What you need to know about Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapeutic Massage / Medical Massage
Updated: Apr 25, 2022
Lymphatic drainage massage
Lymphatic drainage massage promotes the circulation of lymph and helps the body to get rid of toxins and waste materials. It also aids in purifying and regenerating tissues while normalizing organ function, and enhancing ones metabolism and immune system. This therapy can be beneficial for post-surgical lymphatic rerouting and can aide in primary and secondary lymphedemaThe Importance of Lymph Drainage The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body’s ability to drain fluids, detoxify, regenerate tissues, filter out toxins and foreign substances, and maintain a healthy immune system. It’s a complex system comprised primarily of lymph vessels and nodes working in cooperation to accomplish these tasks.
Unlike the circulatory system, which uses the pumping of the heart to circulate its blood flow, lymph vessels rely upon hundreds of tiny muscular units (lymphangions) contracting throughout the body to propel the lymph. These contractions enable the lymph vessels to transport numerous substances (i.e., proteins, toxins, hormones, fatty acids, immune cells) to the lymph nodes, which can then process them. The action of these muscular units can be hindered or stopped, however, due to fatigue, stress, lack of physical activity, emotional shock, cold temperatures, infections, substantial swelling, age, chemicals or food additives. When the lymph circulation stagnates, fluids, proteins, cells and toxins accumulate and cellular functioning is significantly compromised. This opens the way to many physical ailments and may hasten the aging process.How Lymph Drainage Therapy is PerformedThe LDT process involves the use of subtle manual maneuvers to aid in the recirculation of the lymphatic flow. Specifically, the therapist works with flat hands, using all the fingers to stimulate wavelike movements. The pressure applied is generally around five grams, or the equivalent weight of a nickel. Using this technique, trained therapists are able to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth, and quality of the lymph flow anywhere in the body. From there, they can use their hands to perform Manual Lymphatic Mapping (MLM) of the vessels to assess overall lymphatic circulation and determine the best alternate pathways for draining lymph and other body fluids.
The Benefits of Lymph Drainage TherapyDue to the nature and role of the lymphatic system, LDT can prove beneficial in the correction of numerous conditions, as well as a useful tool in preventive health maintenance. This is why you’ll find a wide range of practitioners using LDT. Among them are medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, doctors of chiropractic, dentists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, lymphedema specialists, massage therapists, bodyworkers, and estheticians.
In essence, Lymph Drainage Therapy works to recirculate lymphatic flow, activate fluid circulation, and stimulate the functioning of the immune system and parasympathetic nervous system. Relief of chronic and subacute inflammation and conditions such as sinusitis, acne, eczema, and allergiesReduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgiaAnti-aging effectsRelief of chronic painLymphatic massage gives exceptional benefits for those who have limited mobility or maybe bedridden as they cannot move enough to circulate the lymphatic system. The benefits, however, can extend to almost everyone, though the lymphatic system is a vast network throughout the whole body, and even healthy people may not get as much movement as they should for each area of the body
ncreased immunity for people with compromised immune systems or those suffering from a long-term illness.
Faster recovery of tissues after surgery as well as a reduction in scar tissue formation.
Boosted metabolism and enhanced digestion.
Skin benefits include reducing the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite along with cleaner pores and less acne.
For women who are breastfeeding, a reduction in the swelling of plugged ducts.
Better hormonal balance.Lymphatic massage gives exceptional benefits for those who have limited mobility or maybe bedridden as they cannot move enough to circulate the lymphatic system. The benefits, however, can extend to almost everyone, though the lymphatic system is a vast network throughout the whole body, and even healthy people may not get as much movement as they should for each area of the body.
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