Massage has been used forever in ancient practices and in Ayurveda. It wasn’t until the 19th and 20th centuries that they became a part of modern medicine. When scientists started studying massages, they discovered how they boost blood flow and improve lymphatic drainage, which is a key process that helps your body flush out toxins.
What Toxins Are Released After a Massage?
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When you hear about “toxins” being released during a massage, it’s not actual poison. It’s the substances that naturally build up in your body from daily activities, stress, or even diet. Here’s a closer look at what these toxins are:
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is what gives you that “burn” when exercising and can leave you feeling sore later. A massage helps break this acid down so your body can flush it out faster.
Fun fact: Lactic acid isn’t always a bad thing—your body can sometimes reuse it as an energy source during workouts when oxygen is low.
Carbon Dioxide
This is a byproduct of your body’s energy production. It’s usually expelled through your lungs, but tension in your muscles can slow down this process.
Cortisol (Stress Hormone)
Cortisol is the “stress hormone” that gives you the fight and flight response. High cortisol levels can lead to a range of issues, including high blood pressure, inflammation, and, heart issues. Massage can lower cortisol by up to 30%, which is why you might feel a “weight” lifted off your shoulders and also why you end up sleeping at most sessions!
Metabolic Waste
Your body is always processing nutrients, and what it doesn’t use gets turned into waste like urea and ammonia. If there's too much of this waste build up, you might end up feeling heavy and sluggish. During a massage, these products will move more freely into the bloodstream, where the kidneys will eventually filter them out.
How Massage Affects the Body
- Improves blood circulation
- Reduces soreness
- Boosts lymphatic flow
- Reduces muscle tension
- Lowers stress levels
- Releases endorphins which are your body’s natural “feel-good” or “happy” chemicals.
- Detoxifies your body
- Eases pain. Massage stimulates your nervous system, which can block pain signals to the brain. This is why they're great for chronic pain or recovery.
- Improves flexibility and reduces stiffness
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It can stimulate lymph flow. Unlike blood, lymph fluid doesn’t have a pump (like the heart) and relies on body movement for circulation.
What Post-Massage Symptoms Can You Expect?
After a massage, you might feel a bit (or very) sleepy or even a little lightheaded because your body is so relaxed. You might also feel sore in the areas that were worked on, similar to how you feel after a workout. Don’t worry that’s just your muscles adjusting. You’ll feel really thirsty as well, so make sure to drink plenty of water.
These post massage symptoms are typically called “healing crisis.” While the term sounds concerning, any symptoms you experience are generally temporary.
If you feel anything unusual, like extreme pain or swelling, let your therapist know, but usually, these mild symptoms pass quickly.
How to Support Your Body After a Massage
- Stay hydrated and drink at least 8–10 glasses of water throughout the day.
- Avoid intense physical activity immediately after a session to allow your muscles to recover.
- Eat a healthy, balanced meal with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein to provide the nutrients your body needs to detoxify effectively.
- If you’re sore, apply a heating pad or ice pack to the affected area for 10–15 minutes.
Myths About Toxins and Massage
“Massages "Detox" the Body”
While massages improve the body’s natural detox processes, they do not replace what your liver and kidneys do. Massage alone cannot “detox” you.
“Sweating During Massage Removes Toxins”
Sweating is actually not that great of a method to get rid of toxins. Most waste products are processed through the liver and kidneys, not the sweat glands.
“Pain Means Toxins Are Being Released”
It’s fine to feel a bit of discomfort during a massage since you’re muscles are probably tight but you shouldn't be in pain. If you’re feeling pain, your massage therapist is probably using the wrong technique.
Summary
Massage therapy is a great way to relax, ease stress, and help your muscles recover. While it doesn’t directly “detox” your body, it does help your body’s natural systems to get rid of waste. To make the most of your session, stay hydrated, eat a balanced meal, and give yourself time to rest afterward.
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