Do you ever feel a bit "ill" after a deep massage?!

Do you ever feel a bit "ill" after a deep massage?

Sometimes, after I get a deep tissue massage, I feel a little bit light-headed, queasy, tired, or just plain "off" for 12 to 24 hours afterwards. I especially notice this happens if I get a massage after a long period of NOT having any massages (i.e. a month or more).

I've heard from a couple of folks that they too feel slightly "ill" or odd after a deep massage, but I don't know how common it really is. Also, I've heard we feel this way because "toxins" are released into the bloodstream, which have built up for a while in our knotted muscles. Is one of the toxins lactic acid? I saw something about that online, but it seems like only folks who engage in weight-lifting, running or certain sports build up significant levels of lactic acid in their muscles. (I don't engage in any of that).

For good measure, I try to drink extra water and non-caffeinated drinks for the rest of the day after a massage. :)

Yes it goes with the territory. Deep massage is moving toxins through the tissues and as they are released you will feel a bit ill. That's s sign it was done well and reached into some areas that needed cleansing.It's from muscles that don't get enough oxygen causing blood lactate accumulation. It's usually felt when you exercise hard (the burn) and needs to be removed which is why athletes do a warm down. It's a sign your body is working correctly. The waste product goes to your liver which is why you feel slightly sick. All normal and a good thing. Drinking plenty of water definitely helps.