More and more clients are discovering the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage as part of their holistic health and wellness routines.
Your lymphatic system is a circulatory network that moves lymph fluid (clear, watery fluid) back into your bloodstream. This system is key to your immunity, helping fight against infection and destroying old or damaged cells.
If the lymphatic system is blocked or poorly functioning (due to stress, infection, or illness), lymph fluid cannot move throughout the body. This can lead to lowered immunity, improper nutrient absorption, and water retention. Lymphatic drainage massage helps remove these blocks.
Keep reading to learn more about lymphatic drainage massage and how it can boost your health and help you detoxify your body naturally.
What is lymphatic drainage massage?
A Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) can perform lymphatic drainage massage. Your therapist gently massages specific areas of your body to remove blockages and help lymph fluid travel to healthy lymph vessels and nodes, ridding your body of toxins.
When not the result of a direct injury, swelling in your arms, legs, ankles, and other extremities may be due to an injury or blockage of your lymphatic system. Once your lymphatic system has healed and lymph fluid is circulating again, it can travel to the site of the swelling to remove the excess fluid.
Other signs that your lymphatic system isn’t functioning optimally may include:
- Bloating
- Brain fog or confusion
- Unexplained fatigue
- Headaches
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
What to expect during a lymphatic drainage massage
After assessing your health concerns, your RMT will use light pressure and targeted massage techniques to clear your lymphatic system. They may perform these massages throughout your body around lymph nodes, including your armpits, neck, and groin area (with your permission). The goal is to encourage the build-up of lymph fluid in swollen tissues to move again toward your lymph nodes to be reabsorbed and removed from the body.
As lymphatic drainage massage typically uses only light pressure, you shouldn’t experience any pain or bruising, as you might expect from a deep tissue massage. Some people report a slight tingling or feeling of a “flow” under the skin as lymph fluid begins freely flowing again. Most massage patients feel rejuvenated and relaxed after their session.
Why should I get a lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage has many benefits and can support healing from various ailments or conditions. These may include:
- Swelling and water retention: Whether post-surgery, during pregnancy, or from another source, lymphatic drainage massage can reduce swelling.
- Cancer patients: Lymph fluid can clear your body of damaged or cancerous cells, so it’s a typical massage often recommended for cancer patients.
- Immunity support and detoxification: A well-functioning lymphatic system helps remove infection and toxins from your body and supports proper nutrient and vitamin absorption.
- Stress management: Massage can be a helpful strategy to combat the physical and psychological effects of stress
- Treatment for other health conditions: Various lymphedema-related health conditions can be treated or supported with this type of massage, including fibromyalgia, lipedema, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Glowing skin: When performed on the face, some lymphatic drainage massage patients notice increased blood circulation, reduced face puffiness and glowing skin.
How to prepare for your massage
To prepare for your massage is no different than any other RMT massage:
- Make sure you’re hydrated.
- Arrive slightly early so you have a chance to relax before your session.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
Not all patients notice the changes in their bodies immediately after their massage, but being hydrated can help you see these changes more quickly. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the rest of your day.
How to keep your lymphatic system healthy at home
Between your lymphatic drainage massage appointments, there are several ways you can help keep your lymphatic system healthy at home:
- Move your body through exercise to encourage your circulatory system to pump blood and fluid throughout your body.
- Drink your recommended daily amount of water every day
- Eat a healthy diet full of anti-inflammatory foods
- Practice deep breathing and mindfulness
- Wear comfy clothing that’s not too tight
- Take a hot/cold shower or visit hot/cold plunge pools to stimulate your circulatory system.
Managing your lymphatic health and wellness
Your lymphatic system plays a vital role in your health and well-being. It supports fluid balance within your body, fights off infections, and helps you absorb dietary fats and fat-soluble nutrients.
If this system is not functioning optimally, you may notice mild to severe changes in your health. Some changes include headaches, swelling or water retention, inflammation, bloating, cognitive decline, and skin issues. Lymphatic drainage can remove blockages in this system, allowing vital lymph fluid to flow naturally and support your health and well-being.
Talk to your registered massage therapist today about including lymphatic drainage massage in your holistic healthcare routine. It can often be included in a session for other injuries or pain.
At Oceana Massage, many of our bodyworkers and massage therapists can perform lymphatic drainage massage for you. Check out our team’s bios for more information, and book your next appointment online today.