Does Massage Really Release Toxins (Explained)

By Steven

On June 4, 2021

There is little or no solid evidence to prove that massage therapy helps release toxins stored in the body. However, it’s a surprise to see many people believe this myth today.

Hence massage therapists and other health practitioners mustn’t only reject this misinformation.

Instead, they should ensure to educate the general public on the actual benefits massage therapy provides. This will help discontinue the spread of such myths.

Keep reading to find out if massage therapy release toxins.

Do Deep Tissue Massages Release Toxins?

No, deep tissue massage can’t release toxins. And if you still believe massaging your body will help you remove toxins? Then ask yourself; what toxins are released during a massage?

I bet you have no idea.

The hard truth is that the deep tissue massage treatment helps promote blood circulation, making your organ much more effective. As a result, your organs carry out their natural detoxifying functions well.

Aside from the fact that your blood flow increases during massage therapy, heat is also released.

Heat is one way our body fights against viruses and infections when we get sick. Perhaps, this is why so many people believe some forms of massage release toxins from the body.

But it’s a wrong misconception. Besides, there’s no conclusive research to indicate that massaging your body will directly cause the release of toxins.

Nevertheless, we can say that massage therapy can help the organs naturally responsible for removing toxins to perform effectively.

What Does Massage Do?

Many people believe that massage therapy is an elite affair; that’s a form of pampering. But in recent times, people have come to appreciate the therapeutic value of this therapy.

Nowadays, patients of all social classes visit a massage therapist for their recovery and general wellbeing. Below are the following things massage can do:

A regular Massage session can help you maintain your fitness level and wellness.

Massage helps to manage or ease stress and other stress-related issues.
Massage therapy will alleviate your Migraines and also reduce your blood pressure and heart rate.

Massage can alleviate fatigue, soreness, stiffness, or muscle spasms.
Massage is valuable for injury rehabilitation and also helps to quicken recovery.

What Are Toxins?

One big challenge I encountered during my research is that many people use detoxification and toxins in the same context.

And this is incorrect.

The paragraphs below shows the definitions of these two words according to Merriam-Webster:

Toxin: “a poisonous substance that is a specific product of the metabolic activities of a living organism and is usually very unstable, notably toxic when introduced into the tissues, and typically capable of inducing antibody formation.”

Detoxification: “1a: to remove a harmful substance (such as a poison or toxin) or the effect of such from; b: to render (a harmful substance) harmless; 2: to free (someone, such as a drug user or an alcoholic) from an intoxicating or an addictive substance in the body or from dependence on or addiction to such a substance.”

I define toxins as harmful or dangerous substances that enter the human body via consumption, environmental exposure, or as a byproduct of the body’s natural functions.

At all times, your organs process and dispose of these toxins to avoid toxicity.

If not, it can ruin your health. At best, the accumulation of toxins can make you feel sore and sick. In the worst-case scenario, this can cause chronic diseases that permanently damage your health.

How Does Your Body Get Rid Of Toxins?

Detox (detoxification) is an essential catchphrase in this century. Aside from diet detoxification, many different programs are available to help you cleanse and detoxify your body.

Ideally, it’s reported you will feel more energetic after a detox.

However, many of such claims don’t have much research or evidence to back them.

Therefore it’s necessary not to ignore the role that your liver already plays in your blood cleansing. Hence the question: how does a liver clean your blood?

First, you should know that the liver is one of the largest organs in your body. Secondly, this organ helps to detoxify the body in the following ways:

It processes the nutrients and then filters your blood.
The liver helps to eradicate toxins, like the byproducts from alcohol and medication breakdown.

The liver also consists of thousands of lobules. These lobules help to filter blood and then produce and release bile. ( Bile is required for the breaking down of substances in the human body).

Here are some of the ways a liver breaks down toxins in our bodies:

Generating immune system cells to eradicate potentially harmful toxins and bacteria from your blood
Processing and removing excess bilirubin (this substance is a byproduct obtained from the breakdown of red blood cells in the body)
Changing ammonia to urea

There’s no doubt that the liver is perhaps the most critical blood filtration system. But then there are various other filtering organs present in humans:

The kidneys help filter excess toxins and waste from the blood and pass these toxins into your urine.
The lungs are responsible for filtering poisonous compounds in the air like toxins obtained from cigarette smoke.
The intestines help to kill off not only parasites but also other unwanted organisms.

What Are The Symptoms Of Toxins In Your Body?

Here are some common symptoms or signs the body manifests to indicate the presence of toxins:

Diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive issues
Food and scent intolerances
Skin problems such as rashes, acne, etc.

Fatigue and low energy.
Frequent colds and viruses.
Unexplained migraines and headaches.

Lower back pain.
General aches and pains.

Also Read:Does Massage Help With Stress: A Vital Detail You Need To Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Massage actually release toxins?

First, there is no medical evidence to support this myth. And, secondly, most physicians disagree with this argument. Nevertheless, a nice massage will promote the circulation of blood to different areas of your body. Moreover, this can quicken the healing process of injured areas.

Does peeing flush out toxins?

Yes, it does. The urinary system acts as a filter that eliminates toxins and waste from your body. The toxins are usually removed through the urine. Furthermore, your urinary system helps the rest of your body function properly.

Does exercise release toxins in the body?

Yes, activities like exercises help remove toxins stored not only in fats but also in other connective tissues.

Does releasing toxins make you sick?

There’s likely a reason if you fall sick on a detox program. Your own released toxins are essentially poisoning you. Symptoms are similar to the flu. And it includes the following; headaches, increased joint and muscle pain, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, chills, elevated heart rate, bloating, digestive issues and brain fog,

Can toxins leak into your blood?

Yes, it can leak into your blood. This happens when an injured muscle breaks down, and then it’s left untreated. Then there’s a high chance that toxins will enter the blood, which can lead to a deadly condition known as rhabdomyolysis.

What toxins do you sweat out?

Contrary to popular belief, sweat doesn’t contain and cleanse your body from toxins. Instead, our liver, kidneys, and intestines eliminate the most harmful substances like drugs and alcohol.

Final Words

Massage therapy contributes immensely to maintaining good health and wellbeing. Exposure to toxic effects on the environment is a growing public health problem and creates extra stress on our bodies.

Plus, our body maintains homeostasis better when it is relaxed and rested. Hence a nice massage can help you become calm and rejuvenated. However, it doesn’t cause toxins to be released.

Besides, how can massage release toxins when scientific studies prove otherwise.

Hence we shouldn’t ignore the chance to debunk such statements when the need arises. Also, the role of medical practitioners and massage therapists to tell patients the truth can’t be overemphasized.

They should seize any opportunity that arises to educate their clients about the potential benefits and limitations of massage therapy.

Finally, having mentioned the numerous benefits of massage therapy, it’s essential to note it may be a bit expensive. Nevertheless, there are other affordable options like using the Opove M3 Pro massage gun.

With this device, you can enjoy the same benefits you will get from visiting a massage therapist.

Besides, it’s cost-effective and durable. Read this review to know more about this massage gun. OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun Review: Why It’s Worth The Hype

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website results from in-depth research on various topics. The articles on this site are only for informational and educational purposes, and it’s not intended as medical or health advice. Hence, we suggest you always ensure to seek the opinion of your doctor or other qualified health personnel regarding any questions that relate to health objectives or medical conditions.