Lymphatic Drainage Massage

What is a Lymphatic Massage?

The lymphatic drainage massage technique is a practice that seems to be a bit of an enigma to the general populous, including our wonderful town of Lakeside. I want to change that by first explaining what this practice is and how it works. While not as common as a Swedish massage, lymphatic drainage massage therapy uses light pressure and rhythmic movements to encourage lymph drainage, whereas regular massages focus on the muscles. Lymph is the fluid that flows through the lymphatic system, a system composed of lymph vessels (channels) and intervening lymph nodes. Typically, lymph is collected via the lymphatic system for circulation to the heart. Swelling then occurs due to lymph being collected in the arms – a direct effect of the lymphatic system being disrupted.

Unlike our circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have a heart to help pump and stimulate it; instead, it relies on muscle and fascia tissue movement to move the fluid. This can be a lot for our bodies to manage as there are hundreds of lymph nodes throughout the body; notably, the most concentrated lymph node areas of the body are the:

• Armpits
  
• Neck
  
• Chest
  
• Belly
  
• Groin areas

These areas can be sometimes affected more severely depending on the individual person’s day to day life and overall body history. Conditions such as surgery or injuries can cause the lymph fluid to stagnate, making it an overall harder job on the muscles and fascia tissue that help stimulate our lymphatic system.

How Does a Lymphatic Drainage Massage Work?

Lymphatic drainage massage is a painless and very comfortable way to help combat the stagnation of the lymphatic system; it is not uncommon for folks to fall asleep while receiving treatment.

While it may take a few sessions to really see the benefit of it, this massage practice in particular can help:

• Decrease stress
• Improve circulation to help reduce swelling
• Stimulate the lymphatic system to increase lymph circulation.

You can also utilize lymphatic drainage in a way to help address, heal or improve specific ailments, injuries, traumas and cosmetic preferences such as:

• Sport injuries (tendonitis, dislocations, fractures, etc.)
  
• Swelling and discomfort from invasive surgeries (C-sections, joint replacements, breast cancer, and more)
  
• Burns
  
• Carpal tunnel
  
• Rheumatoid arthritis
  
• Fibromyalgia
  
• Lipedema
  
• Constipation
  
• Acne
  
• Cellulite
  
• Spider veins
  
• Hair loss

How? The benefit from strategic movements during a lymphatic drainage massage help stimulate any lymph blockage.

Lymphatic Massage Techniques

There are a few different techniques of lymphatic drainage massage however, my preferred method is the “free the flow” method. This technique just involves an extra flow-based movement to help not only stimulate the lymphatic system but also your fascia tissue. My preference for this method is no coincidence as the lymphatic system technically lives in your fascia tissue and is part of that vital combination of muscle and skin to stimulate this system correctly. Being able to provide aid and comfort to the parts of your body that are inflamed, underappreciated, and overlooked is one of the most important aspects of my practice to me; not only as a practitioner, but also as a person who has grown and lived in this wonderful community that is Lakeside. 

Is Lymphatic Drainage Safe for Everyone?

I want to always provide nothing but transparency and honesty when it comes to a massage type or method; I have a personal positive bias of what a lymphatic drainage massage is and how it can benefit almost everyone and anyone. And while this type of practice is generally safe and extremely low risk, I want to also address that there are certain conditions and situations that lymphatic drainage would not work with or for. If you have any of the following conditions, please consult your physician/GP about this type of treatment beforehand and just remember that it will be here for you once your system is in the right place to receive it.

• Active infection
  
• Fever
  
• Congestive heart failure
  
• Deep vein thrombosis
  
• Kidney failure
  
• Swollen lymph nodes

I am so excited and grateful to be able to offer this kind of healing and treatment to all of you in our little slice of Lakeside. It is a treat and a joy to meet each and everyone of you and to be allowed to be a part of a moment of your life that provides healing and sanctuary.