Lymphatic drainage

What is lymphatic drainage?

The lymphatic system is a network of organs and tissues that is responsible for removing toxins and waste from the body. A part of the body’s immune system, it transports lymph, a fluid containing white blood cells that help fight against infections, to the cells throughout the body.

However, some health conditions can cause the lymph to build up in the bodily tissues and hinder the lymphatic system from functioning optimally. Lymphatic drainage massage might be the solution. Commonly known as lymphatic drainage, it is a gentle, rhythmical massage treatment that helps in stimulating the circulation of lymph fluid throughout the body. It also helps in preventing swellness after a surgery or an injury. Additionally, it provides a great boost to the immune system.

Lymphatic massage or lymphatic drainage is a gentle, rhythmical massage treatment performed by a specially trained lymphatic massage therapist to stimulate the circulation of lymph fluid around the body. This physical stimulation helps to rapidly speed up the removal of wastes and toxins from a sluggish lymphatic system. Lymphatic massage can also aid in the prevention of swelling after injury or surgery. It may even provide a significant boost to your immune system.

Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body.

The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from the bodily tissues. Some health conditions can cause lymph fluid to build up. 

 

What conditions can lymphatic drainage treat?

Lymphatic drainage massage can benefit people who are experiencing the following:

Some of the conditions that may benefit from lymphatic drainage massage include:

  • Chronic fluid retention in legs or arms.
  • Swelling of a limb: pre or post-surgery.
  • Lymphoedema. (Hock K, Colby L 2012)
  • Post-mastectomy or breast cancer treatment. (Torres Lacomba M et al. 2010)
  • Breast tenderness & congestion.
  • Fibromyalgia & Lupus
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Depression & Anxiety
  • Hormonal & emotional imbalances
  • Cellulite fat accumulation.
  • Recurrent infections, e.g. colds, flu, tonsillitis, sinus & yeast infections.

It should be remembered that lymphatic drainage is not recommended for people with the following health conditions:

  • Congestive heart failure
  • History of stroke or blood clots
  • Current infection
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Skin infections

 

What are the benefits of lymphatic drainage?

There are many health benefits associated with lymphatic drainage. These include:

A damaged lymphatic system may result in edema, or the swelling of the arms or legs, and lymphoedema, a medical condition resulting from lymph build-up in the bodily tissues due to infection or surgical treatments that involve the removal of lymph nodes. Lymphatic drainage reduces swelling, improves circulation throughout the lymphatic system and boosts immunity. It also offers the following benefits:

  • Helps the body fight off infection
  • Speeds up healing and recovery from an illness
  • Helps in reducing water retention
  • Boosts weight loss
  • Reduces the chances of developing minor colds and viruses
  • Improves skin texture
  • Increases metabolic rate