
What are the Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
- Good lymphatic drainage supports your immune system so having a lymphatic drainage massage can impact your general health in a positive way
- Excellent for preventing common illnesses such as colds and viruses
- It speeds up healing
- Reduces water retention and bloating
What can I expect from lymphatic drainage massage?
- It is part of both the circulatory system and the immune system.
- It assists in maintaining our homeostasis (body balancing health system).
- It picks up excess fluid and protein preventing toxic shock.
- Helps to transport immune competent cells around the body to localise infections.
Does lymphatic drainage massage actually work?
lymphatic drainage massage. Lymph work has been shown to help the scarring process by enhancing circulation and immunity . As the lymph flow around the scar is increased, lymph vessels that have been damaged are stimulated to heal, and the increased lymph flow also draws away toxins, improving the health of the tissues.
How to encourage lymphatic drainage?
Top 10 Ways to Increase Lymphatic Drainage
- Drink more water. Staying hydrated is vital to keep lymph moving and draining properly. ...
- Move more. ...
- Practice dry brushing. ...
- Use an infrared sauna. ...
- Use a standing desk. ...
- Eat more raw vegetables. ...
- Eat more seeds and nuts. ...
- Practice deep breathing. ...
- Get a massage. ...
- Burn your bra. ...
What is a lymphatic massage, how it works and its benefits?
Lymphatic drainage massage will help stimulate lymph and drain these wastes and toxins from the body. Lymphatic drainage massage benefits include enhancing skin health, relieving stress and tension, strengthening the immune system, improving breastfeeding , and benefiting those with edema.

How often should you do lymphatic drainage massage?
But at home, "any oil or cream you have can be used to self-drain," she says. The pro recommends massaging the arms, legs, and stomach up to 3 to 4 times a week at home. "However, when done by a professional," she explains, "1 or 2 times a week is enough, but each body is different."
Is lymphatic drainage massage worth it?
The bottom line Lymphatic massage, or manual lymphatic drainage, has proven benefits for people who have lymphedema or are at risk for developing it. It could possibly help improve overall health in others, but those benefits aren't yet backed by research.
How do I know if I need lymphatic drainage?
Signs You Need Lymphatic Drainage MassageAllergies and/or food sensitivities.Bloating.Brain fog.Chronic lethargy (persistent tiredness)Constipation.Depression.Digestive problems.Swollen lymph nodes.More items...•
What should I eat after lymphatic massage?
After the massage, drink plenty of water. Dehydration is often discussed during this treatment. Incorporate green foods, especially superfoods, to improve digestion.
What are the benefits of lymphatic drainage?
8 Lymphatic Drainage Massage Benefits You Should Know About 1 A reduction in fluid retention and swelling with an increase in circulation. Especially for those for have a lymphatic system blockage like lymphedema. 2 Increased immunity for people with compromised immune systems or those suffering from a long-term illness. 3 Faster recovery of tissues after surgery as well as a reduction in scar tissue formation. 4 Boosted metabolism and enhanced digestion. 5 Skin benefits include reducing the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite along with cleaner pores and less acne. 6 For women who are breastfeeding, a reduction in the swelling of plugged ducts. 7 Better hormonal balance. 8 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.
Why do people need lymphatic massage?
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 ...
What are the conditions that massage therapists should be certified for?
Blood clots or deep-vein thrombosis. Heart problems. Certain cancers in the area of massage. Your massage therapist should be appropriately certified and know which conditions to look out for, but as always, be sure to check with your doctor first if you have any concerns.
What are the benefits of lymphedema?
Especially for those for have a lymphatic system blockage like lymphedema. Increased 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.
How to boost lymphatic system?
Here are some other quick tips that can also help boost your lymphatic system: Minimize your exposure to toxic chemicals found in herbicides, pesticides, and many commercial cleaning products. These can build up in your system and make it harder to filter waste.
Why is the lymphatic system important?
Producing lymphocytes play a crucial role in immunity and fighting off infections such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. If you’ve ever been sick with a cold or flu, you’ve experienced the lymphatic system in action as most of feeling ill comes from the deadly virus or bacteria spread through your lymphatic system.
Is lymphatic massage painful?
A lymphatic massage is generally pretty painless, and most people find it very relaxing. Due to lymphatic massage being gentle and low-intensity, most people can receive one without any complications. However, certain conditions may not be eligible for this treatment, such as: Acute infection in a swollen area.
What is lymph drainage massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body. The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from the bodily tissues. Some health conditions can cause lymph fluid to build up. Lymphatic drainage massages can benefit people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, ...
How to prepare for lymphatic massage?
The following methods will stimulate the lymphatic system and prepare the lymph nodes to bring in more fluid before a lymphatic massage. 1. Lymphatic breathing. Deep breathing acts like a pump that helps move fluid through the vessels and lymph nodes. Follow the steps below:
How does massage help with swelling?
