Lymphatic Drainage Massage

What is Lymphatic Drainage Therapy?

Similar to your circulatory system moving blood throughout our bodies, we also have a lymphatic system that moves/drains lymph fluid from our tissues and organs. Lymphatic drainage helps recirculate lymphatic flow, activate the fluid circulation, and stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems. It combines the whole body: organs, all tissue, and the fluid in the body. There is a rhythm, direction, and quality of movement for this system under a person's skin.

Unlike the circulatory system, there isn't a pump to move fluids along the lymphatic system, it's a vacuum system, so as we activate one area the whole body is affected.

I have been working with a client who had tongue cancer and ended up with lymphedema in her neck because of it. Over time we helped her neck drain and become more like its regular size. She learned how to drain her tissues and got it to where her neck stays drained even if we miss a week of treatments. Our purpose is to work with clients and teach them techniques to help their bodies heal. We pride ourselves in helping people to better understand their own bodies and to relieve many of their own symptoms. This helps people to feel better progressively over time and between visits. By working the lymphatic system, we have been able to clear anything that the body does not need anymore and drain swelling.

If you've had surgery where you were intubated, I can help relax the muscles to help clear up neck and throat tightness and possible memory in the tissue.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOUTH WORK

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.

Health Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage

THERE ARE SO MANY BENEFITS!! Any and all inflammation can go away! This is great for preventative health, as well as for any new stresses or issues that you notice in your body.

We will activate fluid circulation and stimulate the immune system and parasympathetic nervous system to aid in the following:

Reduction in swelling
Relief of chronic and sub-acute 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) See our blog about Surgery and Lymphatic Drainage
Cancer Recovery, See our blog about Lymphatic Drainage and Cancer Recovery
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

Expert Picks: The Best Place for Lymphatic Drainage Massage is with Julie Tracy at Posture Massage in Stamford/Westport, CT

Julie Tracy is the best practitioner of lymphatic drainage massage and more in Connecticut. She has a 5-star rating with over 47+ Google reviews. To sum up Julie in a couple of phrases: Wonderful Positive Communication, Quality Professionalism! You don't have to take my word for it, check out what her clients are saying:

Andrew Zachary said, "Julie has magical hands. She has helped me manage my lymphedema and by working internal scar tissue, has reduced my abdominal swelling significantly. She is warm, kind, intelligent and nurturing. I highly recommend her."
Linda Kahn said, "Julie is an amazing, empathetic and intuitive healer and has helped me in several ways. I first went to her for lymphatic massage/ drainage after a double mastectomy. It made a huge difference in my recovery. She also helped soften and decrease my scar tissue which further reduced my discomfort.
Once I began to rebalance from the surgery, she began to work on my arthritic knees helping me to become more active.
Finally, she has aided me as a singer by opening my throat, easing tension in my jaw, softening my tight neck muscles which created space for greater resonance.
Julie is both holistic and practical, very knowledgeable about the body and how it works, and a wonderful teacher for physical and emotional well being.
I highly recommend her. I consider her a necessary and fabulous part of my health regimen and see her on a regular basis."
Megan Carson stated, "Julie is one of the most intuitive and skilled practitioners of her craft that I have ever encountered. "Lymphatic work" or "fascial work" is a gross understatement to what Julie does in a session. She is a bright light and a gift to the healing community."
Eric Pellini said, "Julie is like median between your body and you, helping you get back in touch and generate your own healing."
Christina McGuire wrote, "Julie is a real life angel. Intuitive, kind, gentle, and caring. I went to Julie for the first time today for a lymphatic massage. Not only did my blockages get cleared, but I learned so much on how to “talk” to my body and check in- something I never did. Forever grateful for my referral to Julie. My next three sessions are already booked!!!"
Rose Goodman wrote, "I have been going to a chiropractor/ specialists for years for a bump on my neck and Julie was the only person who could properly explain the reasons for my issue and to relieve the pain, tension, and inflammation in my neck. One week after my posture is still holding using some techniques she taught me and the bump is the most minimal it has ever been. Thank you Julie!"
Yolaimel Mendez said, "From customized service, to the attention to detail, openness and compassion, Julie is THE best! Julie allows you to be in the moment with your body and allows you to connect to your self in a kind, effective way. I felt like my body was finally my own. Most amazing experience I’ve had in this work. Thank you Julie! Also, easy to find location, no BS sessions and clean atmosphere. I can go on and on, and most importantly, you leave feeling more and more like your body belongs to you."
Erin Catney wrote, "The first time I visited Julie, I thought I needed some deep tissue work on my neck and shoulders due to my high stress job and terrible posture. However, and thankfully so, Julie knew what I actually needed, even when I didn’t! She’s a consummate professional who is always on time, prepared, and communicates clearly. She’s kind, provided a comfortable and welcoming environment and listens to her clients - like, really, truly listens! Seeing Julie, even infrequently due to my travel schedule, has had a profound impact on my life - mentally I feel more connected to my body; physically I no longer have the chronic neck pain I dealt with for two years; emotionally I feel more positive knowing there are people like Julie sharing their heartfelt gifts with the world!"
Jess Fleisch wrote, "I can’t speak more highly of Julie. I am currently 38 weeks pregnant and wish I found her sooner. Our session was the prenatal care I didn’t know I was looking for. Julie’s touch and energy is truly magical and I now feel so much more deeply connected to my baby, my body, and my power. I also feel more ease and comfort in my body and womb. I cannot wait to continue to see Julie through postpartum and beyond."
Leslie Zachary said, "Julie is a first rate massage therapist with training in multiple modalities. She has performed miracles for my lymphedema issues, and has taught me how to better manage my swelling between visits to her. She is kind, thoughtful, and responsive to my needs at every session. “Live your best life” with Julie’s great bodywork."
Samantha McGoldrick said, "Memories and emotions are stored in the body. Julie has a unique gift for honing in on energy blocks and helping you connect with your body, soul, and source to cleanse and clear.
BaliBert commented, "Julie is a one of a kind massage therapist. Whether it’s mental, physical, emotional Julie is the answer to all your needs. I always enjoy our time. Her therapy has long lasting positive effects."
Larrabee Pollack stated, "I saw Julie after having surgery to correct my deviated septum, and her work made a miraculous difference in my recovery. She helped relieve tension and inflammation and supported my healing through craniosacral therapy. Julie is one of a kind!"
Melissa M left a review: "Julie is an absolute healer, she read me like no one has ever before when I walked in the first session I was a complete mess she gave me hope and put me at ease she adapted her treatments to accommodate with what was going on with me. Julie has not only helped me physically with all sorts of problems but mentally too. I have never felt better emotionally I feel more positive and happier and that to me is the best gift. I am eternally grateful that I found her and for the life she has given back to me I am forever indebted to her!"
Jessie Esposito said, "Julie is incredible! I have not experienced bodywork like she performed. I arrived with a lingering tightness in my neck and upper back and she was able to work wonders, leaving it feeling looser than it has in weeks! She is incredibly knowledgeable, leading to great conversation throughout the session. I highly recommend Julie for all of your bodywork needs."
Jean-Philippe Mula wrote, "Julie is a body whisperer. She fixed me. I have been to many therapists for many years. She is the best bar none. She reads your body like no other. She knows exactly what’s going on, what to do, how and where. She cured several Achilles, back, arms and neck recurring pains I had for years from all my intense A ports activities, as well as my job sitting behind a desk. She kept me from being sick despite my crazy busy travel schedule coast to coast."

