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Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Submitted by Kevin Pederson on December 23, 2009

Lymphatic massage is a form of massage that aims to increase the flow of lymph through the body. The massage uses very soft pressure, and gentle, long, rhythmic strokes along the body, especially at places where the lymph nodes are situated.

If you’re wondering what ‘lymph’ is, and why it affects the body, here’s why. It’s a clear, dull yellow fluid which flows all around your body. It carries white blood corpuscles and antibodies for your tissues and organs. In a way, it is a part of your immune system and helps you to fight off disease and infection. It’s the lymphatic system’s job to drain away all the toxins that we feed our body with. These include alcohol, sugar and even pollution. So it’s obvious that as we dump more and more of these into it, the lymphatic system itself needs help.

A lymphatic massage encourages the flow of this fluid through the body. It can have a wondrous effect on your health, and has many benefits. For instance, it fights infection, and speeds up healing and recovery. It decreases water retention, and can even aide weight loss and lessen cellulite. It also makes your skin glow, by decreasing puffiness and blotches. It opens up pores, and helps to heal scar tissue.

A lymphatic massage normally takes place in a warm room, as the warmth increases the flow of lymph and relaxes your body and mind. You will need to lie on a massage table, and will be covered with towels. Most therapists start massaging from the feet, and move up your body. Long, soft strokes will be used, and the therapist will use rhythmic, soft pumping movements, especially where the lymph nodes are. Your therapist will concentrate mostly on the areas around your neck, armpits and groin. The session may last for between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the extent of the massage. A lymphatic drainage massage course may last many days of similar sessions.

After the massage, you will feel drained and thirsty, and it’s a good idea to give yourself time to relax after the massage. You may want to get a sauna or go for a gentle swim afterwards. Try not to rush off to a business meeting, as you need to take it slow, at least for the rest of the day.

Remember to inform your therapist if you may be pregnant, have any medical conditions, allergies or injuries.