What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage and How Does It Work?
Do you ever feel inflamed and swollen? Have you had a surgery or injury and can’t seem to get the swelling down? Do you have aches and pains that arise suddenly without much explanation?
If you answered yes to any of these questions you may benefit greatly from lymphatic drainage!
What is your lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is an often overlooked system in our bodies. We all know about our nervous system or circulatory system but often forget we have another system that is just as extensive, goes throughout our whole body, and is just as important.
The lymphatic system helps maintain fluid balance in our body and is closely tied to our circulatory system and bloodstream. It is composed of a network of delicate tubes throughout the body. The primary job of the lymphatic system is to help transport and move excess fluids and materials throughout the body and also to get rid of waste that has built up in our bodies.
Its 3 Functions:
- First, moving excess fluid from our tissues back into the bloodstream
- Second, absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins from our digestive system and helping them enter our bloodstream to be distributed where needed throughout our body
- Thirdly, and importantly, our lymphatic system is our body’s defense system against invading microorganisms (such as bacteria and viruses) and disease. Lymph nodes and our lymphatic organs tied to the lymph system filter out and remove the things that invade and cause harm to our bodies.
Parts of us that are tied to the lymphatic system:
- As mentioned above, our circulatory system is closely tied to our lymphatic system. Beyond that we have many lymphatic organs tied to this system such as most of our organs, like the liver, our bone marrow, thymus, spleen, tonsils, mucous membranes and several lymph nodes. These lymphatic organs are directly connected and dependent on the lymphatic system to work properly.
- As you may have figured out, the lymphatic system plays a key role in the functioning of our immune system. The lymph system helps us by collecting excess fluid and particulate matter from all these tissues and sending them into the bloodstream to be metabolized (broken down) or removed from our bodies via our urine or fecal matter.
The Importance of Lymphatic Drainage
The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body’s ability to drain fluids, detoxify, regenerate tissues, filter out toxins and foreign substances, and maintain a healthy immune system. It’s a complex system comprised primarily of lymph vessels and nodes working in cooperation to accomplish these tasks.
The lymph uses suction rather than a pump to move fluid. The movement of the body and deep breaths help clean out your organs and bring in the new fluid to detox and flush the area. Many things can affect the lymph, such as: fatigue, stress, lack of physical activity, emotional shock, cold temperatures, infections, substantial swelling, age, chemicals or food additives. When the lymph circulation stagnates, fluids, proteins, cells and toxins accumulate and you look puffy. We can help you get this entire system moving and happy again.
Draining the lymphatic system through massage can improve your overall health!
Like all systems in our human bodies, the lymphatic system can sometimes have issues or develop inefficiencies due to health problems, trauma we experience (from accidents, surgery, strenuous exercise, living life at a stressful pace, etc.) or diseases. When certain parts of our lymphatic system become inflamed or backed up it can seriously affect our overall well-being and health.
- Draining the lymphatic system through lymphatic drainage massage can help fluids and particulates in our body move along and get where they are supposed to go. This can help reduce inflammation, swelling, pain, discomfort, fluid retention, and can help our bodies heal and become stronger. It can also help our immune system become more robust and resilient in the face of colds, illnesses, and diseases.
- Draining the lymphatic system is essentially massaging the body in a particular way and at a specific depth/pace. The massage helps to open up this system and get fluids flowing more efficiently and directly.
- Lymphatic Drainage massage is gentle and relaxing
- Your Lymphatic Drainage massage will be customized to your lymphatic needs, in other words, Julie can tell what areas of your body are experiencing a buildup of lymph and will spend time opening your lymphatic system based on your body and your needs.
Want to learn more about Lymphatic Drainage Therapy and Massage? Check out our lymphatic webpage on Posture Massage!
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy/Massage:
- Reduction in swelling
- Relief of chronic and subacute inflammation and conditions such as sinusitis, acne, eczema, and allergies
- Immune system stimulation for preventive and therapeutic effects
- Regeneration of tissue from burns and scars (pre- and postsurgical)
- Detoxification of the body
- Relief of chronic pain
- Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, depression, stress, loss of vitality, and loss of memory
- Muscles are softer/ relaxed
- Reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
- Anti-aging effects
- Advanced technique for fascia, viscera and joints
Posture Massage can help!
People who work in lymphatic drainage, such as Julie, have generally gone through extensive training and have attended many workshops to ensure that they understand the entire lymphatic system and how to best massage to help it function well.
