Massage therapy is a very popular form of treatment used to relieve pain and tension in the muscles. Lymphatic massage therapy is a little-known type of massage that offers a range of health benefits. Such a type of massage targets the lymph nodes and helps to improve the flow of lymphatic fluid throughout the body. Lymphatic massage has been shown to help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. Read on to learn more about Lymphatic Massage Therapy.
The lymphatic system comprises lymph nodes and vessels that contain lymph. This lymph includes a mix of proteins, water, and waste products. Lymph nodes can be found throughout the body and filter out all this debris.
The neck, groin, and armpits have the most significant nodes. They all work together to ensure that "clean" lymph is returned to the veins carrying blood towards the heart.
Because of its potential health benefits, lymph drainage massage has been very popular. This specialized approach focuses only on the lymphatic system, part of the immune system.
This massage helps maintain blood circulation, fluid balance, and immune function. Lymph fluid is responsible for transporting white blood cells needed to fight infection. Lymphatic massage targets lymph nodes that are located in the secondary lymphatic system. Lymph nodes produce, store, and carry lymph fluid throughout the body. Lymphatic drainage massage can help improve wellness by reducing swelling in tissues, improving metabolism, boosting circulation, and eliminating toxins from the body.
Doctors, massage therapists, and physical therapists often use lymphatic drainage massage in one of four ways. These are.
These techniques all work on the same principle. They all use gentle movements to stretch the skin in the direction of lymph flow. Start at the nearest limb to your torso, and work your way outward. This procedure can take between 15 and 60 minutes.
Lymphedema is a condition where your lymphatic system fails to function correctly due to cancer treatment or other diseases. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) or lymphatic massage can help to increase fluid flow through lymphatic vessels and reduce swelling.
Lymph massage isn't as intense as deep-tissue massages. Lymphatic massage is a gentle, hands-on technique that helps to stimulate lymphatic flow. Patients will say that they can push harder during a lymphatic massage. These lymphatic vessels are small and hidden under our skin. The goal is to stretch the skin to facilitate the lymphatic pump.
Tight compression stockings or stockings can be used to treat lymphedema. However, a manual lymphatic drainage massage may be beneficial.
Lymphedema following a mastectomy can be treated with a lymph drainage massage. This is a procedure that involves the removal or prevention of breast tissue.
Treatment of Other Health Conditions
Lymphatic drainage massage can treat many health conditions, including lymphedema. Massages can be beneficial for specific needs more than others.
Research has shown that lymphatic drainage massage can be very beneficial for the following:
Rheumatoid arthritis. As the disease progresses, rheumatoid may cause poor lymph flow. Tissue swelling can cause pain, joint function loss, and skin color changes. These symptoms can be relieved by a lymph drainage massage.
CVI. Chronic venous dysfunction is a condition where the walls or valves of the veins in the legs aren't working correctly. CVI can make blood flow from the legs to the heart difficult. Lymphatic drain massage can increase blood flow.
Massage can improve the performance of the femoral artery, the large artery located in the thigh. It is not clear how long the effects last or whether massage can provide long-term relief from swelling and pain. More research is needed to determine if this massage technique effectively affects CVI.
Fibromyalgia. People with Fibromyalgia may benefit from lymph drainage massage. This condition can cause tissue swelling, inflammation, and discoloration. People living with Fibromyalgia have found that massage is more effective than traditional connective tissue massage for treating stiffness, depression and improving their quality of life.
Doctors often recommend a lymphatic drainage massage if you've been diagnosed with cancer. Some patients may need to have their lymph nodes removed for cancer treatment. Plus, radiation can damage your lymph nodes.
Many breast surgeons refer patients to physical therapy for lymphatic assessment and massage. These lymph nodes are removed from the armpit and axillary areas. If the lymphatic channels are disrupted, patients can develop lymphatic fluid buildup in their breasts or arms.
Other types of cancer surgery can also cause lymphedema. Lymphedema massage is a great way to support lymphatic drainage in your legs after gynecological procedures. A lymphatic facial massage may be necessary to aid lymphatic drainage after neck or head cancer surgery.
Manual lymphatic drainage is an excellent solution for someone suffering from lymphedema. It removes the congestion and allows other body areas to absorb the fluid.
Before you have any radiation or surgery, your doctor might recommend that you consult a manual lymphatic drainage therapist. It's essential to catch problems early in the lymphatic system. This can make it easier to manage.
Although lymph nodes massage does not have any evidence to support its use in healthy individuals, it is possible that stimulating your lymphatic system may help improve your immune function. To enable the immune system in this body area, lymphatic massage is recommended for anyone who has a slight cold or a sore throat.
Lymphatic massage is a cleansing treatment that can improve your skin's health and remove toxins. Stout stated that while these claims are plausible, scientific research has not supported them.
Lymphatic massage can be soothing and relaxing. There is also evidence that manual lymph drainage can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. It isn't clear if this is due to lymph moving or a response to having your hands held in comforting ways.
Lymph drainage can be beneficial for you. This is a way to encourage self-reflection and discover what your body responds to. A therapist will be able to talk with you. You know best what you feel.
Lymphatic massage is not the best option to treat swelling and edema. Lymphatic massage won't help if your ankles or legs are swelling from being on your feet for a long time.
Lymphatic massage should be avoided if you have any health issues. If you have an acute condition such as cellulitis, unmanaged heart failure, or recent deep vein thrombosis, it is best not to drain your lymph nodes.
It is important to note that lymphatic massage therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other therapies. A professional expert will tailor the session based on your needs and goals for treatment. In
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