In recent years a number of my massage clients have been referred by medical professionals for the purpose of receiving lymphatic drainage. Because I get so many questions about this technique I thought I’d share some basic information about this therapeutic massage technique.
The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body’s ability to drain stagnant fluids, detoxify, regenerate tissues, filter out toxins and foreign substances, and maintain a healthy immune system. It is a complex system that is comprised primarily of lymph vessels and nodes working in cooperation to accomplish these important tasks.
What is lymph? Lymph is a clear colorless fluid containing white blood cells that help rid the body of toxins and waste. When you see anatomy pictures of the lymphatic system it looks like a large spider web covering the entire body. It is found in every system in our body.
Where is lymph found? The lymph capillaries which are in almost every tissue of an organism start out feather fine. They slowly increase in size, moving inside the lymphatic collection ducts and eventually joining the venous circulation just before reaching the heart.
How does it help overall heath? It plays a major role in your immune system, by removing waste at a cellular level and it assists with bringing nutrients and oxygen to cells. When your cells and tissue have enough oxygen, the tissue is healthier. Lymphatic drainage can help chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune disease, bronchitis, arthritis, scar tissue, anxiety, cataracts, dry eyes, joints swelling,and people who work out on a regular basis and have tight muscles, just to name a few.
How is this massage done? Lymphatic massage is done fully clothed. The strokes are light, rhythmical and the hand positions are different and the pressure lighter than having a regular massage. The therapist feels for constrictions in the tissue, than moves the fluid toward the drain. This helps to move nutrients and oxygen back into the tissue.
You can read a little more about lymphatic massage on my website. You can also check out this interesting video that shows one technique for doing lymphatic drainage on your own face and head, which can help relieve sinus and head congestion. While the video does not show the entire drainage technique, there is enough information here to help you get some relief until you can get into a trained therapist.
If you want more information about lymphatic drainage or if you would like to schedule an appointment give me a call.
To your health!
Gail Grieger
The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body’s ability to drain stagnant fluids, detoxify, regenerate tissues, filter out toxins and foreign substances, and maintain a healthy immune system. It is a complex system that is comprised primarily of lymph vessels and nodes working in cooperation to accomplish these important tasks.
What is lymph? Lymph is a clear colorless fluid containing white blood cells that help rid the body of toxins and waste. When you see anatomy pictures of the lymphatic system it looks like a large spider web covering the entire body. It is found in every system in our body.
Where is lymph found? The lymph capillaries which are in almost every tissue of an organism start out feather fine. They slowly increase in size, moving inside the lymphatic collection ducts and eventually joining the venous circulation just before reaching the heart.
How does it help overall heath? It plays a major role in your immune system, by removing waste at a cellular level and it assists with bringing nutrients and oxygen to cells. When your cells and tissue have enough oxygen, the tissue is healthier. Lymphatic drainage can help chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune disease, bronchitis, arthritis, scar tissue, anxiety, cataracts, dry eyes, joints swelling,and people who work out on a regular basis and have tight muscles, just to name a few.
How is this massage done? Lymphatic massage is done fully clothed. The strokes are light, rhythmical and the hand positions are different and the pressure lighter than having a regular massage. The therapist feels for constrictions in the tissue, than moves the fluid toward the drain. This helps to move nutrients and oxygen back into the tissue.
You can read a little more about lymphatic massage on my website. You can also check out this interesting video that shows one technique for doing lymphatic drainage on your own face and head, which can help relieve sinus and head congestion. While the video does not show the entire drainage technique, there is enough information here to help you get some relief until you can get into a trained therapist.
If you want more information about lymphatic drainage or if you would like to schedule an appointment give me a call.
To your health!
Gail Grieger
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