Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage therapy was introduced by Dr Emil and Mrs. Estrid Vodder who were massage therapists during the early 1930s.

This therapy is a little different from the other types of massages since it is performed by massaging the body with light pressure and long, rhythmic, and gentle strokes rather than using high pressure. The main purpose of this therapy is to stimulate the lymph system.

The lymph system is a major part of your body's immune system, which is composed of small structures called lymph nodes and a network of lymph vessels.

The lymph nodes are located in various parts of the body such as the neck, armpit, groin, abdomen, and inside the center of the chest.

The lymph is a fluid that flows around your body, carrying white blood cells and antibodies to your tissues and organs. This fluid gets filtered in the lymph nodes, which produce infection fighting white blood cells (lymphocytes).

The lymphocytes entrap and destroy the harmful organisms such as bacteria and cancer cells from the lymph. Also, they amalgamate with the lymph, which flows out of the nodes and to the bloodstream.

Thus, the lymph system strengthens the immune system and protects you from health problems. However, when this system gets blocked, the lymph loses its ability to flow across the body. As a result, the whole system becomes toxic.

When this happens, the immune system weakens, and the individual becomes susceptible to viral infections, contagious diseases, and may also experience swelling in some parts of the body.

This therapy can be fully effective only if it is performed by a professional therapist, who is well trained about the techniques. You must not rush for the session after a long day at work or have any important appointment after it is done. This is because you are likely to feel tired after the massage, and hence should take adequate rest after the session.

Also, it is important to discuss your health problems with your therapist before starting the massage. Though you must avoid the consumption of alcohol or a heavy meal before the session, you must drink lots of water as it helps flush out the harmful toxins.

A full body massage session may last for about 60 minutes. On the other hand, a localized session may last for about 30 minutes. You will be asked to lie down on a table.

The therapist will begin the massage using very light pressure and soft, but rhythmic strokes and pumping movements towards the armpits, neck, and groin area, where the main lymph nodes are situated. Basically, you will be massaged on areas wherever there are lymph nodes and vessels.

In patients with lymphedema, the therapy aims to drain the fluid from the swollen area towards a lymph node that is working normally.

Therefore, the therapist will first massage and clear the area he/she may want the fluid to drain into. For e.g., your chest and neck may be massaged first if you have lymphedema in your arm. This ensures that the fluid has a destination to flow to when your arm is worked upon.

This therapy is beneficial for people who follow an inactive lifestyle and experience the problem of swelling, puffiness, etc. It has also been reported that this therapy is an effective way of treating people with dysfunctional respiratory problems, and also can be alternative to other medical treatments of cellulite.

Individuals who have gone through accidents are also recommended to get this massage done since it helps heal the scar tissues, sprains, fractures, as well as torn ligaments. Skin problems like acne and illnesses including arthritis, and sinusitis may also be completely treated with this therapy.

It is also said to be beneficial for women who face problems during pregnancy like sore nipples, fissures, engorgement, etc., as well as those who experience poor circulation and water retention issues.

Though the massage is unlikely to have any side effects, there are certain risk factors associated with this therapy. Individuals who are affected by malignant tumors, major heart problems, acute inflammation, thrombosis, etc., should avoid getting this therapy as it may have a negative effect on them.

Patients with diseases like cancer, kidney problems, diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, etc., should also consult their healthcare practitioner before fixing an appointment for this therapy.

You may also learn to perform this therapy at home; however, you should only be trained by a professional massage therapist. Also, it is extremely crucial to consult your healthcare practitioner and keep the necessary precautions in mind to avoid complications in future.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.