To understand how a lymphatic drainage massage works, the first thing that we need to do is understand how the lymphatic system itself works. The lymphatic system is something that is present in everyone’s bodies, and is made up of lymph nodes, proteins, water, waste products and elements of your immune system. Your lymph nodes that are located around the body, with the largest nodes found within the neck, armpits and groin, that are responsible for filtering out any debris and ensuring that clean lymph can be transported around the body.
One of the main things that a lymphatic drainage massage has been used to treat is called lymphedema which is a condition that involves swelling, generally affecting one of the legs or arms. The swelling is caused by the lymph fluid collecting in soft tissue which happens due to things like injury, infection, genetic disorders or even as an after effect of surgery.
What are the benefits of a lymphatic drainage massage?
One of the main benefits of the lymphatic drainage massage is that it can help to improve the circulation of lymph fluid in the body. The lymphatic system does not have its own pump, like the circulatory system does with the heart, so it relies on the movement of the body and muscle contractions to move the fluid. Lymphatic drainage massage can help to stimulate the muscles and encourage the movement of lymph fluid, which can help to improve the overall functioning of the lymphatic system.
In addition to improving lymphatic circulation, lymphatic drainage massage can also help to reduce swelling and inflammation in the body. This is because the lymphatic system helps to remove excess fluids from the tissues, and lymphatic drainage massage can help to promote this process. This can be especially beneficial for people who experience swelling due to conditions such as lymphedema or edema.
While you can help to treat things like lymphedema by wearing tight compression bandages or stocking to apply a constant pressure to the swollen area, a lymphatic drainage massage can help to enhance the benefits and even provide its own. But it’s not just lymphedema that can be treated with a massage, it provides benefits for a number of different health problems. Studies have found that a lymphatic drainage massage can provide benefits for;
- Rheumatoid arthritis – as the condition progresses, poor lymph flow is one of the symptoms that may present itself. Alongside the tissue swelling, pain in the joints increases and they begin to lose their function. Lymphatic drainage massages can help to ease the later stage symptoms and provide some much needed relief.
- Fibromyalgia – Lymphatic drainage massage can help to deal with and manage some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as the inflammation of the nerves in the skin and skin discoloration. From a medical point of view, it has been proven to be better than a connective tissue massage in helping to treat these symptoms and improving the quality of life for those who live with fibromyalgia.
Lymphatic drainage massage can also have a number of other benefits, including:
- Reducing stress and promoting relaxation: Lymphatic drainage massage is often described as a very relaxing and soothing experience, and it can help to reduce stress and promote a sense of overall well-being.
- Improving skin health: Lymphatic drainage massage can help to improve the appearance of the skin by removing toxins and waste products from the body, which can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite and other skin imperfections.
- Improving sleep: Lymphatic drainage massage can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can in turn help to improve sleep.
What happens during a lymphatic drainage massage?
A lymphatic drainage massage is performed by a trained therapist who follows a specific sequence of massage techniques, including compressing and stretching motions, to help to loosen the lymphatic system and allow the lymph fluid to move freely.
A series of light and rhythmic movements help to stimulate the lymphatic system without putting too much pressure on any of the vessels, which aids the movement of the lymph fluid and ensures that it isn’t being trapped or built up anywhere.
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