Why do I feel depressed after a massage?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 09, 2026
As the body relaxes, it is normal for the body to also release the emotional baggage we are holding on to. While you might feel elated, refreshed or energised, there may be times when you feel a need to cry. This is okay, and it's even normal.
Can a massage cause an emotional release?
Most people who receive massage regularly report feeling relief, a sense of peace or increased relaxation. However, some people may also experience a sudden rush of powerful emotion while receiving bodywork. Whether it is grief, euphoria, anger, fear or sadness, the phenomenon is known as an emotional release.
Can a deep tissue massage make you sad?
These areas of stored emotions often begin releasing when a massage therapist initially begin placing their hands in the area. Deep tissue massage can often bring about major emotional releases of negative emotions that have been stored in the body for years.
Is it normal to feel off after a massage?
Nausea post-massage is actually fairly common, and although it doesn't exactly help promote those rest and relaxation vibes that you had in mind, it's a normal side effect of a procedure that affects a person's entire body.
Why do I feel worse the day after a massage?
Massage is like exercise: It forces blood into your muscles, bringing nutrients and removing toxins. This process can temporarily increase inflammation (the healing response) to areas that the body feels need attention. This inflammation can bring discomfort.
31 related questions foundWhat should you not do after a massage?
What Not to Do After a Massage Therapy?
- Not Drinking Enough Water. After massage therapy, decreasing your water intake after the massage therapy is not ideal. ...
- Take A Shower Immediately. ...
- Taking Hot Shower. ...
- Eating A Large Meal. ...
- Drinking Coffee. ...
- Drinking Alcohol. ...
- Doing Strenuous Exercise or Activities. ...
- Stressing Yourself Out.
How often should you get massages?
If you're working on a specific pain issue or injury, weekly massages can be a good starting place if it's in your budget. For more of a general tuneup, or for stress-relief, every 4-6 weeks is the average time frame.
Why am I so tired after a massage?
Sleepiness: After the massage, you may feel tired or fatigued. This may be the case because of muscle relaxation or release of stress after the massage. This effect should not last longer than the day of treatment. A headache: It is not uncommon for clients to experience headaches after a deep tissue massage.
What are the side effects of a massage?
Most Common Side Effects
- Lingering Pain. Due to the pressurised techniques used in a deep tissue massage, some people have suffered from some version of pain during and/or after their therapy session. ...
- Headaches/Migraines. ...
- Fatigue or Sleepiness. ...
- Inflammation. ...
- Nausea.
What happens if I don't drink water after a massage?
What happens if you don't drink water after a massage? The simple answer is you might experience pain, fatigue, and what is commonly called the DOMS, or Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, after your massage. Here are some symptoms you may experience.
Where is sadness stored in the body?
When an emotion is not fully processed, it may become “stuck” in the body. However, it's the limbic structures of the brain where emotional processing occurs.
How long should a client rest after a massage?
Strenuous activity is best avoided for 12-24 hours after a massage as it will help ensure you benefit from relaxed muscles and overcome any lingering soreness. Getting back to high impact activity straight after a massage will simply halt the good post-massage feeling you're trying to hold onto.
When does myofascial release become emotional?
As you get into the deeper layers, not only might the symptoms intensify, but other sensations or emotions might also surface. Typically, the healing crisis lasts 24 – 48 hours after a treatment, but can last longer. At times, it can feel like you are taking two steps forward and one step backwards.
How do you feel after a massage?
It's normal to feel sore after a massage. The technique carries blood and nutrients to your muscles while eliminating toxins. After stimulating muscles that you may not usually use, you might experience delayed onset muscle soreness. This is a physical response to the inflammation as your body heals.
Can a massage trigger anxiety?
“For most people massage is a good way to relax, but for someone with an anxiety disorder, it can be a cause for panic,” says Freeman. In addition to the claustrophobia and strangeness they might experience on a massage table, these clients' worries likely run deeper.
Can massage therapists feel your energy?
Massage therapists can really benefit from using energywork in addition to their massage techniques. Clients release energy, often continuously, throughout the massage. People store their emotions, memories, beliefs and thoughts in their energy system, and massage allows them to come up to be released.
Why I quit being a massage therapist?
The first five years of practice are the most difficult because you're not used to the physical demands, and many massage therapists quit due to burnout. Acclimating to the emotional demands are difficult as well. Clients come to you with frustrations and complaints, often times breaking down and crying in the room.
Is too much massage harmful?
Bottom Line. So, is too much massage harmful? The answer is yes, it can be. The best way to answer this is to listen to your body and talk openly with your massage therapist.
Who should not get a massage?
Here are the conditions that fall into these category;
- Fever. Anytime you have a fever, whether from a cold, the flu or some other infection, you should not get a massage. ...
- Contagious Diseases. ...
- Blood Clots. ...
- Pregnancy. ...
- Kidney Conditions or Liver Conditions. ...
- Cancer. ...
- Inflammation. ...
- Uncontrolled Hypertension.
Can a masseuse feel tension?
Massage therapists are trained to feel where knots occur by looking for tension in the back, neck and shoulders. They find this tension and release it by applying deep compression with their thumb, fingers or elbow, and holding for 20-30 seconds.
Why does therapist always tell to drink lots of water after the massage is over?
It's beneficial to drink water after your massage because as the massage therapist manipulates your muscles, substances are released. Drinking water post massage helps the body flush out any accumulated materials that were released during the massage.
Is daily massage harmful?
Is it bad to get a massage everyday? For general wellness and relaxation you may safely enjoy a relaxation massage twice a day – in the morning and one at night! For treatment of a chronic condition; it can take some time for muscle pain relief with targeted massage therapy sessions that are less frequent.
What are the 5 manipulation of massage?
They are:
- Effleurage-Circular stroking movements.
- Petrissage-Kneading movements.
- Friction-Rubbing Strokes.
- Vibration-Shaking movements to loosen the body.
- Tapotement-Tapping.
Is massage good for weight loss?
Massage also helps you to get rid of excess fat, reduce cellulite, and improve digestion. It is an effective way for obese persons to reduce their weight. Studies show that combining massage therapies with exercise produces amazing results.
Do massages have long term benefits?
Other long-term benefits of massage therapy include: Increased energy levels and reduced fatigue. A stronger immune system. Improved sleep.