Summary
- The lymphatic system is a network of organs and vessels that transport fluid throughout the body
- Lymphatic drainage massage promotes the movement of lymph fluid in the body and helps drain lymph nodes
- Lymphatic drainage massage helps boost immune function
- Lymphatic drainage massage increases circulation
- Lymphatic drainage massage can reduce water retention
- Lymphatic drainage massage can speed up recovery post-surgery
- Lymphatic drainage massage can aid decongestion
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is a network of organs, nodes and ducts that help rid the body of unwanted materials such as bacteria and toxic waste. Its main job is to transport lymph, a clear fluid containing white blood cells, fats and proteins, to maintain fluid balance and help the body fight infection and disease.
What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
The lymphatic system does not have a pump, and instead relies on muscle contractions to keep fluid moving. Sometimes, this isn’t enough, and lymph fluid can remain stagnant around cells and tissues, resulting in swelling, tiredness, inflammation among other issues. Lymphatic drainage massage involves a series of specific strokes to stimulate underlying lymph vessels to carry away these unwanted toxins.
The Many Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Boost Immune Function:
Since the lymphatic system helps the body remove toxins, wastes and bacteria, it plays a critical role in immune function. Lymphatic drainage massage encourages the movement of lymph to pass through the lymph nodes where infection-fighting white blood cells filter out toxins. Consequently, lymphatic drainage massage helps the body rid itself of harmful substances that could cause infection or illness.
Healing Post- surgery:
The ability of lymphatic massage to reduce fluid retention and swelling makes it particularly beneficial post-surgery. Since injured areas tend to have poor fluid circulation, fluid can collect in these areas. However, manual stimulation promotes the movement of fluid away from the area to help restore fluid balance. Since lymphatic drainage massage reduces the amount of fluid that presses on the fibrous layers under the skin, it also promotes healing of scar tissue and reduces inflammation post-surgery.
Reduce Water Retention
Lymphatic drainage massage acts as a manual pump, which means it can help improve the flow of lymph fluid around the body. Since increased lymphatic flow results in faster removal of excess fluid, lymphatic drainage massage is particularly helpful for reducing swelling and water retention.
Increase Circulation and Reduce Cellulite:
Edematous cellulite results from poor blood circulation and is further aggravated by disrupted lymph flow. Lymphatic drainage massage helps increase the speed of blood flow to prevent or break-up any blockages of fluid. Ultimately, this means that lymphatic drainage massage can be used to improve the appearance of cellulite that may have been caused by a build-up of fluid.
Boost Energy
By gently stretching the skin, lymphatic drainage massage encourages drainage from the lymph nodes. This means that lymphatic drainage massage promotes the clearance of debris from the body so that excess waste no longer remains stagnant in the system. Since your system won’t be bogged down with build-up of cellular wastes and debris, you may feel lighter, more refreshed and energized.