Lymphatic massage

The lymphatic system The human lymphatic system is, in a sense, the body’s second circulatory system. It is made up of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymph (the interstitial fluid drained through the vessels), and lymphocytes (specialized immune cells). The tonsils, adenoids, spleen, and thymus are all part of the lymph system.

Our lymph nodes are soft, small internal structures located in the armpits, groin, and neck, as well as in the center of the chest and abdomen. The lymph nodes produce immune cells that fight infection while filtering lymph fluid to remove foreign material. When bacteria or other immune threats are present in lymph, lymph nodes increase production of infection-fighting white blood cells, which can cause the nodes to swell.

The lymphatic system has no “pump” of its own to move lymph through the system, as the circulatory system has the heart. Rather, bodily movement and breathing function to move liquid lymph through the vessels and filters of the lymph nodes. For people who get too little exercise and eat too much processed food, the lymphatic system can easily be overtaxed – resulting in a body that is susceptible to infection and disease.

Lymphatic drainage

Lymphatic drainage can increase the volume of lymph flow by as much as 20 times, vastly increasing the system’s ability to remove toxins and infectious materials. Studies have found lymphatic drainage to be a medically beneficial form of physical therapy for a range of lymphedema-related problems.

If you’re generally healthy, self lymphatic drainage can help you heal more quickly from a cold or shake off fatigue. You can safely perform lymphatic drainage massage on the lymph nodes around your neck, ears, and throat, on the abdomen, and on the legs. Using very gentle pressure, first perform lymph drainage for the ears on the neck area, then lymphatic breathing for the abdomen and finally, self-lymphatic drainage on the legs the neck helps clear the system for the lymph that is pumped to the lymph nodes as you work on the abdomen and legs.

A regular yoga practice can also help you improve the effects of lymphedema. If you already have lymphedema, you should work with a specialist to build a safe practice that will work for you.

Staying safe

The lymph nodes in the neck are very near the surface, as are some veins in the legs. It’s important to use a very light touch when doing lymphatic drainage. This very gentle massage can have very profound effects on the body. The same is true with yoga – gentle poses and deep breathing techniques can stimulate lymph flow, helping you feel better without the need for a strenuous asana practice.

INSTRUCTIONS

• Use lymphatic drainage to detoxify or to reduce the risk of infection after surgery or cancer treatment.

• Sign up for ongoing lymphatic drainage massage therapy for recurrent conditions of cold, flu or immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or HIV

• Locate a capable practitioner of lymphatic drainage massage. Get referrals from a state licensing board, wellness center or another massage therapist.

• Make an appointment for a manual lymphatic drainage. The duration can vary greatly, so ask for a time estimate after discussing your health goals and concerns with the massage therapist.

• Reduce or eliminate alcohol and caffeine from your diet for half a day before and after your massage.

• Lie on the massage table face up or face down, and cover your body with the towels or sheets provided, as your therapist advises.

• Relax and savor the feeling of very gently applied pressure and smooth strokes that open the lymphatic pathways and promote detoxification.

• Incorporate lymphatic drainage massage into your regular health maintenance routine. Ask your therapist or natural health care provider how often you will need this service.

• Realize gradual physical benefits as the underlying causes of your lymphatic blockage are addressed through massage.