lymphatic drainage massage
What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Manual lymphatic drainage is a very specific light massage technique, applying gentle pumping and stroking movements to the skin. Lymphatic drainage is used to increase the activity of the lymph system and consequently improve immune function.
The lymph system is the major immune system in the body. Cells involved in the immune process are produced and developed in the lymph system. The lymph system also returns fluid, proteins, fats and metabolic waste back to the blood via a series of lymph vessels, nodes and ducts.
The Lymphatic System
Lymphatic drainage works by manually moving fluid through the lymph vessels and nodes, and by stimulating the lymphatic system to increase the circulation of lymph fluid through the body.
Lymphatic drainage can be used for the following:
• Stimulation of immune function
• General relaxation, stress reduction and pain reduction
• Detoxification
• Recovery from colds, flu, chest infections, glandular fever
• Treatment of lymphoedema
• Reducing oedema & fluid retention from injuries, PMT, venous insufficiency
• Treatment of lipoedema
• Reducing blood pressure
• Sinus conditions, ear & eustachian tube conditions.
What to expect from a Lymphatic Drainage treatment
Much of the lymph system is located superficially in the body, so lymphatic drainage involves gentle stroking and pumping movements to the skin and lymph nodes. Unlike massage, lymphatic drainage is primarily applied to the skin (and typically just front of body). Deep work is limited, but may be used in treating specific chronic conditions such as lymphoedema.
Recommended treatment times vary. As the lymph system moves toxins and metabolic waste back into the bloodstream for elimination from the body, lymphatic drainage may bring on mild cold-like symptoms as the body detoxifies. People with chronic fatigue and post viral syndrome should look at short treatments initially (30 minutes maximum), whereas full body lymphatic drainage for relaxation is normally a 60-90 minute treatment.
