Lymphatic massage, also known as lymphatic drainage, is a specialized massage technique designed to encourage the natural drainage of the lymph nodes and the movement of lymph fluids around the body. This type of massage can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing lymphedema, fibromyalgia, and other conditions characterized by a buildup of lymphatic fluid. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in removing waste and toxins from body tissues, and when it becomes compromised, lymphatic massage can help restore its function.
Understanding the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and tissues that play a vital role in the body's immune defenses. Lymphatic fluid flows through lymph vessels, which connect to lymph nodes. As the fluid passes through the lymph nodes, white blood cells trap and destroy harmful particles, such as bacteria. This system is essential for maintaining fluid balance, removing waste, and supporting immune function.
What is Lymphatic Massage?
Lymphatic massage is a medical treatment that improves the flow of lymph fluid, promotes proper circulation, and supports the body’s natural functions. When functioning adequately, the lymphatic system filters out harmful substances or waste through lymph nodes, which the body naturally expels. However, people suffering from certain disorders or recovering from surgery may need an extra boost to encourage this process. In these instances, lymphatic massage can promote circulation and reduce painful swelling.
Types of Lymphatic Drainage
There are two primary types of lymphatic drainage:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage: This is performed by a qualified massage therapist with specialized training in lymphatic drainage techniques.
- Simple Lymphatic Drainage: This is a technique that individuals can learn to perform on themselves at home to maintain lymphatic flow.
Who Can Benefit from Lymphatic Massage?
Lymphatic massage can benefit individuals who have a buildup of lymphatic fluid due to various reasons, including:
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- Cancer and cancer treatments that involve the removal of lymph nodes
- Filariasis, an infestation of the lymph nodes by parasites 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
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
- Lipedema
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Lymphatic buildup affects around 1 in 5 females after treatment for breast cancer. Additionally, manual lymph drainage may improve the quality of life in people with fibromyalgia.
Benefits of Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage offers a range of potential health benefits, particularly for individuals with compromised lymphatic systems.
Reducing Swelling (Lymphedema)
The main benefit of lymphatic drainage massage is reducing swelling caused by lymphedema, which occurs when lymph fluid builds up. This massage technique helps distribute the built-up lymph fluid throughout the body, alleviating discomfort and improving mobility.
Improving Circulation and Lymphatic Flow
Lymphatic massage improves lymphatic flow, one of the main reasons people seek treatment. Your lymphatic system plays a vital role in immune function, so it’s no surprise that congestion here will affect your overall health.
Supporting Immune Function
Because your lymphatic system plays a vital role in immune function, massage may increase the wellness factor and improve overall health. In addition, it may assist in correcting minor imbalances in the lymphatic system, thereby preventing them from developing into more significant issues.
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Alleviating Pain and Stiffness
Lymphatic massage may relieve stiffness, swelling, or joint pain related to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some evidence also suggests that people with RA often don't have a properly functioning lymphatic system.
Reducing Cellulite
Lymphatic drainage massage can also be a cosmetic massage to reduce cellulite. A study published in 2022 found that lymphatic massage techniques helped reduce cellulite in people who had thigh liposuction.
Boosting Post-Surgical Recovery
Lymphatic drainage massage during post-surgical recovery plays a pivotal role in the healing process. Sluggish lymph flow can worsen fatigue and swelling. The post-surgery or injury recovery process includes carefully managing the swelling. For lymph node removal, start the LDM session a few days post-operation, and the frequency could be 2-3 times per week. The frequency can then be adjusted based on the reduction in swelling levels.
Improving Conditions like Fibromyalgia and Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Lymphatic drainage massage may help people with fibromyalgia improve pain and anxiety symptoms. Lymphatic drainage massage may help speed up blood flow in people with CVI and improve the functioning of the femoral artery, the large thigh artery.
Risks and Precautions
While lymphatic massage is generally considered safe, it may not be suitable or safe for some people. It's important to consult with a doctor before using lymphatic massage, especially if you have any of the following conditions:
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- Cellulitis or other infections
- Heart conditions
- Kidney failure
- Blood clots
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. Some fatigue after your session is completely normal.
How to Prepare for a Lymphatic Massage
Before undergoing a lymphatic massage, there are several preparation methods to help prepare the lymph nodes to bring in more fluid. These exercises can be performed 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: Prepare the lymph nodes under the arms to help them accept lymph fluid from other areas of the body.
- 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.
Lymphatic Massage Techniques
During a lymphatic massage, gentle pressure and specific movements are used to encourage the movement of lymph fluid toward lymph nodes. The therapist stretches and moves the skin toward the lymph flow, starting from the part of the limb closest to the body and moving outward.
General Tips for Lymphatic Massage
Keep the following tips in mind during a lymphatic massage:
- 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.
- Ensure there is no pain or skin reddening during the massage.
- Do not use lotions or other products, only the hands.
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, directing fluid toward the hand.
Lower Body Massage Techniques
Start the massage at the top of the leg and work down toward the foot. It's important that swelling does not worsen. People with lymphedema should continue using compression socks or sleeves to prevent swelling.
What to Expect During and After a Lymphatic Massage
During a lymphatic drainage massage, a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) typically performs the massage. 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, using techniques such as cupping motions, strokes, and rhythmic pressure. The CLT then briefly pauses to let the skin return to its original shape and repeats the sequence in different areas to move lymph through the lymph networks and lymph nodes.
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 feels less heavy, your clothes fit better, and it is easier to move around.
After the massage, drinking plenty of water, engaging in physical activity, eating vegetables and fruits, and limiting processed foods can further boost lymphatic system function and help remove more waste from the body.
How Often Should You Get a Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
The frequency of lymphatic drainage massage depends on individual needs and goals. For general wellness, once a month is often sufficient. For specific health conditions like fibromyalgia, lymphedema, or chronic venous insufficiency, it is recommended to have 2-3 sessions per week initially. For post-surgical recovery, regular weekly sessions may be beneficial.
Finding a Qualified Practitioner
It’s crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare provider or certified lymphedema therapist before starting lymphatic drainage massage, especially for medical conditions. A certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) usually performs the lymphatic drainage massage, and these trained specialists include physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and massage therapists.
Contraindications
Lymphatic drainage massage is not suitable for people with infections and some other conditions. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine if lymphatic massage is right for you.