Getting a massage has become more of a necessity than an indulgence in today's stressful times. Over the years, massage therapy's popularity has risen, and along with it, the misconceptions about massages are also spreading.
Below are some of the common misconceptions and truths as to why it is actually beneficial to your body:
A. MYTH: Massages help flush out toxins.
TRUTH: This is perhaps the most popular myth surrounding massages, but according to an expert, there are no studies to prove that massages can rid the body of toxins. "Of course, I'm also unaware of any studies that disprove the idea," said Dr. Adam Perlman of Duke Integrative Medicine, according to New York Times. "It's possible that there might be an increase in certain metabolites after a massage," he added, but also said that these metabolites aren't toxins.
REAL BENEFIT: Massages help improve blood circulation, which is probably what "flushing the toxins" refers to. In improving circulation, pain in the muscles is reduced. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has shown that massages are good for chronic back pain.
B. MYTH: Drink lots of water after a massage.
TRUTH: The recommendation to drink plenty of water comes from the American Massage Therapy Association. This is on the assumption that the water will help the kidneys process the body's toxins that are released after getting a massage. However, there are also no scientific evidence to support this. Drinking water is essential to health, regardless if you've gotten a massage or not.
REAL BENEFIT: Water is a natural immune system booster particularly during flu season, according to The Week. The same is true for massages, as discovered in a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, which stated that white blood cell counts necessary for fighting off diseases increase after getting a massage.
C. MYTH: A good massage will make you feel sore. If you don't feel tender afterwards, then the massage failed.
TRUTH: Soreness happens when deep tissues in the muscles have been stretched and worked during the massage, but even if you don't feel any soreness, it doesn't mean that your body didn't benefit from it. If you feel relaxed, renewed and more energetic after a massage, then you've had a good one.
REAL BENEFIT: In addition to feeling re-energized, some people who have received massages also say they feel less anxious and depressed, according to a study in the International Journal of Neuroscience. Infants given light massages are able to sleep better and are less cranky, according to a University of Warwick study.
