Massage and Toxins: Understanding the Detox Myth
You may have heard a massage therapist say that massage helps “release toxins” from the body. This idea, often called the Detox Myth, suggests that massaging soft tissues pushes toxins into the bloodstream for elimination.
While it’s a commonly shared belief, there is currently no scientific evidence to support the idea that massage flushes toxins from muscles or stimulates a detox process in the way it’s often described. This myth has been around since the 1980s and has since been widely debunked by both medical and massage professionals.
What massage does do is promote circulation, reduce muscle tension, support the lymphatic system, and help activate the body’s natural relaxation response. These effects can support overall wellness, but they are not equivalent to a detox.
At Simple Wellness Massage, we are committed to evidence-informed practice and transparent communication. Our goal is to provide you with therapeutic massage rooted in science, compassion, and care.
https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/myths-in-massage-research/
