Lymphatic Massage was developed in the 1930s and is a delicate form of massage that stimulates the body's lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system has no central pump and depends on muscle contraction through deep breathing, exercise and manual manipulation to move fluid.
Lymphatic massage utilizes a very light pressure combined with soft pumping movements in the direction of the lymph nodes. Immune system function can be significantly increased, improving metabolism and helping the body to eliminate waste and toxins. It is highly recommended for those prone to and recovering from sore throats, colds, infections, on-going tiredness, excess fluids, low immunity, swollen node and also for the physically inactive.
Lymphatic massage can help to unblock the lymph system by manually cleansing the lymph system in a clockwise fashion. It can reduce swelling and clear the lymphatic system so that lymph can move freely through the body. The massage also stimulates the flow of other interstitial fluids in the body, theoretically encouraging the fluid to pull out toxins so that they can be sequestered by the lymph system. A strong immune system makes you feel balanced, happy and whole.
As with most massage, it is vital to drink lots of water after a lymphatic massage to flush away toxins that have been released.
The Lymphatic system is our front line of defence in fighting bodily infections, detoxifying the body and transporting metabolic wastes, excess water, bacteria and toxins out of the body.
The Lymph glands (at neck, armpits, groin, etc.) are connected by a broad network of vessels which transplant the fluid. Muscular movement and Respiratory action is required to move the Lymph Fluid, as there is no "Heart" to pump it.
Lymphatic Massage - What can it be used for?
Performing lymphatic massage correctly can stimulate the opening of the initial lymphatic and increase the volume of lymph flow by as much as 20 times.
Because lymph cleanses nearly every cell in your body the negative effects of chronic lymph blockages include but are not limited to:
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Frequent cold and flu infections
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Joint pain
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Menstrual cramps
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Arthritis
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Loss of Appetite
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Fatigue
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Depression
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Acne
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Cellulite
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Mood irregularities
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Headache and Migraines
Lymphatic massage has been used for years to enhance the quality of the skin.
Lymphatic massage aids the increase of lymph flow. When the lymph is flowing as it should, cells are bathed in fresh fluid making the skin look fresh and alive.
Lymphatic massage is also useful for people with sports injuries.
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When applied after neuromuscular massage, lymphatic massage helps to clear the tissue of debris and reduce the minor edema that can occur after deep tissue massage.
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Repeated lymphatic massage whilst healing from a sports injury can help to enhance the tissue regeneration process by keeping the tissue as healthy as possible.
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It is thought that lymphatic massage can also help the scarring process by enhancing circulation and immunity.
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Increased lymph flow around the scar stimulates damaged lymph vessels to heal.
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Increased lymph flow draws away toxins improving the health of the tissues.
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Another common use of lymph drainage massage is in breast cancer cases. Women who have had axillary lymph nodes removed sometimes develop edema in their arm. As long as there is only minor swelling, then a massage therapist with a good knowledge of contraindication and some specific techniques can do a great amount of good.