On Lymphatic Massage / Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage
by Holistic Health Therapies in Mill Valley©
In my Massage Therapy and Wellness practice I offer a type of manual therapy called Lymphatic Massage & Manual Lymphatic Drainage for post-surgical procedures including plastic surgeries, during injury recovery, or in the treatment of lymph related swelling as well as for improving immune function and speeding the detoxification process.
Here is some information on what Lymphatic Massage is, how it works and what its benefits are, and what to expect during treatment.
Lymphatic Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage are gentle forms of manual therapy that aid in the movement and processing of lymphatic fluid which is a fluid that carries cellular waste.
Lymphatic Massage can be used to relieve swelling, bloat or edema which may occur after surgery or an injury.
Lymphatic Massage may also be used to aid in the processing and movement of lymph fluid through a sluggish lymphatic system.
Lymphedema refers to a specific type of tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of protein-rich fluid that is not draining properly through the body's lymphatic system and may need to be manually evacuated.
Lymph nodes are an important part of the lymphatic system. Lymphedema can be caused for example by treatments that remove or damage the lymph nodes.
However, there are a variety of other nonsurgical causes of lymphedema related to improper functioning of the lymph system and any type of problem that blocks or impedes the drainage of lymph fluid can cause lymphedema.
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is an organ system that is part of the immune system, and complementary to the circulatory system. It comprises of a large network of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphatic organs, and lymphoid tissues. The lymph vessels carry a clear fluid called lymph back towards the heart, for re-circulation.
Unlike the circulatory system, which circulates blood and is a closed system, the lymphatic system is an open system.
One of the main functions of the lymphatic system is to provide an accessory return route to the blood en route to the heart.
The other main function is that of immune defense. Lymph is very similar to blood plasma, in that it contains waste products, cellular debris, and proteins together with bacteria and waste cells.
Fluid from circulating blood leaks into the tissues by capillary action, carrying nutrients to the cells as well as clearing out waste.
The fluid bathes the tissues as interstitial fluid, collecting waste products, bacteria, and damaged cells, and then drains as lymph into the lymphatic capillaries and lymphatic vessels.
These vessels carry the lymph throughout the body, passing through numerous lymph organs which filter out unwanted materials.
How Lymphatic Massage works
Since the lymphatic system is its own unique system, different from the circulatory system moving blood, Lymphatic Massage, moving lymph, requires specialty training and skills to execute it properly.
During treatment, the massage therapist uses techniques to move lymph from tissues to the lymph organs where filtration occurs. This not only eases swelling in tissues but also aids the lymph system in its function of filtering waste materials which aids immune function.
In cases where the lymphatic system is damaged and lymphedema is present lymphatic massage helps to manually evacuate fluids that otherwise are not evacuating properly.
Otherwise, with a sluggish lymphatic system, lymphatic massage may simply stimulate or speed this process of filtration and evacuation of waste fluids which is why it is considered detoxifying.
The lymph system follows a different pathway than the circulatory system to evacuate fluid so while treatment is gentle, the direction of fluid movement will be different than a traditional Swedish massage. The therapist will focus on moving lymph fluid thru the lymphatic system rather than moving blood or muscle tissue.
Is Lymphatic Massage Detoxifying
Well.... yes! but more research is needed since most clinical research is geared exclusively to MLD as a decongestive therapy.
However, when you understand a little more about the purpose of the lymphatic system in immune function and the way the lymph system works we can conclude that yes… the evacuation and filtration of metabolic waste fluids is beneficial as is the stimulating effect it may have on the immune system and the circulatory system.
What are some conditions that can benefit from lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage is often used to relieve lymphedema following surgery especially when it involves missing lymph nodes.
Rheumatoid arthritis which is ongoing arthritis affecting joints and causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Fibromyalgia: a condition causing chronic muscle and joint pain.
Chronic venous insufficiency: Which happens when leg veins aren't working effectively, making it hard for your blood to return to your heart from your legs.
Lipedema: Which happens when excess fat accumulates in your lower body, blocking your lymphatic pathway and causing lymphedema.
Are there any risks associated with lymphatic drainage massage?
Generally speaking, lymphatic massage is a safe treatment However, there are some conditions and circumstances where it is not recommended:
If the client has a heart condition.
If the client has kidney disease or failure.
If the client has blood clots.
If the client has an infection.
If the client has an active cancer diagnosis it is advised to avoid lymphatic massage in the affected region.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned your physical health might be affected by lymphatic massage.
I look forward to learning more about how I may be able to assist you with Lymphatic Massage.
In Health
Janet
