Can we talk about the "removing toxins" claim often plastered all over social media in the bodywork world. It’s time we put this myth to rest—not only because it’s scientifically incorrect, but because it undermines the credibility of legitimate practitioners and can mislead horse owners into believing nonsense that does nothing to help their animals.
What "toxins" are we even talking about?
Here’s the reality: there are no “toxins” magically sitting in your horse’s body, waiting for massage to flush them out. The word toxin refers to substances harmful to the body, such as venom, heavy metals, or bacterial byproducts—none of which are addressed by manual therapy. If your horse were suffering from something like heavy metal overload or a true toxic condition, that would require medical intervention, not bodywork. Massage and other manual therapies have absolutely no business claiming to “heal” such conditions.
So, what’s really happening in the body during massage or exercise?
Most likely, when people say “toxins,” they’re referring to natural chemical reactions that occur during muscle contractions.
For example:
During a muscle contraction, calcium (Ca²⁺) is released into the muscle cell to initiate the process, then reabsorbed when the muscle relaxes. Calcium is a naturally occurring ion necessary for muscle function—it’s not toxic.
Similarly, metabolic byproducts like carbon dioxide and water are produced during energy production in the cells. These are normal, non-toxic waste products that are efficiently handled by the body’s circulatory, respiratory, and excretory systems.
Even lactic acid, which is often misrepresented as a “toxin,” is a temporary byproduct of anaerobic metabolism that the body clears and uses for energy once oxygen levels are restored.
In short: these are not toxins; they are normal physiological processes.
The Real Problem: Lack of Regulation
This ongoing misinformation highlights a deeper issue in the equine bodywork industry: lack of regulation. Many of these myths persist because some unlicensed practitioners lack foundational education in anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry—courses that are standard in regulated professions like chiropractic, physiotherapy, registered massage therapy (RMT), and osteopathy.
Legitimate licensing programs require in-depth study of cellular anatomy, chemistry, physics, and the intricate processes of physiology. These disciplines teach how the body functions at the cellular level, equipping practitioners with the knowledge to work within their scope and educate clients responsibly. Myths like the “removal of toxins” wouldn’t survive in such programs because they are dispelled early on through science.
Why It Matters
This myth isn’t just annoying—it’s harmful:
It creates distrust: When licensed professionals like vets or regulated therapists see these claims, it reflects poorly on the entire bodywork industry.
It misleads horse owners: Owners who believe in these myths may look for quick-fix solutions instead of addressing the root causes of their horse’s discomfort, whether that’s improper management, poor hoof balance, or actual medical conditions requiring a vet.
It’s dangerous: Believing massage can “detox” a horse might delay necessary medical intervention in serious conditions.
As practitioners, we owe it to our clients—and their horses—to provide scientifically accurate information grounded in evidence. If you’re tired of hearing these claims, you’re not alone. It’s time to raise the bar for education in this field and align our practices with science, not pseudoscience.
The Takeaway
Manual therapy, when done correctly, has numerous proven benefits, such as improving circulation, relaxing muscle tension, and supporting recovery. But let’s keep it honest: massage does not remove toxins. By sticking to facts and continuing to educate ourselves, we can ensure equine welfare is the priority, not perpetuating myths for marketing.
For those in the field, it’s worth asking: Are you ready to invest in real education, understand the science, and leave these myths behind? The horse deserves nothing less.
Some Resources.....
To support the assertion that massage does not remove "toxins" — since the body primarily contains naturally occurring chemicals rather than harmful toxins — consider reading the following textbooks that provide comprehensive insights into cellular metabolism and physiology:
Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology (13th Edition) by John E. Hall. This textbook offers an in-depth understanding of human physiology, including detailed chapters on cellular functions and metabolism. It explains how the body naturally manages metabolic byproducts through organs like the liver and kidneys, emphasizing that typical metabolic processes do not produce harmful toxins requiring external intervention.
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (15th Edition) by Gerard J. Tortora and Bryan H. Derrickson. This textbook covers the structure and function of the human body, with sections dedicated to cellular metabolism. It clarifies that the body's metabolic processes produce waste products that are efficiently handled by the body's excretory systems, negating the need for external 'detoxification' methods like massage.
Biochemistry (9th Edition) by Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, and Lubert Stryer. This comprehensive resource delves into the biochemical pathways of metabolism, illustrating how cells process nutrients and manage waste. It reinforces the concept that metabolic byproducts are natural and are not 'toxins' in the context often implied in popular media.
Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach (8th Edition) by Dee Unglaub Silverthorn. This textbook integrates various aspects of human physiology, including metabolism and the body's mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis. It provides evidence that the body has intrinsic systems for managing metabolic waste, and external methods like massage do not play a role in 'removing toxins.'
These textbooks are widely used in medical and health science education and offer scientifically accurate information that counters the myth of massage as a means of 'toxin' removal. They emphasize that the body possesses efficient systems for managing metabolic waste, and the concept of 'toxins' being removed through massage lacks scientific support.
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