Lymphatic Drainage: What It Is And Benefits 

A lymphatic drainage massage helps reduce swelling in the body by moving excess fluid toward the lymph nodes. The specific techniques of lymphatic drainage are detoxifying and often used to treat the effects of medical conditions, swelling, injury, or illness. The approach to this practice is gentle and focuses on methodic, light pressure to stimulate (but not stress) the lymphatic system. 

What Is a Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

The lymphatic system is a vital part of the immune system, containing lymph vessels, nodes, and fluid. Lymphatic drainage is a strategic method of massage that targets lymph nodes and relieves inflammation by manipulating the production of lymphatic fluid in the body. Chronic swelling throughout the body is called lymphedema and can be caused by a variety of environmental, medical, and inherited factors.

Lymph fluid collects in the lymphatic system and returns to the heart through that intricate network of vessels and nodes. Irregular lymphatic function can result in lymph collecting in interstitial spaces — the spaces between cells and blood vessels in the body. This includes the limbs, abdomen, face and neck, chest, and genital region. Lymphatic drainage massage can flush excess fluid by moving it toward lymph nodes, where it can be filtered and processed. 

How To Tell If I Should Consider Lymphatic Drainage?

Lymphedema, swelling caused by a buildup of lymph in the body, has two different categories. Primary lymphedema (due to a genetic defect in the lymphatic system) is relatively uncommon, affecting roughly 1 in 100,000. However, secondary lymphedema, which involves damage to the lymphatic system from environmental factors like cancer treatment or trauma, affects a larger group closer to 1 in 1,000. 

Your body will always tell you what it needs, but you and your doctor have to be on the lookout for the signs. Consult with your medical provider about the advantages and disadvantages of lymphatic drainage massage for your specific concern. As a treatment, lymphatic drainage massage is used to relieve symptoms including: 

• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Brain fog
• Sinus irritation 
• Swelling

What Conditions Consider Lymphatic Drainage Massage For Treatment?

Medical research and technology evolve every year, growing with new information and innovative discoveries. However, most of modern medicine builds on key information from the past. As a treatment, lymphatic drainage has been practiced since 1932. It was originally performed as a treatment after the Vodder doctors consistently noticed swollen lymph nodes in patients with colds. Since then, it has been researched and utilized as a treatment related to immune system dysfunction. 

Because the lymphatic system plays such a critical role in immunity, lymphatic drainage massage can be beneficial for a wide array of conditions that involve poor lymphatic function, fluid retention, or compromised immune response, including: 

• Lymphedema
• Venous insufficiency 
• Post-surgical swelling 
• Fibromyalgia 
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Post-infection swelling 
• Sinusitis
• Breast-cancer recovery

What Are the Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage?

The effects of a lymphatic drainage massage will differ depending on health, targeted concern, and technique. This massage technique is recommended for the wide array of recorded benefits, including:

• Improved circulation
• Detoxification
• Reduced swelling
• Enhanced immunity 
• Pain relief
• Skin health
• Stress reduction

Why Should I Try Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

The strategic and gentle nature of lymphatic drainage massage makes it a safe option for treating a variety of lymph-related conditions. Moreover, lymphatic drainage can be utilized as a cosmetic treatment. Because it isn’t overwhelming on the body, many individuals consider the massage to target aesthetic concerns, including:  

• Puffiness 
• Contouring and shaping
• Firming the skin
• Cellulite reduction
• Promote healing for cosmetic procedures

How To Perform Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

 The process of performing a lymphatic drainage massage is methodic and careful. There are many individual steps that should be applied in a concrete order. Additionally, your licensed massage therapist may encourage pre-visit care to maximize the potential of your treatment. 

Before the Massage

Stay hydrated:

Hydration plays a crucial role in supporting lymphatic flow, so drinking plenty of water can promote proper circulation during treatment. It can also reduce discomfort and fatigue because dehydration can make tissue feel tighter and cause energy to deplete faster. It’s recommended to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, so keep up with this general rule of thumb in the time before and after your lymphatic drainage massage. 

Set a calm environment:

When the body is in a tranquil state, it is more perceptive to healing techniques. Being relaxed will encourage circulation and promote lymphatic function. Your masseuse may play peaceful music or soothing background sounds, use aromatherapy, or dim the lights to help you relax. 

