What Toxins Are Released After Massage?
Massages are thought of as a luxury, and they have plenty of health benefits as well. These are known to be therapeutic, a way to release the pent-up tension in your body. Getting a massage feels good, but have you ever wondered why is that so? Although there is a lot of debate about how massage contributes to the release of toxins from the body, it is a fact that massage can release toxins from the body.
Different types of toxins are released during different types of massages. For example, deep tissue massage releases lactic acid and other types of metabolic wastes from the body. On the other hand, Swedish massage removes other toxins from the body.
In this article, we are going to look at what toxins are released after a massage, how these are filtered out, and what simple post-massage care you have to take in order to get the most out of the session.
How Massage Affects Toxin Release?
Before we look into what toxins are released after a massage, we are going to explore how massage affects toxin release.
Massage therapy is not just about relaxation and relieving muscle tension; it is a centuries-old technique that helps the body in its natural detoxification processes. Let’s understand how massage helps release toxins and maximizes the health benefits for your body.
Toxin Release Through Massage:
Improves the Circulation of Blood
One of the main ways massage helps detoxify people is by improving circulation. When the blood flow increases, the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues also increases. This increase flushes out the metabolic waste after massage.
Improves Lymphatic Drainage
Did you know that the lymphatic system is responsible for clearing toxins from the body? Massage can help stimulate the flow of lymph and can help with the removal of waste and toxins that accumulate over time in the muscles.
Breaks Down Metabolic Byproduct
Muscles often store byproducts such as lactic acid, which can cause soreness and discomfort after a strenuous activity. Massage therapy helps release these byproducts into the bloodstream, ultimately removing them from the body. This removal eases soreness and accelerates the recovery process.
By improving the flow of blood and lymph, massage therapy helps the body’s detox systems and eliminates toxins more effectively.
Different types of massage are known to release different types of toxins from the body. Hence, it is important for you to choose a massage therapist who knows how each of the different types of massage works and what effects they have on the body.
What Toxins Are Released After a Deep Tissue Massage?
Massage therapies are known to have a beneficial effect on your body. During a massage, the toxins that accumulate in the body over time are released into the bloodstream and are flushed out. Let’s have a look at some of the common toxins released after massage.
Metabolic Waste After Massage
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is a metabolic byproduct that is stored in the muscles during intense physical activities. It can cause your muscles to become sore and painful. The pressure applied during a massage releases and flushes lactic acid after the massage, easing out the soreness and fatigue of the muscles.
Uric Acid
Uric acid is a catabolic waste product that is commonly found in the bloodstream. High levels of uric acid can have an adverse effect on your body, resulting in the formation of crystals of uric acid, which can increase the chances of conditions like gout.
During a massage, blood circulation increases, which in turn reduces inflammation and swelling, which are often caused by high levels of uric acid.
Cortisols
Cortisol is a stress hormone. This hormone is essential for the fight-or-flight response. However, during periods of increased anxiety and stress, high levels of cortisol are released. Such high levels can adversely affect your health. This is where massage therapy comes in. Massage can reduce the levels of cortisol, leading to reduced stress and a relaxed mind and body.
Histamines
You probably know that histamine is a chemical that is released in your body as a response to allergens and irritants. This chemical is essential for your body as it triggers the inflammatory response. However, massage therapy can reduce the levels of this chemical in your body and can also help alleviate the symptoms of allergies.
Endorphins
Endorphin is the natural feel-good hormone that is released during a massage. It helps to enhance your mood and alleviates any pain you might be suffering from.
Toxins Stored in Fat Cells
Various toxins, including environmental pollutants, get stored in your fat cells. Massage therapy can help break down these fat cells, releasing and finally flushing out these toxins from your body and leaving you feeling refreshed.
What is The Role of Lactic Acid in Post-Massage Muscle Recovery?
One of the most frequent questions after a massage is: Does massage release lactic acid? The answer is yes, but not in the way people might think. Lactic acid is a natural substance that builds up in your muscles when your body breaks down glucose for energy during exercise, which leads to the familiar soreness in muscles after a workout.
A massage, especially a deep tissue massage, helps to disperse this lactic acid by improving circulation. With the increased flow of blood, lactic acid is also transported to the liver, where it is metabolized and finally excreted. This process can help relieve muscle soreness and fatigue and help your muscles heal quickly. This is the reason why so many athletes use massage as a part of their post-workout routine.
The Truth About Toxic Release During Massage
Does massage actually release toxins from your body? Massage is not a magical process that will fish out the toxic build-up in your body. Rather, massage helps your body with its natural waste-removal process.
For example, lactic acid isn't a harmful toxin; it's a natural byproduct of muscle activity. Massages improve the circulation of blood, which both relaxes the muscles and helps your lymphatic system do its job, i.e., moving waste products efficiently out of your body. So, it would not be wrong to say that massages don't just dramatically detox your body; rather, they support your body in its natural waste-removal process.
Post-Massage Care: Maximizing the Benefits
To get the most out of your massage, you need to follow up with post-massage care. With proper post-massage care, you will be able to maximize the benefits of the session. Here are a few steps you should consider doing after a massage.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water as most of the waste products are expelled through urine. Drinking plenty of water will help speed up the detoxification process.
Stretch
Light stretching after a massage can help with muscle stiffness.
Eat Light
Eat light and nutritious snacks to help maintain your blood sugar levels.
Rest
Rest a little, give your body some time to recover, and don’t get involved in any intense physical activities for at least 24 hours.
Take a Warm Bath or Shower to Soothe any Sore Muscles.
If you feel sore after an intense massage session, a warm bath or shower will help soothe your muscles, leaving you feeling more supple.
A Massage Is More Than Just Pampering
To sum it up, although the toxins released after a massage might seem like a debate, there is no doubt that massage supports your body's natural detoxification process. By improving the flow of blood and stimulating the lymphatic system, massage therapy can help you feel better and recover faster.
Whether you opt for a Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, or lymphatic drainage, the effects are much more than just relaxation. Next time you book a massage service, consider the lasting benefits it can have on your body’s health.
If you're ready to detoxify and relax, visit Healing Forest Massage. Our expert massage therapists will help you find the perfect treatment to meet your needs. Book your appointment today!
FAQs
Q: Does massage release lactic acid?
A: Yes, massage can help release lactic acid that gets built up in the muscles after an intense workout or physical activity, easing soreness and muscle fatigue.
Q: What toxins are released after deep tissue massage?
A: Deep tissue massage can help release metabolic wastes like uric acid and lactic acid by improving the circulation of blood.
Q: What steps should I take after a massage to help my body release toxins?
A: To help your body release toxins after a massage, you should drink plenty of water, eat light and healthy food, rest, do gentle stretching, and take a warm bath to soothe your muscles.
