Our bodies tend to build toxins and unwanted waste, on a daily basis. But, because of our lymphatic system it eliminates the pollutants by transporting lymph throughout the body via a network of organs and tissues. Lymph is a clear, yellowish fluid that allows the body to immune itself against infections and diseases. In other words, by activating the flow of lymph the body can increase the immune system.
When someone gets sick, feels sluggish, tired or achy it could be the lymphatic system is weakened. A poorly functioning lymphatic system can even lead to more serious conditions like lymphedema and cancer. Regular Lymphatic Drainage Massages can help reduce painful swelling in the arms, and legs, especially as people age. In some case, people recovering from breast cancer surgery are affected by lymphedema.
Lymph is normally collected and returned to the heart via a network of lymph vessels and nodes, but if the tissue retains fluid left behind after the cardiovascular system sends the blood to tissues and organs, then most likely lymphedema can occur. When something disrupts your lymphatic system’s process, lymph collects in your arms and legs, making them swell.
According to Cleveland Clinic, “A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage massage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your main drains and your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling in your tissues.”
Some health benefits from Lymphatic drainage massage include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Ongoing arthritis in joints causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
- Fibromyalgia: A condition that causes chronic muscle and joint pain.
- Chronic venous insufficiency: When a leg vein isn’t working effectively, making it hard for blood returning to the heart from your legs.
- Lipedema: Excess fat accumulating in the lower body, blocking lymphatic pathway and causing lymphedema.
The most common types of lymphatic drainage massage used by massage therapist include:
- Vodder: Foundational technique uses various sweeping motions around the area the therapist is treating.
- Foldi: An extension of the Vodder technique, Foldi requires the massage therapist to alternate between circular hand motions and moments of relaxation.
- Casley-Smith: An approach to lymphatic massage also involves circular hand motions, mainly using the sides and palms of the hands.
- Leduc: Technique relies on hand motions to collect lymph fluid before redirecting it for reabsorption into the larger lymphatic system.
In an article by WebMD states, “All these massage techniques function on the same principle. They use gentle movements to stretch the skin in the direction of lymph flow. The methods must start at the part of the limb nearest to the torso and move outward. The procedure will typically last between 15 to 60 minutes.”
A Valley of Vitality Wellness Studio has highly trained massage therapists who understand a light rhythmic movement stimulate the lymphatic system to help the lymph fluid move easily through the nodes and tissues, making sure the fluid doesn’t get trapped anywhere. If you have any questions about getting a lymphatic drainage massage, please contact us. We can schedule an appointment to fit your schedule.
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