Lymphatic drainage massage a gentle form of massage that stimulates lymph fluid movement around the body, is a gentle massage.
The fluid found in the lymphatics helps remove waste and toxins from tissues. Lymph fluid can build up due to certain health conditions. Lymphatic drainage massages can benefit people with flows via lymph vessels that connect lymph nodes. White blood cells trap harmful particles and destroy them as it flows through lymph nodes.
Lymphatic fluid, like blood in the circulatory systems, is always moving. As lymph fluid builds up, swelling can result if it stops. This is called lymphedema by health experts.
Experts call it decongestive Lymphatic Therapy (DLT).
DLT to treat lymphedema also includes:
- Massage for lymphatic drainage
- compression garments
- exercise
- skincare
These can both improve lymphatic circulation and manage symptoms:
- Mobility can be affected by swelling in the extremities (such as the arms, legs and feet).
- Other parts of the body may experience swelling, such as the breasts, chest, breast, shoulder, and face.
- Pain and sensational changes
- A feeling of heaviness
- Having trouble fitting into clothes
Who can Benefit?
People with lymphedema can benefit from it:
- Cancer and treatments for cancer that require the removal of lymph nodes
- An infestation of lymph nodes causes filariasis by a parasite carried in mosquitoes.
- Some types of vascular surgery, such as vein stripping, are available.
- Excision of burn scar
- lipectomy is a form of body surgery that removes fat.
- Trauma or infection in the lymphatic system
- A build-up of fluid caused by deep vein thrombosis
- Conditions that reduce blood flow to the extremities (e.g., hands or feet) are a sign of a health condition.
Around 20% of females who have been treated for breast cancer experience lymphatic build-up.
A doctor might recommend a lymphatic massage as part of a patient’s treatment plan. Anyone who suspects they may have lymphedema should consult a doctor. A doctor should be consulted before using a lymphatic massage.
This type of massage might not be safe or suitable for certain people.
How do you perform a lymphatic masseuse?
Not only can trained professionals offer lymphatic massage, but they also can teach individuals basic drainage techniques that can be used at home. Safe ways to drain lymphatic fluid can be referred to a doctor or another professional.
Most of these exercises can be done standing up, sitting down or lying down as long as you are comfortable.
These are some tips to keep in mind when you have a lymphatic massage:
- Massage movements should only affect the skin. Use gentle pressure, and don’t press too hard to feel the muscles.
- Relax your hands.
- Massage infected or swollen areas only.
- Massage areas that have been treated for cancer should not be massaged.
- To flush your body, drink extra fluids after every massage, ideally 2 to 4 glasses of water.
- There should be no reddening or pain during a massage.
- Use lotions and other products only on your hands.
How do you prepare?
These methods stimulate the lymphatic system and prepare the lymph nodes for more fluid.
Lymphatic breathing
Deep breathing is like a pump, which helps move fluid through lymph nodes and vessels. Follow these steps:
- Place your hands on the ribs with both of your hands.
- Slowly take deep, slow breaths. Feel the air moving down to your abdomen.
- Slowly exhale the air through your mouth.
- Take 5 deep breaths, then rest for 5 minutes.
- The front of your neck should be prepared
- Place each hand’s middle and index fingers just below the earlobes on either side.
- Gently slide your fingers towards the shoulders and stretch the skin. Then, release.
- Repeat 5 times.
- Continue to massage the neck with your hands until you are satisfied.
- Prepare the neck side
- Place one hand’s palm on each side of the neck, below the ears.
- Move your hands back and down slowly.
- The back of your neck should be prepared
- Place your palms on the back of your neck, near the hairline.
- Gently slide your hands down the neck towards the spine.
Get under the arms
To help lymph nodes in the arms receive lymph fluid from other parts of the body, prepare them. This movement should not be performed on any areas that have been treated for cancer. These are the steps to follow:
- Place your palm under your armpit.
- Gently move your palm up and towards the body.
- Continue with the other arm.
- Get behind your knees
- Place your hands behind your knees so that your fingers point towards each other.
- Press your hands gently into the backside of the knee, pressing them down and rolling upward.
- Do the same thing with the other knee.
