A Definitive Guide to Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy

When you think of massage, what’s the first thought that springs to mind? Chances are the mere mention of the word is conjuring up images of candles, calming music, and essential oils which are often associated with Swedish massages. There are, of course, numerous types of massage out there, with each one serving its own unique purpose. One form of massage that is relatively unknown, however, is lymphatic drainage massage, and it is this form of massage that we’ll be looking at today. Despite being less common than some of the more popular types of massage out there, lymphatic drainage massage provides countless health-related advantages for the human body. Whether you’re relatively new to the world of massage or if you simply want to find out more about lymphatic drainage massage in general, the following guide should prove very useful.

What is lymphatic drainage massage therapy?

Lymphatic drainage massage is a therapeutic massage treatment proven to provide numerous health-related benefits for the human body. Yes, we’re aware that the name doesn’t exactly conjure up the most pleasant of images, but if you can see past the name and see this form of massage for what it really is, you’ll wish you’d looked into it sooner. Originating in France back in the 1930s, it was developed by Emil Vodder, who was a physical therapist from Denmark. With the help of his naturopath wife, Emil initially developed this massage technique, which was then known as manual lymph drainage, to help people with severe sinus problems. This form of massage therapy utilizes gentle, long, light, and rhythmic strokes in order to promote lymph flow within the body and to help rid it of toxins. Your lymphatic system is connected to the immune system and plays a vital role in the treatment and prevention of infection. Lymphatic fluid is designed to transport nutrients and oxygen to the cells and appears as a transparent, mildly yellow fluid. As lymph makes its way to the cells, it picks up toxins on its journey and flushes them away via your lymph nodes. Lymphatic fluid is not pumped around the body like blood. Instead, it relies on muscular movement and the blood vessels.

What makes lymphatic drainage massage so beneficial?

Now that we know a little more about what a lymphatic drainage massage is, we’ll now take a look at what makes the massage so beneficial. Key benefits include:

Removal of toxins

When it comes to detoxification, lymphatic drainage massage simply cannot be beaten. Every single day we are exposed to toxins in some form or another, and if they are allowed to build up in the body, our health can suffer. Lymphatic fluid, as mentioned, works by picking up harmful toxins and cellular waste as it makes its way around the body, and delivers them to lymph nodes. Here, the nodes deliver these harmful ingredients to the kidneys and the liver. Here they are then filtered before being excreted from the body for good.

Increased immune function

As we mentioned earlier, the lymphatic system is connected to the immune system. The human immune system is the body’s first and last natural line of defense against illness and disease. Studies have found that suppression of the lymphatic system can result in suppression of the immune system. This means that when lymphatic fluid and materials slow down, so too does the immune system. Studies have found that lymphatic drainage massages can increase natural antibody production in the body, which play vital roles in the prevention of infection. The massages have also been found to strengthen the immune system in general, making you fitter, healthier, and less susceptible to illness and disease. On top of that, lymphatic drainage massages have also been found to reduce inflammation, making them better for the joints and for preventing conditions such as arthritis.

Healthy looking skin

Not only does lymphatic drainage massage therapy assist with health and well-being on the inside, but it can also provide cosmetic benefits on the outside. You see, due to the fact that there is no pump associated with the lymph system, if you happen to remain stationary for too long, this can lead to water-retention which can make you look and feel bloated and puffy. This is because the lymph fluid is just sitting there rather than being pushed throughout the body. by stimulating this fluid with massage, you help get things moving and can prevent water-retention. Lymphatic drainage has also been found to provide clean and healthy pores, reduced swelling, and reduced levels of cellulite. It even assists with the health and regeneration of skin cells, helping to keep the skin looking and feeling healthy and youthful.