Lymphatic drainage massage is a soothing form of massage that promotes lymph node drainage and fluid movement throughout the body. Beneficial for those suffering from lymphedema or swelling from an injury, this type of therapy can be just what you need to find relief.
For centuries, lymphatic drainage massage has been utilized to rejuvenate the body’s lymph flow. This form of therapy is thought to improve a vast array of outcomes – from lessening swelling and enhancing skin elasticity, all the way to boosting energy levels and recovering damaged tissue. It’s no surprise that this ancient technique continues to be used today for various maladies including edema, cancer, and lymphedema alike!
Embrace the power of lymphatic drainage massage therapy to improve your well-being and detoxify your body! This form of treatment is incredibly gentle yet highly effective, as it can reduce inflammation, enhance circulation, and flush out toxins.
Weighing up the pros and cons?
In this blog post, we’ll explore both the benefits and risks that accompany lymphatic drainage massage – allowing you to make an informed decision suitable for you!
What is a lymphatic drainage massage used for?
Lymphatic drainage massage, otherwise known as manual lymphatic drainage, is a light-touch type of massage that helps ease the discomfort and swelling in your limbs resulting from lymphedema. This condition often affects individuals going through breast cancer surgery recovery.
Lymphedema is a condition of the lymphatic system when it fails to filter and return its collected lymph fluid, leading to swelling in your arms or legs. This pooling happens as a result of blockages that prevent your body’s cardiovascular system from transporting blood efficiently throughout tissues and organs. When this occurs, leftover fluids are left behind causing disruption in the natural circulation process.
Through the use of lymphatic drainage massage techniques, a massage therapist can aid in alleviating puffiness and swelling in your tissues by expertly shifting fluids from them to their corresponding nodes.
How to perform a lymphatic massage
Skilled practitioners offer lymphatic massage to achieve optimal results, however, they can also give guidance on simple drainage techniques that an individual can do at home. Moreover, a doctor or expert in the field may advise individuals on safe ways to drain their lymphatic fluid for long-term benefit.
Get comfortable standing, sitting, or laying down, and keep the following tips in mind during the lymphatic massage:
- The massage movements are very light touch which affects only the skin. Gentle pressure is used to ensure proper movement of lymph fluid.
- Relax your hands
- Do not massage swollen or infected areas.
- Do not massage areas of the body that have undergone treatment for cancer.
- Drink extra fluids, ideally 2–4 glasses of water, after each massage to help flush the body.
- During the massage, there should be no pain or skin reddening.
- Do not use lotions or other products, only the hands.
Do lymphatic drainage massages work?
Yes, lymphatic drainage massage really works.
What are some conditions that can benefit from lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic drainage massages are often used to relieve the following conditions:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This is ongoing arthritis in your joints causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
- Fibromyalgia: This condition causes chronic muscle and joint pain.
- Chronic venous insufficiency: This happens when your leg veins aren’t working effectively, making it hard for your blood to return to your heart from your legs.
- Lipedema: This happens when excess fat accumulates in your lower body, blocking your lymphatic pathway and causing lymphedema.
Are there any risks associated with lymphatic drainage massage?
Generally speaking, lymphatic drainage massage is a safe treatment to relieve lymphedema. There are some conditions and circumstances where lymphatic drainage massage is not recommended:
- You have a heart condition.
- You have kidney failure.
- You have blood clots.
- You have an infection.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned your physical health might be affected by lymphatic drainage massage.
Will lymphatic drainage massages make my lymphedema go away?
You might not see immediate results from lymphatic drainage massages. If you have several sessions without results, ask your healthcare provider about alternative treatments.
How can I drain my lymphatic system myself?
Talk to your healthcare provider about learning lymphatic draining massage techniques. They will have information to help you decide if you would benefit from doing a lymphatic draining massage yourself or by working with a trained massage therapist.
What happens if I’m feeling sick after a lymphatic drainage massage?
Few people have negative reactions to lymphatic drainage massage. Some people, however, complain of headaches, nausea and fatigue. When that happens, you should ask your healthcare provider about managing your side effects.
