Discover the Incredible Benefits and Surprising Side Effects of Lymphatic Drainage Massage!

Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), is a gentle massage technique designed to encourage the natural flow of lymph fluid throughout the body. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and tissues that helps to remove waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the body's tissues. This type of massage has gained popularity for its potential medical and aesthetic benefits.

Understanding the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a crucial part of the immune system and plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance and protecting the body against infection. It consists of lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphoid organs such as the spleen, thymus, tonsils, and bone marrow.

Lymph fluid, a clear or white fluid containing white blood cells, circulates through the lymphatic system, collecting waste products, bacteria, and other debris from the body's tissues. The lymph nodes act as filters, trapping and destroying harmful substances before the lymph fluid is returned to the bloodstream.

When the lymphatic system is not functioning correctly, fluid can build up in the tissues, leading to swelling and other health problems.

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage offers a range of potential benefits, including:

Reducing Swelling (Lymphedema)

The primary benefit of lymphatic drainage massage is reducing swelling caused by lymphedema. Lymphedema is a chronic condition that occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked, causing lymph fluid to accumulate in the tissues. This condition often affects people undergoing breast cancer treatments that involve the removal or damage of lymph nodes. Manual lymphatic drainage helps to manually move lymph through the lymphatic system, distributing built-up lymph fluid throughout the body and reducing swelling. Lymphatic drainage massage helps treat side effects of lymphedema, such as swelling, by moving the fluid.

Managing Other Medical Conditions

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): Lymphatic drainage massage may benefit people with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where blood vessels in the legs are damaged and unable to send blood back to the heart effectively, causing blood to pool in the lower legs. Lymphatic drainage massage may help speed up blood flow in people with CVI and improve the functioning of the femoral artery.
Fibromyalgia: A review published in 2015 found that people with fibromyalgia reported improved pain and anxiety symptoms after lymphatic drainage massage. Lymphatic massage has been shown to be better than connective tissue massage in treating depression, stiffness, and improving quality of life for those living with fibromyalgia.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Lymphatic massage may relieve stiffness, swelling, or joint pain related to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Some evidence also suggests that people with RA often don't have a properly functioning lymphatic system. Lymph drainage massage can help ease these later-stage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Lipedema: Manual lymphatic drainage techniques can help reduce lipedema-related fat and increase blood flow. Lipedema is a connective tissue condition that causes irregular fat build-up only on the lower extremities.

Aesthetic Benefits

Lymphatic drainage massage could also be helpful for aesthetic reasons, such as reducing swelling on your face and under-eye bags. Lymphatic drainage massage can also be a cosmetic massage to reduce cellulite and improve muscle tone, but there's no concrete evidence that this massage can reduce cellulite or make you look more toned long-term.

Post-Surgical Recovery

Lymphatic drainage massage can assist in post-surgical recovery by reducing swelling and promoting healing.

Who Can Benefit from Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Lymphatic drainage massage can benefit people who have a buildup of lymphatic fluid. This may occur due to:

Cancer and cancer treatments that involve the removal of lymph nodes
Filariasis, which is an infestation of the lymph nodes by a parasite carried by mosquitoes
Some types of vascular surgery, such as vein stripping
Burn scar excision
Lipectomy, a type of surgery to remove fat from the body
Infection or trauma in the lymphatic system
A buildup of fluid due to deep vein thrombosis
Health conditions that affect blood flow to the extremities

Lymphatic buildup affects around 1 in 5 females after treatment for breast cancer.

Read also: Understanding Lymphatic Massage

Performing Lymphatic Drainage Massage

A certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) usually performs the lymphatic drainage massage. These trained specialists include physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and massage therapists.

The Process

The person receiving the massage lies down on their back and starts a deep breathing exercise. The CLT slowly and gently runs their hands over the skin, starting in areas without blocked lymph nodes or lymphedema. They stretch the surface toward the lymph nodes. Stretching techniques may include cupping motions, strokes, and rhythmic pressure. The CLT then briefly pauses to let the skin return to its original shape. The CLT will repeat the same massage and pause sequence in different areas to move lymph through the lymph networks and lymph nodes.

Techniques

There are four types of lymphatic drainage massage commonly used by massage therapists, physical therapists, and doctors:

Vodder: This technique uses various sweeping motions around the area your therapist is treating.
Foldi: An extension of the Vodder technique, Foldi requires your massage therapist to alternate between circular hand motions and moments of relaxation.
Casley-Smith: This approach to lymphatic massage also involves circular hand motions, mainly using the sides and palms of the hands.
Leduc: This technique relies on hand motions to collect lymph fluid before redirecting it into the larger lymphatic system.

All these techniques work about the same way. They use gentle movements to stretch and move the skin in the direction of lymph flow. The strokes must start at the part of the limb nearest to your torso and move outward.

Simple Lymphatic Drainage at Home

You can do lymphatic drainage massage at home, as long as you follow reputable tutorials. Anyone planning on learning simple lymphatic drainage should learn how to do it from a specialist. It is essential to know which area to massage and how much pressure to use. Talk to a healthcare provider before trying a lymphatic drainage massage at home. A CLT can teach you how to properly perform a lymphatic massage at home.

Tips for Performing Lymphatic Massage

These massage movements should affect only the skin, so use gentle pressure and do not press hard enough to feel the muscles.
Keep the hands relaxed.
Do not massage areas with swelling or infection.
Do not massage areas of the body that have undergone treatment for cancer.
Drink extra water after each massage to help flush the body.
During the massage, there should be no pain or skin reddening.
Do not use lotions or other products, only the hands.

