Unlock the Secret Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Techniques, Risks, and Health Hacks!

Lymphatic drainage massage is a specialized massage technique designed to encourage the natural drainage of the lymph nodes and the movement of lymph fluids throughout the body. This type of massage may offer benefits for individuals with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, and other conditions characterized by fluid buildup. In this article, we will explore the benefits, potential risks, preparation methods, and techniques associated with lymphatic drainage massage.

Understanding the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the body's immune defenses. Lymphatic fluid flows through lymph vessels, which connect lymph nodes. As the fluid passes through the lymph nodes, white blood cells trap and destroy harmful particles, such as bacteria. The lymphatic system includes organs, vessels, and tissues that move or drain watery fluid (lymph) from other parts of the body into the bloodstream, including the bone marrow, thymus, tonsils and adenoids, spleen, and lymph nodes.

Like blood in the circulatory system, lymphatic fluid is always moving. If it stops, fluid build-ups can cause swelling, often in the arms or legs. Doctors call this lymphedema. When the lymphatic system functions effectively, it filters out harmful substances or waste through lymph nodes, which the body naturally expels. However, health conditions or medical treatments can disrupt lymph flow.

What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Lymphatic drainage massage, or lymphatic drainage, is a specialized type of medical massage. It can help to treat lymphedema, in which lymphatic fluid collects in certain areas of the body because it cannot drain away effectively. It is a gentle form of massage that focuses on the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Lymphatic drainage massage gently affects the lymphatic system and relieves swelling from excess lymphatic fluid in body tissues.

Lymphatic massage aims to improve the flow of lymph fluid, which should reduce swelling. Massaging an area without swelling will make space for fluid to flow to those parts from more congested areas. The technique involves gently applying pressure toward the lymph nodes to manually clear fluid through the lymph vessels and reabsorb it through the lymph nodes.

Types of Lymphatic Drainage

There are two main types of lymphatic drainage:

Manual Lymphatic Drainage: This is performed by a qualified massage therapist with specialized training in lymphatic drainage techniques. Certified therapists commonly use manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) to relieve swelling by coaxing lymph fluid from tissues to functioning lymph nodes.
Simple Lymphatic Drainage: This is a technique that individuals can learn and perform at home to maintain lymphatic flow and manage mild symptoms.

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.

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massages may benefit people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, or other conditions.

Reduces Swelling: The main benefit of lymphatic drainage massage is reducing swelling caused by lymphedema, which causes lymph fluid to build up. Lymphatic drainage massage helps distribute built-up lymph fluid throughout the body.
Improves Circulation: Lymphatic massage is a medical treatment that improves the flow of lymph fluid, promotes proper circulation, and supports your body’s natural functions.
Alleviates Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain: Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint inflammation. The associated swelling and pain can affect quality of life. Lymphatic drainage massage helps lymph drain away from joints to ease swelling and discomfort.
Aids in Post-Surgery Care: An operation can remove lymph nodes or damage them as a side effect of treatment. Lymph collects in other areas as a result. Lymphatic drainage massage decongests these areas to minimize post-procedure swelling.
Promotes Calmness: Lymphatic drainage massage can help you de-stress when paired with mindfulness techniques and a healthy sleep routine. Beyond moving lymph, the massage also gets blood flowing. Improved circulation can combat stress, and the gentle pressure of the massage can ease tense muscles to encourage relaxation.
Boosts Immune System Function: Add lymphatic drainage massage to the list. It is an excellent preemptive measure to avoid feeling under the weather. The massage stimulates toxin removal and lymph flow. The fluid carries immune cells to different areas to ward off infection.
May help people with fibromyalgia: The 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.
Treating Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): Lymphatic drainage massage can help increase the speed of blood flow in people with CVI.The massage can make the femoral artery - the large artery in the thigh - perform better right after the session. It's unclear how long this impact lasts or whether the massage provides long-term relief from pain and swelling.
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.
Cosmetic massage: Lymphatic drainage massage can also be a cosmetic massage to reduce cellulite and improve muscle tone.

Who Can Benefit from Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Lymphatic massages 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

Potential Risks and Considerations

However, this type of massage may not be suitable or safe for some people, such as those with cellulitis or a heart condition. People should speak with a doctor before using lymphatic massage.

Generally Safe: Lymphatic drainage massage is typically considered safe and low-risk.
Possible Side Effects: Most people tolerate lymphatic drainage massage well. But it sometimes may cause headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
When to Call a Doctor: You should call your doctor if your lymphedema worsens during the course massage. If you aren't feeling well after your massages, ask your doctor for advice.
Contraindications: Lymphatic massage is not suitable for people with infections and some other conditions. Lymphatic massage should not be painful. The fingers should stroke the skin very lightly. If there is pain, a person should tell the massage therapist.

How to Prepare for a Lymphatic Massage

Trained professionals, including physical therapists or massage therapists with a certified manual lymphatic drainage therapist certificate, can provide lymphatic massage and teach an individual basic drainage techniques to use at home.

Keep the following tips in mind during a 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.

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.

1. Lymphatic Breathing

Deep breathing acts like a pump that helps move fluid through the vessels and lymph nodes. Follow the steps below:

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.

2. Prepare the Front of the Neck

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) recommends the following steps to prepare the lymph nodes at the front and sides 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.

3. Prepare the Back of the Neck

The following steps can 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.

4. Prepare Under the Arms

Prepare the lymph nodes under the arms to help them accept lymph fluid from other areas of the body. To try it:

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.

5. 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.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage Techniques

Lymphatic drainage massage techniques involve gentle, rhythmic movements to stimulate the lymphatic system. Here are some techniques for different areas of the body:

Upper Body Massage Techniques

Use the following techniques to help drain lymph fluid from the chest, shoulder, and upper arm.

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.

General Guidelines

Gentle Pressure: Unlike traditional massage, lymphatic drainage massage uses light pressure to mobilize the lymphatic system, which lies directly beneath the skin.
Rhythmic Movements: The massage involves slow, gentle, rhythmic movements to stimulate the lymphatic system.
Direction of Flow: The strokes must start at the part of the limb nearest to your torso and move outward. Your massage will usually last 15 to 60 minutes.
Deep Breathing: The person receiving the massage lies down on their back and starts a deep breathing exercise. Breathing slowly and deeply can help move fluid through the lymph vessels and nodes.

Enhancing 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
Exercise
Moving a brush in circles on your skin
Swimming
Tapping your skin right above your collarbones

What to Expect After a Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Increased Urination: Even if you don’t substantially increase your water intake after lymphatic drainage, you’ll likely run to the bathroom more than usual.
Mild Symptoms: Manual lymphatic drainage requires your lymph nodes to process more fluid than they’re used to filtering. As a result, you may feel slightly under the weather. Nausea and headaches are common and typically mild, as well as an increase in other existing symptoms.
Fatigue: Some fatigue after your session is completely normal.

How to Determine if Lymphatic Drainage Massage is 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.

Other Important Considerations

Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT): A certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) usually performs the lymphatic drainage massage. These trained specialists include physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and massage therapists.
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT): Lymphatic drainage massage usually forms part of a treatment program that health experts call decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT). This treatment plan may also include skin care, exercise, and compression garments. Lymphatic drainage massage is often one piece of complete decongestive therapy (CDT).
Consultation with Healthcare Provider: Talk to your doctor before getting a lymphatic drainage massage, and make sure you're seeing a trained and certified professional. If you think that your lymphatic system may be compromised, talk to your doctor before attempting to do MLD on your own at home.

Different Types of Lymphatic Drainage Massage 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.

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