You may have heard of lymphatic drainage massage but feel unsure about what it involves. Not all massage is suitable for everyone, but when done correctly, lymphatic drainage massage can be incredibly beneficial.
Lymph fluid carries infection-fighting white blood cells throughout the body via the lymphatic system. Whilst lymph fluid is useful to the body, a build-up in the lymph nodes can be dangerous and cause swelling. For those who do suffer from swollen lymph nodes, all hope is not lost. A lymphatic drainage massage can offset the problem by encouraging the healthy movement of lymph fluids around your body. Throughout this article we will cover the benefits of a lymphatic drainage massage as well as informing you as to when they are necessary, to help you make the best decisions for your body and health. Whilst there are many reasons to receive a lymphatic drainage massage, first we will cover one of the more serious conditions.
The Cause of Swollen Lymph Nodes
Whilst the blood in your system is pumped round constantly by your heart, lymph fluid is transported by the movement of your muscles and requires a certain smoothness. Certain medical conditions can cause havoc on your lymphatic system and halt the smooth movement of lymph fluid. This causes an unfortunate build up around specific areas of your body, typically your arms or legs. This condition is called lymphedema and unfortunately cannot be cured, but it can be managed with the right treatment.
If not treated, over time lymphedema can cause infections, pain, disfigurement and even disability. On occasion it can even prove fatal. If diagnosed with lymphedema, your doctor will almost surely recommend a lymphatic drainage massage as one of your treatments.
How to Know if You Have Lymphedema
If you believe that you have lymphedema, it is essential that you get to your doctor for a check up as soon as possible to mitigate the negative side effects of the condition. Lymphedema has many different symptoms, if you are suffering from one or more of these symptoms, it is time to visit your doctor.
- Severe fatigue
- Blisters or warts growing on your skin
- Thick or hard skin
- Recurring skin infections
- A tingling sensation in the affected limb
- Discomfort or aching in the affected limb
- A restricted range of motion in the affected limb
- A heavy or tight feeling in the affected limb
- Swelling in your head or neck
- Noticing a difficulty wearing your jewelry or clothes
- Swelling in your leg or arm, fingers or toes
From there, your doctor will assess your conditions through tests to better understand the cause. If it turns out that you are suffering from lymphedema, your doctor will issue a series of treatments, one of which being a lymphatic drainage massage.
Other Reasons to Get a Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Besides lymphedema, lymphatic drainage is also commonly used as part of post-surgical recovery, alongside a range of everyday wellness reasons. These include but are not limited to:
- Wanting to reduce the likelihood of minor colds and viruses. The stimulation of lymph fluid throughout your body helps to stray off some of the less serious problems your body can face.
- In order to help reduce water retention. As lymph fluid does not by itself flow easily, a lymphatic drainage massage can help to stimulate the flow and reduce any swelling.
- If you are looking to lose weight. Any benefits to your lymphatic system will also help to improve your metabolic rate and thus, allow you to burn calories faster.
- For anyone looking to improve their skin texture. A lymphatic drainage massage helps to give you cleaner and healthier pores, heals skin tissue at a faster rate, reduces cellulite as well as swelling, puffiness and blotches.
The full list of benefits covers each of these in more depth, along with the different techniques therapists actually use.
If you are suffering from lymphedema or are looking to benefit from any of the aforementioned reasons, it may be time to seek out an experienced massage therapist for a lymphatic drainage massage.
What is a Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Now that you know if a lymphatic drainage massage is for you, it’s time to learn how a lymphatic drainage massage can benefit you. A lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle massage using light pressure accompanied by long strokes to increase the flow of lymph fluid throughout your body.
Like any other massage, a lymphatic drainage massage is relaxing and can be pleasurable. One of the key elements of this type of massage is a warm room as heat encourages the flow of lymph fluid around your body. A lymphatic drainage massage begins with your feet and moves in the most common directions of lymph nodes, your neck, armpits and groin. This should continue from anywhere between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on which symptoms you have and the severity of your conditions.
Typically, a lymphatic drainage massage will leave you feeling exhausted as a result of the stimulation of your lymphatic system. As such it is important to ensure that following your massage you don’t have a busy schedule planed. In fact, it is probably best that you rest for the remainder of the day. It is also very important that you drink a lot of water following the massage as it will leave you feeling thirsty.
For general wellness, two to four sessions a month is a common approach for people who want an ongoing routine, though even a handful of sessions a year can still offer benefit. Your doctor may recommend more or less depending on your personal circumstances. Of course, your doctor may recommend more or less massages depending on your personal circumstances.
