Lymphatic drainage massage relieves swelling that occurs when illness or medical treatment clogs your lymphatic system. Lymphatic massage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to move excess fluid buildup away from your tissues and toward working lymph vessels and lymph nodes so they can get rid of toxins in your body.
What is lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle form of massage used to relieve inflammation related to lymphedema. Lymphedema is a common side effect of many health conditions. It’s also common among people recovering from cancer treatments, most notably, breast cancer surgery because surgeons remove several lymph nodes during the procedure.
Typically, your lymphatic system collects your lymph and returns it to your heart via a network of vessels and nodes. When something disrupts this process, lymph collects in your arms, legs, ankles or other parts of your body, making them swell.
A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling.
What conditions are treated with lymphatic drainage massage?
Its used to treat lymphedema related to health conditions like:
Lymphatic massage is also a popular cosmetic treatment. Facial lymphatic drainage may increase blood circulation and reduce puffiness in your face, giving your skin a glowing boost.
How do I know if I need lymphatic drainage?
Lymph drainage massage can help if your lymphatic system isn’t working as it should. You might have a congested lymph system if you develop:
Procedure Details
Lymphatic drainage massage reduces swelling and encourages lymph to move more freely around your body.
What happens during a lymphatic drainage massage?
During lymph drainage, a light pressure and strategic massage techniques will be used to prepare and clear your lymphatic system. The session usually starts with a massage to stimulate the areas of your body that house your lymph nodes. This means the therapist will massage your armpits, neck and, with your consent, your groin area. Next, they’ll coax excess lymph fluid from your swollen tissues toward your lymph nodes, where the lymph can reabsorb.
Risks / Benefits
What are the potential benefits of lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic massage may reduce swelling in your body and make it easier for your lymph nodes to get rid of toxins. Lymphatic drainage massage benefits may include:
What are the risks or complications of lymphatic drainage massage?
For many people, lymphatic massage is a safe way to relieve lymphedema. But you should avoid it if you have:
Healthcare providers won’t do lymph drainage massage directly over cancerous tissue or skin that’s damaged from radiation therapy.
Few people have negative reactions to lymphatic massage. But some people develop side effects like fatigue, headaches or nausea. If this happens, let the therapist provider know.
What is lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle form of massage used to relieve inflammation related to lymphedema. Lymphedema is a common side effect of many health conditions. It’s also common among people recovering from cancer treatments, most notably, breast cancer surgery because surgeons remove several lymph nodes during the procedure.
Typically, your lymphatic system collects your lymph and returns it to your heart via a network of vessels and nodes. When something disrupts this process, lymph collects in your arms, legs, ankles or other parts of your body, making them swell.
A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling.
What conditions are treated with lymphatic drainage massage?
Its used to treat lymphedema related to health conditions like:
- Breast Cancer surgery
- Chronic venous insufficiency.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Injury.
- Lipedema.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
Lymphatic massage is also a popular cosmetic treatment. Facial lymphatic drainage may increase blood circulation and reduce puffiness in your face, giving your skin a glowing boost.
How do I know if I need lymphatic drainage?
Lymph drainage massage can help if your lymphatic system isn’t working as it should. You might have a congested lymph system if you develop:
- Bloating.
- Brain fog.
- Chronic sinus infections.
- Fatigue.
- Headaches.
- Puffy, swollen ankles or hands.
- Skin conditions like acne, dryness or rashes.
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck.
Procedure Details
Lymphatic drainage massage reduces swelling and encourages lymph to move more freely around your body.
What happens during a lymphatic drainage massage?
During lymph drainage, a light pressure and strategic massage techniques will be used to prepare and clear your lymphatic system. The session usually starts with a massage to stimulate the areas of your body that house your lymph nodes. This means the therapist will massage your armpits, neck and, with your consent, your groin area. Next, they’ll coax excess lymph fluid from your swollen tissues toward your lymph nodes, where the lymph can reabsorb.
Risks / Benefits
What are the potential benefits of lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic massage may reduce swelling in your body and make it easier for your lymph nodes to get rid of toxins. Lymphatic drainage massage benefits may include:
- Immune system support.
- Reduced fluid retention.
- Relief from neuropathy.
- Stress management.
- Glowing skin (when done as a cosmetic procedure).
What are the risks or complications of lymphatic drainage massage?
For many people, lymphatic massage is a safe way to relieve lymphedema. But you should avoid it if you have:
- Blood clots.
- Cellulitis.
- Deep vein thrombosis.
- Fever.
- Heart disease.
- Infection.
- Kidney failure.
- Stroke.
Healthcare providers won’t do lymph drainage massage directly over cancerous tissue or skin that’s damaged from radiation therapy.
Few people have negative reactions to lymphatic massage. But some people develop side effects like fatigue, headaches or nausea. If this happens, let the therapist provider know.
