In this article, we discuss the 해운대 고구려 anatomy of the lymphatic system, what happens in the course of swelling, how lymphatic massage may be beneficial, as well as contraindications for lymphatic massage. Lymphatic Drainage Massage, or Manual Lymphatic Drainage, as lymphatic drainage massage is also known, helps the body to maintain proper blood circulation, balance in the bodys fluids, and immune functions.
Lymphatic drainage massage may help to decrease a condition known as lymphedema, using gentle pressure to move lymph (excess fluid) out of the tissues into lymph nodes. Lymphatic drainage massage is a type of gentle massage that helps lymphatic fluid (lymph) to flow from your bloated lymph nodes to areas where your lymph vessels are working. A lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle routine that targets areas of the body to help lymphatic fluid (aka lymph) move more easily. A lymphatic drainage massage uses very gentle pressure and long, rhythmic strokes to move lymph fluids around and send toxins into the organs where they can properly be removed.
The therapist gently rubbed, stroked, patted, or prodded on the skin in directions that followed the structure of the lymphatic system, so the collected lymph can flow out through proper channels. Lymphatic massage helps to move fluids that are built up and allows them to return into lymphatic channels, where waste products and excess fluids can be drained out of the body. Since your lymphatic system helps waste and toxins leave your body, if things are getting backed up, a lymphatic massage may help move that process along.
When your lymphatic system is not moving lymph around your body correctly, extra fluids in the body accumulate, creating swelling and creating a bloated, uncomfortable appearance. Certain medical conditions — including obesity, inflammation, infections, and cancer — can result in the lymph fluid building up, a condition known as lymphedema. Health conditions can disrupt normal flow of lymph, leading to the lymph accumulating in a specific region of the body, usually in an arm or leg, where it can cause swelling.
For most of us, regular movements are sufficient to stimulate your lymphatic system, allowing fluids to move freely through your body. Many of the lymphatic vessels are located right beneath the skin, containing lymphatic fluids that flow through the body. While the heart pumps blood constantly through the blood vessels, the lymphatic system relies on the movement of smooth muscles to move the fluids through lymph vessels. By massaging your skin, you may help encourage the lymph vessels to contract and transfer fluids out of the bloated areas and into the rest of your body.
For even greater results, combine lymphatic massage with exercise, which helps improve lymphatic drainage naturally, and compressions (wearing clothes or bands around specific parts of your body to decrease swelling).
One technique that may help to maintain proper function of your lymphatic system is manual contact, including in the form of gentle massage. While there is some debate about the massage style, the lymphatic system is vital for your bodys health, and stimulating it with a technique-based massage could provide a number of benefits. While there is no scientifically-backed research supporting the use of lymphatic massage on healthy individuals, it is possible that stimulating your lymphatic system may help boost immune functions. While there are not a lot of studies that have confirmed the benefits of lymphatic massage, anecdotally, they are also thought to help lower bloating and help with your bodys natural detoxification processes.
Those using lymphatic massage for the treatment of fibromyalgia may feel reduced stiffness and pain, as well as see improvements to their general health. Another review found lymphatic massage might be able to help those suffering with symptoms of fibromyalgia, which may include pain and stiffness, better than other types of massage therapies, such as connective tissue massage or Swedish massage. One study found that including lymphatic massage along with compressions helped reduce swelling in patients with lymphedema. Doctors frequently recommend a professional lymphatic drainage massage following lymph node surgery to help alleviate symptoms of lymphedema.
Lymphatic massage, also called lymphatic drainage or manual lymph drainage, is a technique developed in Germany to treat lymphedema, the buildup of fluid that may occur following the removal of lymph nodes in surgery, most commonly mastectomy for breast cancer. A trained massage therapist can massage a person by hand in a way that moves lymph around the body, breaking up areas of swelling and reducing the amount of fluid in the body. Managing your lymphedema is something that you will have to do throughout your life, but you can learn lymphatic massage techniques that you can perform at home, whether alone or with your partner or family.
If you have damaged lymphatics, learning how to massage yourself with the guidance of a trained professional is essential, so that you understand the sequences that will help best help drain excess fluid. In addition to lymphatic massage, patients can be advised to perform self-massage following instructions from their health care provider, along with specific gentle exercises designed to encourage the lymphatic fluids out of the affected limb. If you do not follow the recommended instructions given below, you might feel ill after receiving lymphatic massage.
The lymph fluids eventually flow to your bloodstream in the base of your neck, which is why it is the most important spot to concentrate any lymphatic massage on — even if you are experiencing swelling or inflammation in other areas. It is made up of a network of blood vessels and lymph nodes that transport a clear liquid called lymph – from tissues throughout your body into your blood, and back again – and lymphatic drainage massage can help to promote that process. The lymphatic system is one of the most important, often forgotten systems in the human body, essential to detoxification, and if it is not working effectively, we are left with a litany of symptoms that could result in some serious problems down the road. One review of studies found that lymphatic drainage massage did not significantly prevent or decrease lymphedema symptoms in individuals recovering from breast cancer surgery — so talk with your health care provider about other approaches that might be more helpful or good complements for your recovery.