03/12/2016
Lymphatic drainage
What to expect from lymphatic drainage massage
Lymphatic drainage is a therapeutic massage treatment. The massage uses very light pressure, long gentle rhythmic strokes and soft pumping movements in the direction of the lymph nodes to increase the flow of lymph and reduce toxins in your body.
The lymph system is part of your body's immune system and helps fight infection. Lymph itself is a clear, slightly yellow fluid. It transports nutrients and oxygen to cells, collecting toxins on the way and flushing them out through the lymph nodes. The main lymph nodes are in the neck, armpits, tummy and groin. You have around twice as many lymph vessels as blood vessels in your body. However, unlike blood, which is pumped around by your heart, the lymph system has no pump. The pressure from your blood vessels and movement from your muscles push the lymphatic fluid around.
What is lymphatic drainage massage good for?
Lymphatic drainage massage can have a beneficial effect on your general health. Because lymph is key to keeping your immune system working properly, improving the flow and drainage of lymph around the body is good for you in lots of ways.
Lymphatic drainage can:
+ reduce the chance of you suffering from minor colds and viruses; it helps your body fight off infection, and speeds up healing and recovery from illness
+ help reduce water retention; for instance, because the lymph system has no pump, if you sit for a long time without moving, the lymph can't flow easily — this is why you may experience swollen feet or fingers
+ boost weight loss, as improving the lymphatic system will improve your metabolic rate, which helps you burn calories more efficiently.
Manual lymphatic drainage is also used in the treatment of lymphoedema.
Lymphatic drainage massage can improve your skin texture by:
+ reducing swelling, puffiness and blotches
+ giving you clean, healthy pores
+ speeding up healing in scar tissue, so it may, for example, improve the appearance of stretch marks
+ helping to reduce cellulite; the massage increases blood flow and circulation to the affected areas, which helps the body break down the toxins which cause dimply skin.
Lymphatic drainage can leave you feeling exhausted. You may want to have a lie down, or at the very least, a very undemanding schedule for the rest of the day. Give your body time to ease back into activity. Lymphatic drainage massage may also leave you really thirsty. So, prepare a bottle of spring or mineral water to restore your water balance after the massage.
Regular Lymphatic Drainage massage can be recommended to everyone. Take one massage fortnightly or monthly to maintain optimal circulation. In some cases daily Lymphatic Drainage for 3-7 days may be a solution.
