Understanding Lymph Drainage & Lymphatic Massage
What Is Lymph?
The lymphatic system involves an extensive network of vessels, like arteries or veins, that passes through all our tissues to allow for the flow of lymph.
Lymph, or lymphatic fluid, is a clear fluid that drains from the body’s cells and tissues. Lymph contains other substances including proteins, minerals, fats, nutrients, damaged cells, infectious organisms, and lymphocytes (white blood cells that fight infection). In fact, the lymphatic system is an essential component of our immune health, as it functions to ‘cleanse’ the body from toxins, waste, and infectious organisms.
Unfortunately, unlike the heart (or cardiovascular system), the lymphatic system does not have a pump to move lymphatic fluid around. Proper flow and drainage of lymph solely relies on our muscle activity and movement. Exercise, deep breathing, good digestion, and frequent movement are all factors that encourage healthy lymph drainage.
Why Might We Need Help with Lymphatic Drainage?
The lymphatic system and lymph drainage are more challenged in conditions such as prolonged inactivity, bed rest, pregnancy, post-injury, and post-surgery - especially when there has been removal of lymph nodes from an area.
In situations where the efficiency of the lymphatic system has been compromised, lymphatic massage to support lymph drainage can be helpful.
What Is Lymphatic Massage?
Lymphatic massage is a manual massage technique that stimulates lymphatic circulation by moving lymph to the lymph nodes. The main goal of lymphatic massage to help speed along the process of removing accumulated lymph, so that elimination of toxins and waste products can occur more efficiently.
The techniques are very slow, gentle and subtle, and can be very effective to help alleviate swelling or puffiness. This type of massage is often suggested in situations of lymphedema or in the third trimester of pregnancy, especially in humid weather!
Lymph drainage can be integrated into a full body massage treatment and is often completed as the first step of your massage.
What are the Benefits of Lymphatic Massage?
There are many benefits! The main benefit is the more efficient removal of stagnant lymph fluid. Lymphatic massage may also help with the following:
Improved circulation
Improved tissue recovery and regeneration
Reduced swelling, water retention, and puffiness
More efficient removal of toxins
Overall relaxation
Ready to make a change?
If you’re interested in lymphatic massage, we’re more than happy to help you out! Give us a call, or shoot us an email to learn more. If you’re ready to book your lymphatic massage, you can do that here.
Yours in health,
Patricia Lavers, RMT