Lymphatic Massage Techniques

The Lymphatic Massage is a very gentle type of massage therapy used to flow off redundant fluid from the body and build up the general performance of the lymphatic (immune) system. This kind of massage helps to bring about the proper direction of the lymph flow. This is a fluid that is clear and which helps support the functioning of the immune system by flowing though the body and getting rid of foreign materials like viruses. Practitioners of lymph massage believe that these blockages are eliminated in the lymphatic system by the massage. This kind of massage is usually quite gentle but there are some lymphatic massage contraindications or side effects due to the fact that the massage around the area of the lymphatic system can cause some medical conditions to become worse. Hence, it is essential that you first consult a doctor before going in for a lymph massage.

Before you go in for a massage it is a good idea to find out what does lymphatic massage do. According to practitioners, the lymphatic massage techniques helps reduce swelling and makes the lymphatic system clear to allow free movement of the lymph through the body. The lymph massage also helps in stimulating the flow of the body’s other intestinal fluids. Therefore, theoretically, it enables the fluid to excrete the toxins and keep them from mingling with the lymph system. A lymph massage is recommended by practitioners just before surgery to make sure that the lymphatic system remains clear. A lymphatic massage is also recommended after surgery like tummy tuck, mastectomy, breast enlargement, smart lipo and facelift to bring a reduction to the swelling. Some practitioners’ also provide nursing mothers and pregnant women a breast massage to reduce the pains and aches that are associated with the tissue of the breast that can manifest during pregnancy.

This kind of massage is known by many names such as manual lymphatic drainage, lymphatic drainage, or lymphatic massage. Individuals with current infections and inflammations should avoid getting a lymph massage as the massage can increase the spreading of the infection. There are also contraindications of a lymph massage for individuals with undiagnosed lumps and tumors and also for people with heart problems and clotting issues. All these conditions can be made worse with a lymph massage.

This form of massage therapy has been practiced since the 1930’s. Depending on where the lymphatic massage therapist has completed training, different techniques’ will be used. Usually, the touch will be light and the patient will be either nude or clothed depending of the levels of personal comfort. Communication should always be maintained between patient and therapist regarding any pain that is experienced during the massage. Patients should also be aware that lymph glands that are swollen can be a sign of serious health conditions and which need medical treatment instead of a massage.

Lymphatic drainage massage techniques consist of a manual massage that is performed by a trained therapist. This massage mainly concentrates on certain points of the body such as the lymph nodes and also on the lymphatic system’s natural flow. The lymph drainage massage techniques help regulate the immune system and cause waste and fluids to leave the body. When there is a development of blockages in the lymphatic system, there will be a buildup of fluids which will stagnate and make the whole system toxic. This causes us to feel lethargic and more vulnerable to contagious and viral diseases. A lymphatic massage benefits by stimulating the whole system and improving its functioning. This helps increase the metabolism, transport the needed nutrients to the cells, discard toxins, remove blockages, and boost the immune system. Though the lymphatic drainage massage isn’t likely to have any side effects, there are other risk factors that come with this therapy. People who suffer from thrombosis, acute inflammation, malignant tumors and major heart problems should avoid getting this massage. The lymphatic massage dry brushing technique helps by stimulating the oil producing glands and hormones, helps digestion and removes layers of dead skin.

The first session of a lymphatic drainage massage will involve a consultation so that the individual’s needs can be determined and also the number and frequency of the sessions required. A lymphatic drainage massage makes use of movements that are soft and pumping and very light pressure is applied in the lymph node areas.  This process can last for 30 minutes with the practitioner focusing on a localized area, or it can go up to two hours when the whole body is worked on. This massage is not performed at massage centers or local spa so it is important that you ask your doctor about a reliable place to get the massage done. A lymphatic drainage massage is typically performed on people who suffer frequently from common illness like flu and cold. It is also useful for people who lead lifestyles that are sedentary and those who need to reduce swelling or puffiness. A lymphatic massage is considered to have a therapeutic effect on people who suffer from low energy, cellulite, dysfunctional respiration, and skin problems.

A lymphatic massage on the legs, arms and abdomen can be performed on the areas that require a reduction of swelling and pain relief and a lymphatic facial massage can also be used to get rid of dark circles. For a lymphatic massage done by your own self at home, you can prepare your own massage oil with some herbs that can help bring healing to the skin and stimulate the lymphatic system. To perform a lymphatic massage, learning how to use the techniques perfectly is a must and you can achieve this by joining some courses for which you will be given certification upon completion.

The techniques used in the lymphatic massage treats the condition of Lymph edema, which is described by the obstruction of lymph nodes in the arms and legs. The lymphatic massage is an effective way to detox (ridding of waste) the body. The techniques of lymphatic massage involve the use of gentle application of strokes in the direction of lymph flow in order to release any blocked lymph vessels, and permit lymph flow to channelize waste from the body freely. The lymphatic massage techniques are deftly carried out by a certified lymphatic massage therapist, who makes use of an easy pattern of circular movement to the individual’s skin. Lymphatic massage techniques are applied to the bare skin, and there is no application of any kind of essential or aroma oils or lotions that are used for the massage. The treatment is best effective when done with bare hands. The massage is administered in light strokes towards the direction of the heart. This particular lymphatic massage technique lightly stretches the walls of the lymph vessels and fosters unwanted lymph drainage.

During the lymphatic massage session, the massage therapist is likely to use any of the four highly effective lymphatic massage techniques to promote lymph drainage –

• Stationary Circles - By Stationary circles, the therapist makes use of strokes administered in a spiral fashion in a continuous manner as the finger strokes of the therapist apply these particular movements over the neck, the face and over the lymphatic nodes.
• The Pump Technique - In the lymphatic massage pump technique, the massage therapist place both the palms down on the individual's skin, and produces oval strokes with the help of fingers and thumbs to further the flow of the lymph fluids.
• The Rotary Technique - with the help of the lymphatic massage rotary technique, the therapist massages the skin in cyclical movements with the palms facing down on the individual’s body. The wrists are employed to enforce and decrease the pressure of the strokes.
• Scoop Strokes - in the lymphatic massage scoop strokes, the massage therapist uses the palm to face upwards from the individual’s body while the fingers stay fully extended especially in length, so that the hands are enclosed to appear like a scoop. The lymphatic massage twisting strokes are enforced to the individual’s skin to promote waste disposal.