Massage has been known to offer relaxation and treatment benefits, but have you ever asked yourself how it is that toxins are released after a massage? It is a question that many have and only a few are able to answer properly. Please let me elaborate and help you understand the rather complicated process that takes place in our bodies after a massage.
The Symphony of Toxins
There are so many more benefits of massage therapy than just relieving muscle soreness and tension. It is a great concert of the biochemical processes going on in your body when you are having a massage. The word ‘toxins’ is a commonly used term and therefore it is important to understand what it actually means. Toxins are any unwanted chemicals that can cause harm to the body and such toxins may be of two types namely, Adverse Outdoor Pollution and Stress Metabolites.
Interesting fact: Do you also know that we have toxins in our bodies and these are produced naturally?
The Role of the Lymphatic System
Okay, so here’s the thing; when you go for a massage, the different techniques that are used are an exercise of the lymphatic system in the body, the system that is in charge of waste transportation. Consider lymph flow as a river and massage as the spring rain that basically increases the rate of flow of the river. This process can sometimes result in the detoxing as well as redistribution of toxins that could have been held up in your tissues.
Muscle Activity and Waste Products
During the massaging process, or when pressure is applied to the muscles, metabolites are released from the muscles in order to be transported to be broken down and removed from the body. Some of them are metabolic wastes like lactic acid, which is often accused of causing muscle aches. Removing these from the muscles not only frees you from pain, it also restores the muscles’ health, as if one was given a refreshing bath after a long tiring day.
Breaking Down Stress Hormones
Here’s the thing: the majority of what is considered as toxins are in fact stress hormones of which cortisol is a well-known example. Massage therapy also lowers the levels of cortisol, which are stress hormones that also help in reducing stress and anxiety. This is because less cortisol means that your body can somewhat rest and get back to its normal state. Is not that interesting?
Environmental and Biological Toxins
We live in a world that is full of chemicals and other pollutants and that is not good for us. During massage these may be mobilized from adipose tissue and muscles surrounding them. However, the concept that going for a massage causes the release of these so-called hidden toxins is a contentious issue among the professionals.
Useful Tips Post-Massage
Drinking of water is advisable after a massage especially since this helps in the removal of toxins from the body through the kidneys. Do you know that it is like providing a river with enough water to help it flush away the debris?
- It is always important to express any discomfort that one may be experiencing to the massage therapist.
- Notice how your body looks after the massage and make a note of any differences.
- Ensure that you take enough time to rest in order to enable the body to recover as well as to get back into shape.
The Science Behind It All
Many researches have been conducted on the amount of toxins in the body after undergoing a massage. Some believe that it’s not only toxins which are appearing in the body, but the whole spectrum of the changes that have so many advantages.
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Lactic Acid | A common by-product which leads to muscle fatigue. |
| Cortisol | A stress hormone which is reduced during a massage thus increasing relaxation. |
| Lymph Flow | It is known to be enhanced to aid in the removal of waste products from the body. |
| Endorphins | “Happy hormone” released during and after a massage, which is why one feels so good. |
FAQs
Is there such a thing as toxins being released after a massage? Mainly metabolic wastes, some tissue fluids and reduced levels of stress hormones.
The use of the word “toxin” is quite popular these days; however, the scientific foundation has to do with the removal of metabolic waste products.
Can massage therapy also help in the detoxification of the body? This should only help the body’s natural processes and should not be used as a way of detoxification.
In Conclusion: A Promising Release
Massage is a great way to learn about how our body works and how it deals with stress. As you are lie down on that table, each knead is saying in whisper, the sound of relief from weariness and the approach to relaxation. Toxins or not, it gives you a break that we need in our everyday life.
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