Try Julie's gifts yourself, book a massage with Posture Massage, offices in both Stamford and Westport Connecticut!

How Should I Prepare for My Session? What Should I wear?

Starting a few days before your session, it is good to drink a lot of water to hydrate your tissues and organs. On the day of the session, please drink be sure to drink at least 48 oz of water a couple hours before your session.

Wear loose fitting clothing or something comfortable. Avoid wearing jeans if possible. Your Lymphatic Drainage massage session will be clothed.

What to expect during your lymphatic drainage massage session

You'll lay on the table in loose clothing and through light touch, we will find the blockages or slow areas in your lymph systems and get them moving again. Scar tissue is loosened using the lymph (the water in the body) and other blockages are cleared to allow proper flow and draining. The neck, armpits, belly, and legs are all areas of congestion that will get cleared. I will teach you, if you are interested, in how to work on yourself too. There are many ways to get the lymph moving, even jumping on a trampoline, deep breathing, stretching, and sleeping all help.

The more hydrated you are the easier it is to work in the lymph system, so please drink your water! Drinking half of your body weight in ounces daily is ideal. Going to the bathroom is how your body dispose of what the lymph has cleared, so you will be going to the bathroom often after the session. If you feel achy or sick, please drink water, as your body is moving things out. It's like if you declutter your house and leave everything at your front door, you need to bring it out the curb to really clear it out so your house is nice and clear.

What are the results?

When your lymph is drained from an area you can expect some, if not all, of the following:

Less swollen appearance of your tissues. This can be dramatic, especially in areas like the neck, face, hands and arms, and also if you have not had any lymphatic drainage massage in the past
One of the fun parts of my job is having clients look in the mirror after our sessions
Many clients begin having a taller, slimmer and straighter appearance
A reduction in inflammation
A reduction in pain
An increased feeling of lightness and fluidity
An increase in breathing capacity and energy
An improved ability to handle life's stresses and curveballs with ease
Clearer thoughts and better cognition
An increase in mobility
Improved flexibility and balance
Faster Healing - For those who are post-op/post surgery or healing from an injury, lymphatic drainage can help the tissues to expel their wastes and accelerate your healing.
A necessity to urinate soon after the massage Lymph drains somewhere and that place is to your bladder! All a healthy and normal process.
A reminder from my to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Rivers in real life as well as in your body do best when they have plenty of water to flow through their channels!

Schedule an Appointment by clicking the blue "Schedule an Appointment" button below.

Text (203) 358-7422 if you have questions.