Lymphatic drainage massage
Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that stimulates the movement of lymphatic fluids throughout the body.
Fluid from the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from body tissues. Some health conditions can cause lymph fluid to build up. Lymphatic drainage massages can benefit people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, or other conditions.
In this article, we discuss the benefits of lymphatic massage, who might find it useful, and how a person can prepare and perform it at home.
What is Lymphatic Drainage?
Lymphatic massage, sometimes called manual lymphatic drainage, is a specialized type of medical massage. It can help treat lymphedema, in which lymph fluid collects in certain areas of the body because it can’t be drained effectively.
Lymphatic massage aims to improve the flow of lymphatic fluid, which should reduce swelling.
Massaging an area without swelling will make room for fluid to flow into those parts from more congested areas.
There are two types of lymphatic drainage: manual and simple.
Manual lymphatic drainage is performed by a qualified therapist, while simple lymphatic drainage is a technique that a person can use at home.
Anyone planning to learn simple lymphatic drainage should learn how to do it from a specialist. It is essential to know which area to massage and how much pressure to apply.
What are the benefits?
The lymphatic system plays a key role in the body’s immune defenses.
Lymphatic fluid flows through the lymphatic vessels, which connect the lymph nodes. As it passes through the lymph nodes, white blood cells trap and destroy harmful particles, such as bacteria.
Like blood in the circulatory system, lymphatic fluid is always in motion. If it stops, swelling can occur as lymphatic fluid builds up, often in the arms or legs. Health experts call this lymphedema.
Lymphatic massage is usually part of a treatment program that health experts call decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT).
DLT for lymphedema includes:
lymphatic drainage massage
compression garments
exercise
skin care
Together, these can improve circulation through the lymphatic system and help manage symptoms of lymphedema, including:
swelling in extremities, such as arms, legs, hands, or feet, which can affect mobility
swelling in other parts of the body, including the chest, breast, shoulder, face, and groin
pain and changes in sensation
a feeling of heaviness
difficulty fitting into clothing
Who can benefit?
Lymphedema can benefit people who have a buildup of lymphatic fluid due toTrusted Source:
cancer and cancer treatments that involve removal of lymph nodes
filariasis, which is the infestation of the lymph nodes by a parasite carried by mosquitoes
some types of vascular surgery, such as vein stripping
burn scar excision
lipectomy , a type of surgery to remove fat from the body
infection or trauma to the lymphatic system
a buildup of fluid due to a deep vein thrombosis
health conditions that affect blood flow to the extremities, such as the hands and feet
Lymphatic accumulation affects about 20% Trusted Source of women who have been treated for breast cancer.
The authors of a 2015 review conclude that lymphatic massage may be more effective than connective tissue massage in relieving symptoms of stiffness and depression in people living with fibromyalgia.
A doctor may recommend lymphatic massage as part of a person’s treatment plan. If someone thinks they have lymphedema, they should ask a doctor about this option. They should not use lymphatic massage without first consulting a doctor.
It should be noted that this type of massage may not be suitable or safe for some people, for example if they have cellulite or a heart condition.
Before & After
