
16/10/2025
6 Massage Myths Debunked
By Nalu Massage Training and Wellness Centre
Massage therapy is one of the most beneficial forms of natural healing, yet there are still many misconceptions about what it actually does.
At Nalu Massage Training and Wellness Centre, we’re passionate about educating both therapists and clients on the truth behind massage and its powerful effects on body, mind, and spirit.
Here are six of the most common massage myths and what really happens beneath the surface.
Myth 1: Massage is just for relaxation
Truth: While massage can help you deeply relax, it’s far more than a luxury.
Regular treatments support circulation, muscle recovery, stress reduction, and emotional wellbeing. Modalities such as Lomi Lomi, Reflexology, and Shirodhara help regulate the nervous system and restore energetic balance promoting real healing, not just relaxation.
Myth 2: The more pressure, the better the results
Truth: Massage should never be painful. True therapeutic pressure allows the body to trust, soften, and release naturally. When a therapist works too deep too soon, muscles tighten to protect themselves, preventing lasting change.
At Nalu, we teach our students to listen to hands, body, and breath so that every stroke works with the body, not against it.
Myth 3: Massage flushes toxins out of the body
Truth: There’s no scientific evidence that massage “flushes toxins.” What massage does do is stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which support your body’s natural detox processes.
Staying hydrated after a treatment helps your system continue to function at its best.
Myth 4: One massage can fix everything
Truth: One session can relieve tension, but lasting change comes from consistency. Chronic stress, muscle imbalances, or emotional fatigue build over time and they release over time too.
Think of massage as part of your wellness maintenance, just like healthy eating, sleep, and movement.
Myth 5: Massage is only for people in pain
Truth: Massage benefits everyone not only those with injury or discomfort.
Regular treatments can boost immunity, enhance mood, improve sleep quality, and increase body awareness. Massage is also an excellent preventive therapy, helping you stay balanced and connected before issues arise.
Myth 6: Massage is a luxury, not a necessity
Truth: Self-care isn’t selfish it’s essential. Massage helps regulate the parasympathetic nervous system (the body’s “rest and restore” mode), which lowers stress hormones and supports emotional resilience. Investing in massage is investing in your overall wellbeing.