In the last year at the Massage Envy I work at we have had 2 active cases of alcohol consumption. One came in drunk and the other came in with a beer in his hand. Both were escorted out of the building. One guy was with his mother who got a massage. I personally know therapists who do serve wine during massage sessions. I do not.

Jacqueline,

I've had a personal experience with receiving a massage and proceeding to have a couple of drinks afterward, and I would not advise it. Massage increased the effects at a much quicker pace, and I actually felt miserable as if I had gone out until the bar closed! As a professional, I would advise people to not consume after a massage. Your client is going to do what he/she wants when the massage is complete and each body responds differently, so we have to educate our visitors. Keeping our clients informed is important, and having personal stories and experiences to share with others is a way for us to protect ourselves and keep our clients safe. I don't think having a glass of wine before or after is bad, but that's it. Just one, because if the alcohol is consumed then that's water that isn't being consumed. It's a balancing act.

FYI--NYS specifically prohibits providing massage to folks under the influence of alcohol....

From NYs regulations: Massage/Bodywork therapists should not treat a patient or client:

•When the therapist or patient/client is in an altered state of cognitive awareness from the use of prescription, and/or over-the-counter medications, alcohol, or other substances, and the patient/client cannot give informed consent and/or the therapist cannot provide appropriate treatment. Consent for the patient/client may be given by guardians and other caregivers when authorized to do so.
•If a patient/client refuses to give the therapist consent to confer with his or her health care practitioner regarding massage/bodywork therapy when such consultation is essential to the patient's/client's health and safety, the therapist should not treat the patient.