Lymphatic drainage massage is the process whereby the lymphatic system is stimulated with gentle manipulation of the lymph vessels. These vessels exist superficially, just under the first layer of skin. The massage techniques used are very gentle and promote the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid. The circulated lymph fluid collects in the lymph nodes at the joints and around visceral tissue where it undergoes sterilisation. Once sterilised in the nodes, the lymphatic fluid and now any indigestible toxins or metabolic substances return to the circulatory system (blood) and are further processed to finally exit the system.
The lymphatic system cleanse the body of bacteria, cellular debris, excess of water proteins and waste from the connective tissue and returns it to the blood at the subclavian veins to be later eliminated bi the kidneys.
Lymphatic drainage massage uses a specific amount of pressure with the client lying in an anatomical position, is performed rhythmic light and short circular movements and pumping techniques with both hands to stimulate lymph flow, with a combination of light movements directed toward the lymph nodes.
The Lymphatic drain massage can be targeted to a specific point and can be effective in a full body massage, that is why we have different lengths of time to drain, for example, a single area of the body such as a limb or the abdomen or the head etc. It will last 60 minutes, in a 90 minutes session the upper part of the body or the lower part will be worked because the body has two main Lymphatic watersheds in the body: -Vertical watershed: Separates the right and left side of the body. The right side drains to the right and the left side drains to the left. Horizontal watershed: Separates the upper and lower body at the waist area. The legs, gluteal and abdomen drain to the inguinal nodes. The upper back, chest and arms drain to the axillary nodes. The scalp and the face drains to the clavicular nodes. In a 120 minutes massage it will be possible to work the whole body increasing the movement of fluids in any part of the body.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage can assist with conditions such as lymphoedema, post surgical swelling, scar tissue rehydration and alignment (early intervention), management of skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema, etc), chronic fatigue syndrome, hay fever symptom management, and can also have the benefits of reducing stress and overall systemic inflammation such as from chronic inflammatory bowel diseases or similar, by increasing the functionality and response of the immune system.The key is to manage accumulated fluid while keeping it moving, without increasing any inflammatory response or disrupting the healing process.
Benefits of Lymphatic drainage massage, it will help to remove chemicals associated with the central nervous system's pain response from the cell, producing an analgesic effect. Being a light and repetitive massage it has a calming effect on the autonomic nervous system, accelerating the functioning of the lymphatic bringing benefits such as:
- increased blood circulation
- increased lymph circulation and reduces edema
- prepares and cleans the body pre-surgery
- promote tissue regeneration and the healing will be more fast
- Reduce inflammation
- Reduce muscle spasm
- Reduce pain
- Stimulates parasympathetic system
- Help patients with Edema by decreasing weight
Migraine and chronic headaches, constipation, tinnitus, Ménière's, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, sinus congestion and chronic colds, tendonitis, repetitive strain injury, whiplash, swollen, heavy and edematose feet and other trauma to name a few.
Pregnancy, the drainage can be started beginning with the third pregnancy month. The hormonal changes during pregnancy determine liquid retention and a decrease in the tonus of the vein and lymph vessels.
PMS syndrome, It is also effective against the swelling experienced by many women a few days before the menstruation. In this case, the massage is made immediately after the end of the cycle for a week.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage treatment can be effective up to 72hrs post treatment and can also be used in conjunction with training programs such as de-load weeks, fitness challenges or post comp rehabilitation. Please note that some conditions requirement approval from your GP prior to the commencement of treatment.
Before and After photo of client result
3 months progression from Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Angeline Ong Yoga & Massage Therapy
WhatsApp: 0168262812
Instagram: @angelineonglimin
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