harder.
This is why I always encourage my clients not to get a massage if they aren’t feeling well. The benefits are just cancelled out by the added work a massage can put on your lymphatic and immune systems. This is especially true of Swedish and deep tissue styled massages since their main focus is to stimulate your circulatory system.
Sharing Is NOT Always Caring How can I put this delicately… Well, I’m just going to come right out and say it; I don’t want your germs!
Staying at home is best all round if you have something nasty, because you won’t feel any better for dragging yourself out to your massage appointment, and if I catch it, I won’t be well either!
Being self-employed, illness can be more than just an inconvenience – it could mean that I am unable to work (meaning lost income) … Plus, I don’t want to run the risk of passing the germs on to other clients.
Still, if you’re ever unsure about whether you’re well enough to make your massage appointment, you probably aren’t. Cancel, re-book and take the day off.
Trust me; I will be SO HAPPY to see you again when you’re feeling better, and you will, too!
Comments