LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
FAQ's

This gentle & very relaxing treatment stimulates lymphatic flow:

supporting immune function and boost the body’s natural healing systems
helping ease the pain and discomfort caused by excess inflammation
restoring fluid balance by relieving lymphatic stagnation

In a healthy person, the lymphatic system does all this work on its own.

Think of a sump pump that drains excess water from a basement. Normally, the water moves towards the pump and all is well. But when there is excess water, the system can become backed up, and you may need to manually help the water move towards its destination.

Likewise in our bodies, for various reasons, the already slow process of lymph drainage slows down even further. Lymphatic Drainage Massage, also called Manual Lymphatic Drainage, facilitates the contractions of the lymphatic system, and enhances the activity of the nodes to improve lymph flow through congested areas, restoring optimal lymphatic flow.

Please note: This treatment is not intended for individuals with Stage II or III Lymphedema.

During the acute stage of infectious disease, injury or an active fever
Untreated malignant tumors
Thrombosis and phlebitis
Congestive heart problems
Organ transplants or immune suppressive therapy
Lymphostatic edema- Caused by burns, parasites or tumors.
Kidney problems- only with physician clearance.
Chemotherapy or Radiation- Minimum 48 hours after end of treatment and only with physician clearance.

WHAT IS THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM?

The lymphatic system is primarily of a network of vessels, capillaries, nodes and specialized cells called lymphocytes. Although similar in distribution to the circulatory system, it does not have a pump like the heart. Instead, it relies on muscle contractions, breathing and the pulsing of arteries to sustain it's flow.

As part of the immune system, it’s main functions are defense against pathogens and the removal of foreign particles, dead cells, waste products, and other inorganic substances.

Since an active lymphatic flow is required for these processes, any impairment to lymphatic flow can cause lymph to stagnate in various areas, causing swelling, discomfort, pain and physiological dysfunction.

WHEN CAN LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE BENEFIT ME?

RETENTION OF EXCESS FLUIDS

A mild or oncoming illness, irregular diet, various medications, stress and other conditions can contribute to the body’s occasional retention of excess fluids in various areas. Manual stimulation of the lymphatic system can help restore flow and rebalance fluid levels in your body.

MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURY RECOVERY

After the acute stage of injury has passed, LDM can help move the excess fluids that are part of the healing process from the injury area. This typically results in improved range of motion and a decrease in pain.

SURGERY RECOVERY

All surgeries cause trauma to the body and the lymphatic system becomes taxed with excess inflammation and medications such as anesthesia. LDM can significantly help ease pain, and expedite the healing process.

No matter what type of surgery or what area of the body has surgical incisions, LDM can safely be done within 3-4 days post surgery, or as soon as you feel well enough to come in for treatment.

As your healing process continues, increased lymph flow around surgery incisions stimulates damaged tissues to heal properly and the enhanced circulation helps soften and minimize surgery scars.

DIGESTIVE HEALTH ISSUES and PREVIOUS ABDOMINAL SURGERIES

Many of the main components of the lymphatic system and about half of the 400-700 lymph nodes of the body are located deep in the abdomen. And the lymphatic system has a role in absorbing fats and fat-soluble nutrients within our digestive system. A compromised lymphatic system can contribute to many digestive and gut health issues and cause chronic abdominal bloating and discomfort.

If you have had any previous abdominal surgeries, no matter how long ago, internal scar tissue and adhesions could be contributing to impaired lymphatic flow and/or digestive dysfuntion. Examples include: Cesarean section, gall bladder or other organ removal, tummy tuck or other cosmetic surgery, hernia repair, stomach and intestinal surgeries.

CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY

Insufficient leg veins make it difficult for blood to return to the heart from the legs and can lead to congestive heart failure. LDM may reduce the spread of the fibrotic condition in the veins by restoring lymphatic flow. (Requires physician clearance.)

PRE AND POST NATAL

LDM is perfect for expectant mothers who require gentle handling! It can help alleviate some of the discomfort caused by pregnancy related fluid retention especially in the legs, ankles and feet. Improved circulation can also help reduce the risk of developing varicose veins.This relaxing treatment helps alleviate the general fatigue and stress some expectant mothers experience.

After childbirth, LDM can improve circulation, help normalize milk flow, reduce swelling, and speed up the healing process to help your body return to pre-pregnancy state. (Prenatal requires physician clearance.)

GENERAL WELL BEING

WHEN IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE NOT ADVISABLE?

Minor aches and pains, low energy or susceptibility to colds and flu may be due to a compromised or depressed immune system- possibly caused by sluggish lymphatic flow.

LDM can also:

promote relaxation and reduce stress through activation of the parasympathetic response
act as enhancement for other treatments (chiropractic, acupuncture)
alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis
help ease symptoms of acne and eczema
help chronic problems that fail to respond to other treatments

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE A LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE?

Everyone can benefit from manual stimulation of the lymphatic system’s innately slow process being expedited! A full body LDM 2-3 times per year can keep your lymphatic system in superior condition and boost immune response.

If you are currently experiencing a specific condition, your therapist will advise you on how often you need to return for treatment.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING A LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE?

Your therapist will use gentle, rhythmic strokes and soft pumping movements to facilitate the lymph flow. With some of the main components and numerous lymph nodes located in the abdomen, the treatment will begin here. Depending on your needs, various other localized areas will be treated and abdominal stimulation will be repeated periodically to ensure the system is properly stimulated. (Prenatal requires some modifications.)

Once the lymph flow has been stimulated, this causes a wave of contractions that start to push and pull the lymph through the body. In many cases, the lymphatic system needs no more than this “jump-start” to return to normal function!

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE FAQ's