One example is lymphatic drainage massage, a type of massage that benefits the lymphatic system and removes toxins from the body.
It is believed to increase the flow of lymphatic liquid and decrease swelling in your lymph nodes.
There are many types of lymphatic drain massages. The preparation and massage will differ depending on the part of your body that needs it.
What is lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic drain massage (also known as manual lymphatic drainage) is a type of massage that encourages the natural drainage and elimination of lymph fluid. This clear fluid helps to eliminate waste and toxins from your body.
The lymphatic system comprises a network involving vessels and nodes that runs through the body and drains into your circulation.
It filters lymph fluid through the lymph nodes, which are white blood cells. This removes toxins.
Many conditions can lead to lymph fluid buildup. A lymphatic drainage massage can improve your lymphatic system function and reduce swelling.
A lymphatic drainage massage is a must-have for anyone.
Lymphatic drainage massage can help with several common medical conditions. These conditions are:
Lymphedema
Lymphedema refers to swelling of your legs or arms due to lymph fluid buildup after a lymph node surgery.
The most common types of surgery are: breast cancer surgery, vascular surgery, lipectomy (surgery that removes fat), and burn scarring.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition, causes pain and tenderness in the body’s muscles, joints, and tissues.
You may also experience fatigue, insomnia, depression, and cramps, among other symptoms.
Filariasis
Filariasis, a parasitic infection spread by mosquitoes, is called “filariasis”. The parasites are found in your lymphatic system. They can cause severe swelling in your legs, arms, and skin rashes.
Deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis, also known as DVT, is a blood clot in your veins usually forms in your legs.
DVT can cause swelling and pain in the affected limb. It can also be dangerous if it breaks free and travels to your lungs, where it can block an arterial. This is known as a pulmonary embolism.
Insufficient blood flow to your extremities
One of many medical conditions that can cause a lack of blood flow to your extremities is diabetes and peripheral artery disease. Raynaud’s syndrome may also be a possible cause.
These conditions can lead to pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected limb.
Infection
An infection can cause swelling of your lymph nodes and lead to body aches, fever, chills, or even chills.
Trauma
Trauma such as a car accident, a fall or other events can cause swelling of your lymph nodes.
What are the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage?
A lymphatic drainage massage is necessary if you have lymphedema from lymphatic fluid buildup.
Along with other lymphatic therapies that are decongestive, the lymphatic drainage massage benefits also include:
- Reduce swelling in your limbs
- Reduce swelling in your chest and groin, face, shoulder, and neck
- Reduce your pain
There are also other forms of decongestive Lymphatic Therapy:
- To improve circulation and swelling, a tight-fitting compression garment will be used
- Exercise
- Skincare
What are the stages of lymphatic massage, and how do they differ?
Two stages are involved in a lymphatic massage:
Clearing
Clearing lymph nodes is the first stage. To do this, either you or your therapist need to do some gentle stretches while lying down.
This gentle stretching and massage flush the lymphatic system, releasing any excess fluid.
Reabsorption
Reabsorption is the gentle massage of lymphedema affected areas.
The reabsorption phase aims to transport the lymphatic fluid to your tissues.