Preparation Methods

The following preparation methods will prepare the lymph nodes to bring in more fluid before a lymphatic massage. People can perform most of these exercises standing, sitting, or lying down.

Lymphatic breathing: Deep breathing acts like a pump that helps move fluid through the vessels and lymph nodes. Place both hands on the ribs. Take slow, deep breaths and feel the air move down to the abdomen. Slowly sigh the air out through the mouth. Rest between breaths and repeat five times.
Prepare the front of the neck: Place the index and middle fingers of each hand on either side of the neck, just below the earlobe. Stretch the skin by gently sliding the fingers down toward the shoulders, then release. Repeat 10 to 15 times. Move the hands down and repeat until you have massaged the whole neck.
Prepare the back of the neck: Place the palms of the hands on the back of the neck near the hairline. Gently slide the hands together down the neck toward the spine. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
Prepare under the arms: Cup the palm under the armpit. Gently pump the palm upward and toward the body. Repeat on the other arm. Do not perform this movement on areas that doctors have treated for cancer.
Prepare behind the knees: Place both hands behind the knee so the fingers point toward each other. Pump the back of the knee by gently pressing the hands into the back of the knee and rolling them upward. Repeat on the other knee.

Upper Body Massage Techniques

To massage the chest: Place the palm flat on the opposite side of the chest, slightly above the breast. Move the hand up the chest and over the collarbone. Continue up the neck until the skin covering the chest feels tight, then release.
To massage the shoulder: Rest the arm on a table or armrest. Place the other hand on the shoulder of the resting arm. Move the hand over the back of the shoulder and toward the neck.
To massage the upper arm: Rest the arm on a table or armrest. Place the middle two fingers of the other hand on the inside of the upper arm below the shoulder. Gently slide the fingers toward the outside of the upper arm. Wrap the hand around the outside of the upper arm. Gently move the hand back toward the inside of the arm.
To massage the full arm: Begin at the shoulder. Use the palm to stretch the skin upward. Move the hand down to the upper arm and stretch the skin up toward the shoulder. Continue down the arm, always moving the skin upward. Stop at the wrist.
To massage the fingers: Start at the base of the swollen finger close to the palm. Use the index finger and thumb to stretch the skin on the finger toward the hand. Continue this motion over the entire finger. Remember to direct fluid toward the hand.

Lower Body Massage Techniques

Start the massage at the top of the leg and work down toward the foot. At the very least, swelling should not worsen. People can attend regular checks with a doctor to monitor whether this procedure works for them.

People with lymphedema should continue using compression socks or sleeves to prevent swelling.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Boost Lymphatic System Function

People can also boost their lymphatic system function and help remove more waste from the body using the following methods:

Drinking plenty of water
Engaging in physical activity
Eating vegetables and fruits
Limiting processed foods

Is it working?

You may not be able to tell whether lymphatic drainage massage is working right away. It might take some time for symptoms to alleviate. The massage is likely working if swelling goes down. Your body might feel less heavy, and your clothes may fit better. You may also find it easier to move around.

Talk to a healthcare provider if swelling does not go down after treatment or lymphedema worsens.

Risks and Side Effects

Lymphatic drainage massage is generally very safe for most people. However, some people with certain health conditions should avoid lymphatic massage to prevent complications.

Contraindications

The risks are minimal for most people, but you should avoid lymphatic drainage massage if you have:

Blood clots & deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in your legs. Lymphatic massage can increase blood flow and circulation, which might cause a blood clot to break loose and travel to other parts of your body.
Active infections
Heart disease. If you have congestive heart failure, your heart already struggles to pump blood effectively throughout your body. We want to make sure the person is on medication and that their doctor clears them for any safety concerns.
Kidney failure. If you have kidney disease or kidney failure, your body may not be able to process the additional fluid that lymphatic drainage techniques mobilize. Your kidneys help filter waste and excess fluid from your blood.
Cellulitis is a serious bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area. If you have any signs of cellulitis, you need immediate medical treatment.
Recent stroke. If youâve recently had a stroke, your body is still healing, and your circulation may be compromised.
Active cancer. If youâre currently undergoing cancer treatment or have active cancer, your oncologist needs to clear you for lymphatic massage first. Lymphatic drainage massage can be beneficial after cancer treatment. It may be used to help decrease pain in severely swollen areas or lower the risk of infections.

Lymphatic drainage massage is generally safe during pregnancy. Many pregnant women find it helpful for reducing swelling in their feet, hands, and face.

Common Side Effects

Most people feel great after a manual lymphatic drainage massage. Some people get mild flu-like symptoms after they undergo lymphatic drainage massage, especially after their first few sessions. Feeling slightly ill after a lymphatic massage can be normal. When the massage mobilizes stagnant lymph fluid and toxins, your body needs to process and eliminate them, which can sometimes make people feel tired, nauseous, or achy.

After lymphatic massage mobilizes toxins and waste products, your body eliminates them through a few different pathways. Most toxins are filtered through your liver and kidneys, then eliminated through urine and bowel movements. This is why you might notice increased urination after a session and why drinking water is so important.

Overdoing Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Yes, you can do lymph drainage massage incorrectly. Your lymphatic vessels often sit just beneath your skinâs surface, and theyâre very delicate. When you apply too much pressure, you can collapse these tiny vessels and block lymphatic fluid flow. Some of these tutorials use incorrect massage techniques or suggest applying too much pressure or moving fluid in the wrong direction.

The most common way to overdo lymphatic drainage massage is to apply too much pressure. Your lymphatic vessels are delicate and sit just under your skinâs surface. When you use too much pressure, you can block the lymph flow or add inflammation to the area.

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