About Lymphatic Drainage Massage & Self Care

​The past 2 weeks have seen a number of inquiries from clients about Lymphatic Massage and I realized I’ve rarely talked about this and how beneficial it is, outside of those clients who I specifically recommend it for.

Your Lymphatic System is a part of your immune and circulatory systems and is responsible for removing waste, excess fluid and helps to fight infection. It does not have its own pump as, for example, the circulatory system has the heart. The lymphatic system relies on muscle contraction and respiration to transport lymph fluid

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A part of  my basic Massage training included the Vodder Technique for Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). It incorporates light rhythmic pumping and flowing massage techniques, where too much pressure will actually impede lymphatic flow. The flow of massage is towards the main areas of lymph nodes, so you can be sure I will be asking for your consent before working near your groin, armpits and/or upper chest. To support lymphatic flow during the session I encourage clients to come well hydrated and to practice deep diaphragmatic breathing throughout the session.

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Manual Lymphatic Drainage benefits include:

• Immune system support
• Reduce swelling and easing fluid retention
• Helps rid the system of toxins
• Supports healing of injuries
• Relief from neuropathy
• Easing swelling symptoms of Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lipedema
• Cosmetically to ease facial puffiness and increase circulation to the skin
• Stress ease (most clients find this relaxing and often fall asleep)​

Contraindications to Manual Lymphatic Drainage include those with:

• Blood clots
• Cellulitis
• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Fever
• Heart Disease
• Kidney Failure
• Active Infection
• Stroke
• Skin with cancerous tissue or damage due to radiation
• New incisions or unhealed scars​

If you haven’t experienced Lymphatic Drainage previously I always recommend a shorter session to just one area (legs or arms). For example booking a 45 minute Holistic Massage session to just the legs, and a separate 45 minute session for arms. While most clients tolerate it well, some experience side effects from the movement of toxins or if they have been dehydrated prior to the session. These symptoms may include headache, nausea, fatigue.

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You can offer your Lymphatic system support daily with

• Regular exercise, low impact cardo, tai chi, walking, swimming
• Yoga and stretching that open areas such as hip flexors, under the arms, upper chest expansion (shoulder rolls, ankle pumps, seated marching…), Legs Up the Wall 
• Jiggling, light jumping, dance
• Mindful deep breathwork that includes diaphragmatic and deep belly breathing.
• Dry Brushing
• Staying hydrated
• Loosening up clothing. Lymph struggles to flow against resistance, like tight clothing
• Light self massage similar to that offered during a Manual Lymphatic Drainage session​

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Need more information about sessions? Please don’t hesitate to ask.