Massage therapy has many benefits, but detoxification definitely is not one of them.
Some massage therapists and many clients still believe that massage releases toxins. Massage therapists should avoid perpetuating this misinformation and instead educate clients on the truth when the topic arises.
We believe, that if massage therapy is going to be respected as a valid health service, we cannot continue to perpetuate this misinformation.
The idea that massage therapy can help to flush toxins out of the body is a common misconception.
In reality, the term "toxin" refers to a poisonous substance produced within a living organism, while "detoxification" means the removal of harmful substances or rendering them harmless.
Our bodies have natural processes for dealing with waste products, including bio-transformation, where substances are changed chemically for elimination. The organs responsible for processing body-produced waste products are the skin, lungs, kidneys, liver, and intestines.
There are three main types of body-produced wastes: catabolic waste, metabolic waste, and digestive waste. Massage does not actually flush out lactic acid, as it is naturally metabolized in the body and does not remain in the muscles for an extended period.
Furthermore, environmental toxins pose a separate challenge for our bodies. These pollutants, such as pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals, can be more difficult for the body to process and eliminate. Once in the body, they can be excreted, stored, or bio-transformed.
Massage has value for supporting health and well-being. Environmental toxic exposure is a growing public health concern and creates additional strain on our bodies.
The body is better able to maintain homeostasis when relaxed and rested.
Massage therapy can help people relax and rest, which is a good thing, but it doesn't help to flush any of the toxins.