Lymphatic drainage massage has gained popularity in recent years for its health benefits and relaxation. Many celebs and health personalities have opted for this and claim that this therapy helps flush toxins and boosts the immune system. While it has several advantages, it is often misunderstood. In this blog, we will learn more about lymphatic drainage massage, its benefits, and techniques and will answer some common queries.
What is the Lymphatic System?
A lymphatic system is a network made of tissues, vessels and organs that helps in moving a clear fluid containing white blood cells, known as lymph, back into the bloodstream. When blood travels through the body, most of it returns to the heart after delivering the nutrients, but about three liters of fluid leaks into the body’s tissues. The lymphatic system’s job is to collect this fluid and return it to the bloodstream.
The lymphatic system also absorbs fats from the digestive system, protects the body from germs and other harmful substances, and helps in removing waste products from the body.
What is the Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a special type of massage that helps to move the lymph fluid around the body. It uses gentle, rhythmic movements to help stimulate the lymph. During the massage, lymph is guided toward the lymph nodes, where toxins and waste can be filtered out.
This procedure is often used to help people with lymphedema, a condition where lymph fluid builds up and causes swelling. Typically, a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) performs this massage. These professionals are trained to help manage lymphedema. They can also teach you how to do self massage at home to help with fluid movement.
Lymphedema can happen because of various reasons and is mostly seen in people recovering from cancer treatments, especially after breast cancer surgery, where several lymph nodes are removed.
Techniques Used to Perform Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) uses various techniques to perform the massage effectively. Some of them are,
1. Manual Lymphatic Mapping
CLTs gently feel the lymph nodes before starting the massage to check how well lymph is flowing and to find any blockages or areas that need extra care.
2. Stationary Circles
CLTs place their flat hands on the skin and make gentle circular movements. This helps activate the lymphatic vessels in that area.
3. Pumping Movements
CLTs use a pumping motion, starting from the part of the limb closest to the body (near the torso) and moving toward the end of the limb (away from the torso). This helps push the lymph fluid along.
4. Cross-Hand Movements
In this technique, both hands of CLTs create criss-cross movements over the skin, stimulating lymphatic flow in different directions.
5. Deep Abdominal Strokes
CLTs use light, circular strokes on the abdomen to encourage lymphatic drainage from the organs in that area.
Types of Lymphatic Drainage Massage
There are various types of lymphatic drainage massage you might experience. These are,
Casley-Smith – It uses circular movement made with the sides and palms of the hands to help move lymph fluid.
Foldi – CLTs make circular motions but also take temporary breaks in between to allow relaxation.
Leduc – It focuses on collecting lymph fluid in the swollen area first, then using hand movements to help move the fluid through the lymphatic system.
Vodder – CLTs use sweeping motions around the affected area to encourage lymph flow.
What Happens During the Massage Process?
The CLTs that perform the massage can be physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, or massage therapists. In case of lymphedema, a healthcare provider refers to one of these experts for manual lymphatic drainage sessions.
1. The massage has two main phases:
- Clearing involves moving lymph fluid through the tissues.
- Reabsorption focuses on moving lymph fluid through the lymph nodes.
2. The massage lasts for about 15 to 30 minutes and has the following steps,
- You lie down on your back and start with some deep breathing exercises to relax.
- CLTs gently run their hands over the skin, starting in the areas without blockages or swelling.
- CLTs stretch the skin toward the lymph nodes using techniques like cupping, strokes, and rhythmic pressure. After each stretch, they pause briefly to let the skin return to its normal shape.
- CLTs repeats the massage and pause sequence in different areas to help move the lymph fluid through the lymphatic system and to the lymph nodes. They will gradually work toward areas with the most swelling, such as the arms and legs.
This complete process helps reduce the swelling and improves lymph flow.
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage
1. Improve Range of Motion in Injuries
It helps by stretching the skin and allowing lymph fluid to drain, which can reduce pain by blocking signals sent to the brain and improving the range of motion.
2. Enhance Lymphatic Flow
This type of massage also helps improve the flow of lymph fluid, which can reduce inflammation throughout the body. This is especially helpful for people with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as migraines.
3. May Help Reduce Cellulite
It is sometimes used as a cosmetic treatment to reduce cellulite and improve muscle tone. However, there isn’t strong evidence to support that it can significantly reduce cellulite or provide long-lasting results.
Answering Some Common Queries:
1. How to Know if Lymphatic Drainage Massage Is Working?
The results from this massage is not immediate. It may take some time for the symptoms to improve. Here are some signs that it is working.
- The swelling in the affected area has noticeably reduced.
- Your body may start to feel less heavy.
- You might find that your clothes fit more comfortably.
- You may notice that it’s easier to move around.
2. Are There Any Risks of This Massage Therapy?
It is generally considered safe and has a low risk of complications, but it might not be suitable for everyone. People with certain conditions should not opt for it, which include, blood clots, heart diseases, kidney problems, liver disease, and stroke.
3. When Should You Contact a Healthcare Provider?
You should contact a healthcare provider when the symptoms get worse. This may include puffiness in belly, tightness in joins and swelling in arms and legs.
4. How Often Should You Get a Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
It can be done daily for several weeks, especially at the beginning of treatment. After that, the frequency may decrease. The frequency of this massage really depends on your individual needs and how severe your symptoms are.
5. Can Healthy People Get Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
For someone with a healthy lymphatic system, they may not see any benefits from it other than relaxation. While some celebrities say that this type of massage makes them look great for events, there is no scientific proof that it can help you lose weight. The massage might create a temporary effect that makes you look slimmer by helping to move fluid around in your body.
Lymphatic drainage massage offers a gentle way to enhance your body’s natural detoxification process. It has gained popularity in the beauty industry and offers relaxation for a healthy lymphatic system. It is helpful in lymphedema and supports overall wellness. But as with any treatment, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s suitable for your needs.
