The lymphatic system supports balanced fluid in the body. It helps the body manage waste and other substances. The focus is on areas where lymph vessels and nodes are located. The lymphatic massage technique uses soft pressure and slow movements to create a calming experience.
Understanding this massage
This massage has other terms:
- lymphatic drainage massage
- manual lymph drainage
It is a gentle massage technique beneficial for people with health conditions. Many are asking for this type of massage when they experience lymphedema.
The massage helps lymph fluid move from areas where the lymphatic system is disrupted to areas where lymph vessels are healthy. It clears lymph fluid from the tissues and relieves lymphedema.
Benefits of lymphatic drainage massage
Lymphedema
The massage is used to treat lymphedema, which has two types:
Primary lymphedema is an inherited condition. The faulty gene causes the lymphatic system to develop improperly. It leads to the collection of extra lymph fluid in the body’s tissues. The second type of lymphedema develops when the lymphatic system is damaged from:
- Cancer surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Parasitic disease
- Inflammatory conditions
- Venous diseases
There are other conditions benefiting from lymphatic drainage massages. They are:
- Insufficiency of chronic venous
- Fibromyalgia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lipedema
Manage lymphedema
Having symptoms of lymphedema will benefit from lymphatic drainage massages. Lymphedema is a condition, swelling in your:
- Arm
- Leg
- Other parts of the body
Your clothes will be difficult to fit if you are having lymphedema. Your rings and watches feel tight.
Swelling from lymphedema may come and go. It can be soft and easy to dent but progress to more severe symptoms. The other symptoms of lymphedema that benefit from lymphatic therapy include:
- A feeling of heaviness
- Limited range of motion
- Tightened skin
- Skin infections
- Wart-like growths in the skin
- Problems with speech or swallowing
- Leakage of fluid through skin
Techniques of lymphatic drainage massage
A certified lymphedema therapist offers types of lymphatic drainage massage, such as:
- Foldi
- Leduc
- Casley-Smith
- Vodder technique
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle form of massage that promotes the movement of lymphatic fluid out from the body to help with swelling. It is achieved through applying light pressure on the following parts:
- arms
- legs
- other body parts
Lymphatic drainage massage focused on gentle movements targeting the lymph vessels to:
- increase blood flow
- reduce swelling
Lymphatic massage encourages a deep breathing exercise. This moves fluid to the heart.
FAQs
How do you know you are getting a lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic drainage uses specific and cupping motions. It applies gentle pressure to:
- improve circulation
- stimulate lymph fluid movement
This will eliminate the toxins around the swelling area.
What targets lymphatic massages?
Lymphatic drainage massage targets specific areas. The traditional massage massages all over the body.
How quick the swelling is reduced by lymphatic massages?
Lymphatic drainage massage is not giving an instant result. There is no massage that works like magic. You need several sessions before you notice an improvement in the swelling. The maximum benefits from the treatment are at least 2 weeks or at least 20 sessions.