WATER...What Is The Massage Connection?

     How many times have you been told to make sure that you drink enough water?  What does being properly hydrated have to do with getting a massage?  Properly hydrated muscles respond to massage therapy better and are easier for massage therapists to manipulate.  That's it.  So why am I writing about water and hydration.  Because I recently went to a functional medicine doctor who has totally turned my way of thinking around.  
     Everyone has their own ideas of what drinking enough water means.  I thought it was gulping down 8 -10 glasses of water a day (which I never did).  I recently read an article that put it all into perspective for me and wanted to share some of the key points with you (will share the link below).  Also, I will share a tip on how to drink water properly that I just learned and it has made a BIG difference in my body.  I  recently found out I was drinking water all wrong.  Who knew?! 
     Our bodies are made up of about 60-65% of water.  But did you know these water facts regarding the body? 

• Brain and heart are 73% water
• Lungs are 83% water
• Skin is 64% water
• Muscles/Kidneys are 79% water
• Bones are 31% water (didn't know this, did you?)

     Makes you think more about the importance of water, doesn't it?
     Staying hydrated helps to regulate body temperature, flushes waste through the urine, acts like a shock absorber for the brain and spinal cord (didn't know about the spine), blood circulation, lubricates the joints, and helps with digestion, and more.  So it seems that water is VERY important to all of us.  Our organs cannot function to optimal capacity if they are lacking hydration.  Foggy brain, blood pressure issues, dry skin, muscle aches, etc can be caused by dehydration.  
     With Spring and Summer fast approaching the longer days will be beckoning us to come outside and play.  Your play may be working in your garden, walking or riding your bike, hiking, or taking your kids or grand kids to the park.  Whatever your "play" is staying hydrated will allow you to feel better and move better and your massages will be more beneficial to your body.
     I mentioned above that I learned how to drink water in a way my body would get the most benefit from it.   The key fact that I learned was our body cannot absorb more than around 4 ounces of water at a time.  I would always glup down a 16 oz glass of water at a time to try to get enough water in during the day not knowing my body could not absorb that much at a time (the constant trips to the bathroom should have been a red flag).  I was instructed to drink 4 oz of water every 15 minutes.  Now, of course, sometimes that is impossible but try your best.  For me, I have noticed that my muscles do not ache, I am sleeping better, my skin looks better, I am calmer and wait for it....MY BLOOD PRESSURE HAS COME WAY DOWN.  That alone makes me do a happy dance.
    Bottom line...staying hydrated is so important to every part of our being.   I know you want to be healthy and I want you to be healthy and get the most out of every massage you receive.  Stay hydrated.
     Go forth and drink water!
http://juicing-for-health.com/dehydration-causes-sickness-and-damages-in-body (copy and paste)
embracelifemassage.com