Lymphatic massage can improve circulation and reduce swelling. While the heart continuously pumps blood through the blood vessels, the lymphatic system relies on the movement of smooth muscles to transport fluid through the lymph vessels. Health conditions can interrupt the normal flow of lymph, causing lymph fluid to build up in ...
How to treat fibromyalgia with lymphatic massage?
People can also boost their lymphatic system function and help remove more waste from the body using the following methods: drinking plenty of water.
What causes lymph fluid to build up in the arms and legs?
Health conditions can interrupt the normal flow of lymph, causing lymph fluid to build up in a particular area of the body, often in the arms or legs, where it can causing swelling. This condition is called lymphedema. People can develop lymphedema as a result of infections, cancer treatments that involve the removal of lymph nodes, ...
How to drain lymph fluid from chest?
To massage the chest: Place the palm flat on the opposite side of the chest, slightly above the breast. Move the hand up the chest and over the collarbone.
How to massage the inside of the arm?
Place the middle two fingers of the other hand on the inside of the upper arm below the shoulder. Gently slide the fingers toward the outside of the upper arm. Wrap the hand around the outside of the upper arm. Gently move the hand back toward the inside of the arm. To massage the full arm: Begin at the shoulder.
Overview
Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, is a gentle form of massage used to relieve painful swelling in your arms and legs caused by lymphedema. Lymphedema often affects people recovering from breast cancer surgery.
Recovery and Outlook
You might not see immediate results from lymphatic drainage massages. If you have several sessions without result, ask your healthcare provider about alternative treatments.
When to Call the Doctor
You should call your provider if your lymphedema appears to be getting worse.
Why is lymph drainage massage important?
This type of massage aims to help the body maintain proper blood circulation, body fluid balance, and immune functions.
What is lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphedema. Lymphatic drainage massage has been used for people with lymphedema, which involves swelling, generally in one of your legs or arms. The swelling is caused by lymph fluid that's collected in the soft tissues, due to genetic disorders, injury, infection, cancer treatment, or surgery.
What is Foldi massage?
Foldi. An extension of the Vodder technique, Foldi requires the massage therapist to alternate between circular hand motions and moments of relaxation. Casley-Smith. This approach to lymphatic massage also involves circular hand motions, mainly using the sides and palms of the hands.
How long does a lymphatic stretch last?
The methods must start at the part of the limb nearest to the torso and move outward. The procedure will typically last between 15 to 60 minutes.
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system contains vessels and nodes with lymph, a mixture of proteins, water, waste products, and immune system elements. Located throughout the body, lymph nodes filter all this debris.
Is lymph drainage good for fibromyalgia?
Lymph drainage massage may help people with fibromyalgia. This condition causes inflammation of the skin nerves, discoloration of the skin, and tissue swelling. The massage has been shown to be better than connective tissue massage in treating depression, stiffness, and improving quality of life for those living with fibromyalgia.
Does lymph drainage massage help with arthritis?
Along with tissue swelling, pain in the joints increases, joints lose their function, and the skin changes color. Lymph drainage massage can help ease these later-stage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
All About the Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage is much as its name implies; this form of massage therapy stimulates the lymphatic system, encouraging it to work faster. This system moves lymph fluid throughout the entire body, dispelling any toxins that may have accumulated within the cells.
The Potential Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage
While many do claim that lymphatic drainage massage possesses certain key benefits for the body, it is important to remember that actual scientific evidence of the efficacy of manual lymphatic drainage massage is limited.
Final Thoughts on What a Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Now that you know more about lymphatic drainage massage you can decide whether or not this would be the right massage therapy technique for you. Although there is a loyal fanbase that stands behind regularly receiving lymphatic drainage massage treatments, this style of massage therapy certainly is not tailored to all.

What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Benefits
- Lymphatic drainage massage benefits can include: 1. Increased lymphatic drainage 2. Help boosting blood flow 3. Reduction in swelling (buildup of interstitial fluid) 4. Decreased pain 5. Softening of fibrosis (formation of fibrous tissues that can become painful) 6. Improvement in mobility, range of motion and comfort A healthy lymphatic system nou...
Who Should Do It?
- Adults who have experienced damage to their lymph nodes and lymphatic system are most likely to benefit from lymphatic drainage massage. These include people with lymphedema, which is characterized by swelling due to lymph fluid accumulating where it shouldn’t it be, and lymphadenitis. If you’ve developed any of the following symptoms, you might be a good candida…
How to Do It
- Can you perform lymphatic drainage massage on yourself? Yes, but it’s highly recommended that you learn how to do this property from a trained professional first. If you’re interested in receiving a lymphatic massage, first seek out a trained physical therapist or massage therapist who specializes in this approach. Ideally, work with a physical therapist who is a certified lymphedem…
Risks and Side Effects
- How painful is lymphatic massage? Because it’s so gentle and only uses very light touch and soft movements, this type of massage should not cause pain. If it’s causing worsened pain or swelling, you’re probably using too much pressure. That said, some people have reported mild side effects afterward, such as headaches, nausea and fatigue. While it’s generally safe for most people, lym…