Myth of Toxin Build-up

“Based on the above considerations, I can only conclude that the flushing of toxins is yet another persistent myth. However, this does not imply that massage is powerless to benefit the body. While massage does not appear to directly increase overall blood flow [4], it can be used to relax muscle hypertonicity. Lowering the level of muscle activity will locally reduce the need for energy and oxygen and the rate of production of metabolic wastes. It will also reduce the muscular pressure on surrounding tissues, effectively improving circulation and recovery from use. This, however, is not massage moving out toxins, but massage facilitating a better homeostasis. It is just this improvement in homeostasis by which, I believe, massage facilitates recovery from exercise and allows a higher level of training to occur.” [via MassageToday]