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 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 frequently should I get a lymphatic massage?
Types of massage
- Lymphatic drainage massage. This type of massage is useful for draining lymph nodes that have been affected by a recent surgery or medical condition.
- Deep tissue massage. A deep tissue massage uses slow, forceful strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.
- Scalp massage. ...
- Full-body massage. ...
- Massage chair. ...
How does a massage affect the lymphatic system?
- Generalized relaxation response from massage helps reduce strain on the nervous system. ...
- Massage helps in the reduction of pain.
- Massage helps increase our parasympathetic response, which may help with insomnia.
Does a lymphatic massage actually work?
Yes and no. Lymph drainage actually works. It helps the lymph fluid move and can reduce in areas. I’ve heard of people hiring massage therapists to come and do lymph massage on the whole bridal party. It can (but not guaranteed) reduce areas like the waist by up to a couple of inches. But - it isn’t permanent.
How often should you get a lymphatic drainage massage?
How often should you get a lymphatic drainage massage? For the best effects, a professional may recommend lymphatic drainage from once per month to once per week. For home use, they may also advise the person massage one to two body parts per day.
How long do effects of lymphatic drainage massage last?
How long the results last? Results can last up to 10 days, depending on your metabolism and lifestyle.
Can lymphatic massage reduce weight?
Lymphatic drainage also improves circulation, relaxes the body and combats localized fat. Many clients report a slimmer waist and loss of excess water weight after their massage. After your massage your circulatory system can quickly remove any extra fluids and toxic build-ups.
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.
How much lymphatic drainage massage can help?
Research shows that lymphatic drainage massage can push up to 78% of stagnant lymph into circulation. One particular study from 2009 showed that lymphatic drainage massage led to significant improvements in pain intensity, pain pressure threshold, and health-related quality of life in women with primary fibromyalgia.
What is lymph drainage massage?
Lymph drainage massage is also used before and after surgery, especially cosmetic procedures. It is able to increase blood flow, remove stagnant tissue fluid, and reduce stress and anxiety associated with surgery. After surgery, lymphatic drainage massage will speed healing and reduce scar tissue and inflammation.
How long should I massage lymphatic drainage?
It is also best to massage each side of the body, and not just the side with lymphedema. It is recommended to set aside a minimum of 20 minutes daily for lymphatic drainage massage. However, if you have only a small amount of time available, it is best to focus on the clearing stage.
Why does lymphedema occur?
However, lymphedema will occur when fluid, cellular wastes, and toxins build up in the lymphatic system, often due to surgery or other damage.
How long after surgery should I massage my lymph?
It should not be performed immediately after surgery, however, due to the risk of blood clots and infection. Wait at least six weeks after surgery, or when a doctor clears you for lymphatic massage. 3.
Why is the lymphatic system important?
Your lymphatic system is an important part of your immune system, designed to rid the body of waste. When functioning properly, it eliminates waste through respiratory movement and natural muscle contractions. That being said, toxins, cellular waste, and fluid will build up when the lymphatic system and lymph nodes fail to properly drain.
How long should I massage my body?
The general recommendation is a daily massage for one week or one massage weekly for a three-month timeframe. 4. Relieves Tension and Stress. Stress is known to trigger the sympathetic nervous system, and this causes muscles to tense up and increases respiratory and heart rates.
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 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.
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).
