A good massage can help release tension and stress, but did you know that it can also release toxins?
Toxin release is just one of the many benefits of getting a massage. The question is: what types of toxins are released after a massage? How does this happen, and can these toxins make you sick?
Let’s dive deeper into the world of massage and toxin release.
What Toxins are Released After a Massage?
Massage can help your muscles release certain substances, and while we use the word “toxins,” these substances aren’t all harmful to the body.
Which substances are released after a massage?
Lactic Acid
Have you ever felt sore and achy after an intense workout session? That discomfort you felt was caused by lactic acid.
Lactic acid builds up due to glucose breakdown when the body generates cellular energy. Too much lactic acid causes irritation and muscle soreness.
A gentle kneading of soft tissue can help remove that lactic acid, allowing you to enjoy a faster and more comfortable recovery.
Uric Acid
The body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are a natural substance found in the body and certain foods.
High uric acid levels can occur if you have high blood pressure, kidney problems, psoriasis, obesity or other medical conditions.
Massage can help stimulate your lymphatic system, helping release substances like uric acid.
Creatine
Creatinine, a byproduct of muscle use, produces creatine. Creatine helps the body produce energy during physical activity.
As your massage helps improve and stimulate blood circulation, creatinine levels decline to help improve kidney function.
Cortisol
Known as the stress hormone, cortisol plays an important role in our fight-or-flight system. But when cortisol levels are chronically high, it can lead to increased anxiety and a sluggish immune system.
Massage therapy can help lower cortisol levels, helping you feel more relaxed and at ease.
As you can see, the “toxins” listed above aren’t necessarily toxins in the traditional sense, but massage can help stimulate their release to support your well-being.
How much of these substances are released? That depends on the type of massage and its intensity.
And you don’t necessarily need to work with a massage therapist to stimulate the release of these toxins. For example, our Super Novo 2.0 massage chair has dozens of wellness programs, including a deep tissue massage that can aid in toxin release.
Can a Massage Make You Sick?
With all this talk about toxin release, you may be wondering: can a massage make me sick?
Massage therapy is supposed to help you feel more relaxed and less stressed, but in some cases, it can also make you feel a little under the weather temporarily.
Let’s be clear here – it's not common to feel sick after a massage. But it can happen.
Often, symptoms arise after an intense massage and can include:
- Achiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
Massages that use gentle strokes and pressure generally do not cause these side effects. They're more common after a deep tissue massage or other similar massage.
These symptoms may not necessarily be caused by the massage itself either. For example, you may experience some of these symptoms if:
- You're dehydrated. It’s important to drink water before and after a massage to avoid feeling dizzy or nauseous.
- You have an underlying health condition or injury. Massage can aggravate injuries and certain health conditions, which is why it’s important to consult with your doctor before you undergo massage therapy.
- Oils and scents were used. Typically, massage oil and aromatherapy have positive effects on clients – not negative. However, overexposure or sensitivity can cause headaches and nausea.
Most people feel great after a massage. Although it can happen, it’s not common for people to feel sick after a session with a massage therapist or their massage chair.
But if this does happen to you, make sure that you give yourself a little extra care to start feeling better faster.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine as much as possible.
- Allow your body to rest.
How Does a Massage Release Toxins?
You know which toxins the body releases after a massage and how they may affect your body. But how does massage create this effect?
Massage supports toxin release through:
- Enhanced blood circulation
- Stimulation of the lymphatic system
Increasing the movement of the circulatory system and the lymphatic system helps the body dissolve or remove the substances we discussed earlier.
Massage doesn’t necessarily “squeeze” out toxins from the muscles, as some may have you believe. Rather, it supports the body’s natural detox and circulatory systems to optimize their performance.
Summary
Regular massages can help support your lymphatic system, helping your body rid itself of toxins naturally.
But if you’re concerned about potential side effects (remember – they're uncommon), you might consider a gentler alternative, like our Perfect Chair® PC-610, which uses heat to melt away stress and tension.
