It is widely believed that a massage can help your body rid itself of toxins, but this is not entirely true. Although there are some potential benefits to having a massage, such as improved circulation and relaxation of muscles, the idea that it can release toxins from the body has not been scientifically proven. However, massages do have other health benefits including stress relief and increased flexibility. It’s important to be aware of what to expect from a massage so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you. Knowing all the facts will ensure that you get the most out of your experience and enjoy all its therapeutic effects. 

Does a Massage Release Toxins?

The concept of toxins is often misunderstood, with there being no clear definition. According to the New York Times, a toxin is any substance that can be harmful if consumed or exposed to in excessive form – this could include elements found in nature such as Poison Ivy or Snake Venom. With this understanding, we can address the question at hand; does your body release toxins after massage? The answer is no, since our bodies do not naturally produce any toxins themselves. Massage thus cannot help us release them either. So it looks like the myth has been debunked! 

What Chemicals Get Released?

Have you ever experienced the feeling of peace and relaxation after a massage? It’s no surprise that this is often the case, as during a massage your body reduces the release of stress hormones such as cortisol. Cortisol plays an important role in our human “fight-or-flight” responses and can put us at risk for various diseases if left unchecked. At the same time, during a massage, our bodies also release endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin – all of which are known to make people feel good.

However, it isn’t just these chemicals that play a part in making us feel content after a massage session; we humans are social beings at heart who crave touch from others! The calming experience provided by massages combined with the physical contact helps to promote feelings of wellbeing both physically and mentally. 

What Actually Happens to Your Body After a Massage?

There are two ways to look at the after effects of a massage – physical and psychological. We will start with the physical effects:

Physical Effects:

• Increases blood and lymph circulation due to manipulation of soft tissue, as well as “feel good” chemicals.
• Improved delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles, leading to a peaceful feeling.
• Reduces swelling in soft tissues/muscles.
• Relaxes muscle tissue, reducing painful contractions and spasms.
• Improves functioning of muscles and organs by relieving nerve compression.
• Pain relief, better sleep, improved mental health (more on that below).

Psychological Effects:

• Improves relaxation skills by releasing “feel good” chemicals which reduce stress & anxiety levels (leading causes of depression).
• Enhances ability to rest more efficiently – especially for those who suffer from insomnia, cerebral palsy & fibromyalgia among others.
• Relieves symptoms of chronic illnesses & diseases by lowering stress levels making them easier to cope with.
• Promotes overall happiness through enhancement in moods caused by release of “feel good” hormones! 

Conclusion

In conclusion, a massage can be an incredibly beneficial part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Not only does it help to reduce stress and anxiety, but it also has the potential to improve our overall well-being. So why not give it a try? Book your next massage appointment today and experience its positive effects for yourself!