During the Massage

Your masseuse will conduct most of the effort during your session. Your job is to remain as relaxed as possible. You can expect the massage to feel light and rhythmic, with gentle motions across your skin. Because this massage technique targets the lymph nodes, which mostly reside just under the skin, there is no need for excess pressure or deep manipulation. Typically, it is regarded as a calming experience.  

1.Begin with mindful breathing

Starting with a few minutes to center your emotions and clear your mind can improve the effectiveness of a lymphatic drainage massage. This action engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and digestion.

2.Start at the clavicle

With light pressure, the masseuse will apply rhythmic motions to the area by swiping toward the neck. This opens the lymphatic duct near the clavicle, essentially priming the lymphatic system for the rest of the massage. 

3.Massage the neck

Moving down the sides of the neck, this light stroking motion along the sides of the neck and toward the collarbone will stimulate lymphatic flow. It is important to continue with gentle pressure because the lymph nodes around the neck are just below the skin. 

4.Focus on the shoulders

Starting from the outer edges of the shoulders and moving in, a masseuse will use flat fingers and slow, deliberate movements to stimulate lymph fluid toward the collarbone.  

5.Transition to the arms

Changing direction, the masseuse will start to gently stroke down toward the elbow from the top of the upper arm. It is essential to work in the direction of lymph flow — toward the heart. At this point, circular motions around the joints may be included. 

6.Massage the abdomen 

With hands placed flat on the abdomen, the technique calls for clockwise and circular motions that follow the natural direction of the digestive system. This motion stimulates the lymph nodes in the abdomen and encourages drainage. 

7.Stimulate the legs

The leg massaging technique begins at the upper thigh and continues down in sections. The masseuse will use gentle, inward strokes toward the groin area. Each section of motion is carefully aimed toward the groin because that is where the major lymph nodes are located.  

8.Clear the armpits and groin

With the individual’s permission, the masseuse will use circular motions just above the groin area to stimulate lymphatic drainage. This circular motion is repeated 5-7 times. The technique can rapidly reduce bloating in the lower body. 

9.End with deep breathing

At this point, the individual can continue lying down or sit up to be comfortable. Start breathing in deeply, followed by slow exhales. Hold each breath for a few seconds, and repeat this cycle roughly 10 times. Deep breathing is a productive way to end a lymphatic drainage massage because it promotes lymph flow by adjusting pressure in the thoracic duct. 

After the Massage

Everyone’s body reacts to stimuli differently. After a lymphatic drainage massage, It is normal to experience a variety of immediate post-treatment effects. Most notably, you may feel refreshed with hydrated skin and decreased bloating. The massage itself should not be an intense or overwhelming experience, so many individuals report feeling calm and relaxed after their session with the masseuse. It is rare but possible to experience soreness and tenderness along with fatigue, commonly caused by pre-treatment dehydration. You may also notice increased thirst due to the manipulation of lymphatic fluid in the body. 

When Will I See Results From Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

The effects of lymphatic drainage massage will present throughout the weeks following your treatment. Almost immediately, you can expect to notice relieved tension from the relaxing experience of the massage, reduced swelling in prominent areas like the abdomen and face, and even enhanced skin complexion. Many people report smoother, more hydrated skin after lymphatic treatments.  

Within days of your treatment, you may begin to notice the start of detoxification effects like increased urination from the release of excess fluids. This manipulation of lymph fluid can also cause a temporary weight reduction. 

In the long run, the goal of lymphatic drainage massage is to promote healthy lymphatic responses that manage lymphedema, aid in post-surgical recovery, or support the immune system and circulation. 

Can I Do My Own Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

In theory, yes! You could perform lymphatic drainage self-massage techniques, but this treatment is typically done by trained professionals. A relaxed, at-home version of lymphatic drainage may be beneficial, but you should speak with your medical provider before adding this to your daily routine. 

When Should I Contact A Healthcare Professional?

When considering lymphatic drainage, make an appointment with a specialist before scheduling the massage. It is important to contact your healthcare provider anytime you consider adjusting your treatment or notice new and concerning symptoms. 

Lymphatic Drainage Massage: A Wrap-Up

Inflammation is a common blank in adults, and can even go unnoticed in some cases. However, when swelling and fatigue become consistent concerns in a person’s daily life, it can be productive to question the cause and potential treatments to combat these symptoms. Chronic inflammation can make it hard to do simple activities like bending, stretching, or even walking. Talk with your doctor about the potential signs of lymphedema and how lymphatic drainage massage can help.