Massage is a holistic process that aims to relax and soothe the body and mind. Massage can be performed in any massage spas and parlors that offer these services and it has many benefits. Amongst the many benefits include improved circulation of blood, reduction of stress levels, and relief from tension-related diseases like headache and back pain. And aside from that, it also promotes better function of your lymphatic system.
Stick around as we’ll tackle the benefits of therapeutic and lymphatic massage in today’s health guide.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Defined
Lymphatic massage, or also known as lymphatic drainage massage, decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT), manual drainage massage, and manual lymph drainage (MLD) is a massage technique that is done to regulate the lymph flow or a kind of clear fluid that flows through our body through our lymphatic system. This will result in relief from swelling and improved well-being.
Our body’s lymphatic system works hand in hand with the immune system. And proponents of this type of massage therapy suggest that it can also treat various health conditions.
The Types Of Manual Drainage Massage
There are 4 types of lymphatic massage used by doctors, massage therapists, and physical therapists. And these are all named after those people who have developed these types of lymphatic massages:
Casley-Smith – Is a massage technique that makes use of circular hand motions, particularly in the application of pressure through the palms and sides of the hands.
Vodder – It is a foundational lymphatic massage technique that uses sweeping hand motions in varying actions depending on the area of the body to be treated.
Foldi – This massage technique is an extension of the Vodder technique wherein circular hand motion is used and interspersed in target areas with brief moments of relaxation.
Leduc – This lymphatic massage technique involves the use of hand motions that ‘entices’ or collects the lymphs and then redirecting it to be reabsorbed by the lymphatic system.
Each of the lymphatic drainage massages mentioned here is based on a similar principle. To be specific, they all involve gentle movements and stretching of the skin to redirect the lymph flow from the start of the closest limb going to the torso and then moving outward.
A lymphatic massage procedure usually lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.
Brief History And Uses
The lymphatic massage was first developed by Emil & Estrid Vodder in the 1930s to treat lymphedema, a condition that is characterized by the buildup of lymph fluid in soft tissues which is often caused by infection, injury, surgery, cancer treatment, and genetic conditions affecting the body’s lymphatic system.
The said disease shows various symptoms like skin discoloration, swelling, weakness, and in worst cases, pain and heaviness of the arm and leg.
MLD is also administered to treat other conditions such as peripheral edema, or the swelling of the arm and leg tissues which are not inherently related to the lymphatic system. Also, this massage procedure is also proven to treat various health conditions that include tissue swelling like:
- Menopause
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic sclerosis
- Post-mastectomy lymphedema
Moreover, lymphatic massage is also applied in spas to treat cellulite, acne, and eczema – although there is little evidence that this massage technique can effectively treat these conditions.
Benefits
Scientific studies prove that lymphatic massage is extremely beneficial in treating different types of health problems. And in this section, we’ll enlist some ways this massage technique can help you:
1. It Helps Improve Your Immune System – Lymphatic drainage can boost your immune system by regulating the flow of lymph fluid in your body. Whether the lymph nodes are located in your throat, underarms, around the breast, or groin the lymph fluid is stimulated for better blood circulation and detoxification of your body. And as a result, you’ll feel better after a session of massage, especially if you’re suffering from flu, body inflammations, infections, or just having dull skin.
2. Reduce Anxiety, Fatigue, And Stress – The fact of the matter is any form of massage when done by an experienced therapist, can help you relax and reduce stress. But the lymphatic massage procedure takes de-stressing to the next level by applying gentle pressure on various parts of the body to relieve you from cramps, soreness, or pain almost immediately.
This is highly recommended for individuals who are suffering from depression, anxiety, and panic attacks as you’ll find yourself extremely relaxed and invigorated after a session of lymphatic massage.
3. Relief From Migraine And Chronic Pain – Bouts of migraine and constant chronic pain will definitely hinder you from performing daily routines and enjoy life. Fortunately, having lymphatic massage weekly can get rid of these conditions for good. And that’s because the repetitive motions have a soothing effect that you’ll immediately feel the results after a couple of sessions.
4. Produce Glowing Skin – Manual drainage massage has been proven to reduce skin conditions like eczema and acne, and lessen scar appearance as well. And the reason being is this massage technique opens up the pores so they can receive a special mixture of essential oils which rehydrates the skin and makes it softer and brighter.
That’s the reason why beauty bloggers like Huda Kattan and Devon Windsor promote lymphatic massage to their viewers.
5. It Also Helps During Breastfeeding – For first-time mothers, breastfeeding serves as a whole new experience that brings joy and fulfillment as a mom. But sadly, 92% of new mothers have reported experiencing 1 issue or a combination of issues during breastfeeding such as pain and discomfort according to a recent survey.
Thankfully, lymphatic drainage massage procedure alleviates symptoms of nipple swelling and opens up the pores in the nipple area (or plugged nipple ducts) so new moms won’t feel pain while they are breastfeeding their babies.
Precautions And Side Effects
Lymphatic massage technique is non-invasive and safe because it focuses on gentle pressure and skin stretching it does not involve discomforting feelings associated with sports massage and deep tissue massage.
And another thing to remember is lymphatic massage does not involve pain during massaging. So if you experience pain during the session, stop the massage immediately and consult your doctor to know where the pain is coming from.
Visit Trimotion Therapy in Wisconsin today if you’re looking for a trusted clinic that offers these massages.