Archive for October 26th, 2011
Massage & Water
26 October 2011Good ol’ H2O. There has not been a time in my life that I haven’t heard or find myself saying; “Are you drinking enough water?” At the end of each massage I hand my client a bottle of water. I am an advocate for the benefits that water has on the body as a whole, and the role it plays with the success and results of a massage.
Many times in conversations people tell me that they can’t stand water. Now I am fully aware that I am a Water snob, I also know not everyone had parents who made sure they were well hydrated, but not liking the taste of Water? Isn’t there taste receptors that are specifically for the express purpose of tasting water? You have your bitter, sour, salty, sweet, and of course water (I cant prove it but I know its true:)).
Drinking water= Hydration, Hydration= Better functions of your bodies systems.
Water helps the muscular system with mineral transport and hydration so the muscles can function optimally. When massage techniques are applied, blood flow is increased and a kind of hydration flush occurs, replacing spent minerals to the tissue for healing and use.
I like to tell my clients that their are many factors to their water intake, activity level, our climate, and health. The 8 for 8 rule is 64 fl oz a day. I like to have my client take their total body weight and divide it in half, the answer is the amount of oz you should be having per day. Most of my clients who are more active with sports tend to report that they drink way more then that to feel like they are truly adequate in their water intake.
I found this article about resetting your taste buds to enjoy water. Now I know what to say to people who despise the taste of water.