What Is Lymphatic Drainage Therapy?



Posted: Wednesday, April 27, 2011

by Ellie Garwood

Lymphatic drainage therapy is a very specific type of massage, to understand the process of lymphatic drainage therapy, it is useful to have a clasp on the lymphatic system itself.

Running parallel to the blood circulation system is the lymphatic system. Whereas the blood circulatory system pumps blood round the body, the lymphatic system removes waste from the cells, helps to fight infection and aids in the digestion of fat. It is a severely under-rated bodily system that often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Lymph is a transuded liquid which moves around the body through the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is made up to lymph nodes, lymph vessels, lymph ducts and lymph. There are approximately 100 lymph nodes scattered throughout the body, mostly we are not conscious of them but during illness they can become inflamed and sometimes painful. Some of the most common and superficial lymph nodes include those in the groin, behind the knee, in the bend in the elbow, under the armpits, under the jaw and at the base of the skull/neck.

Massage therapy as a whole is good for lymph drainage as it helps rid the body of toxins, speeding up the process and stimulating the system. Lymphatic drainage therapy, however, solely focuses on the lymphatic system, and incorporates specific moves and techniques to help stimulate the lymphatic drainage system and rid the body of toxins, much more than a ‘regular’ massage. Lymph drainage therapists use oil, as in a regular massage, however, the pressure is much lighter, as only the lymph is to be stimulated (and not the blood circulation), also most of the lymph nodes are superficial, i.e. they are close to the surface of the skin, so a lot of pressure is unnecessary. Movements tend to be more repetitive, for example, to start the therapist will gently stroke around the clients neck between 30-50 times to get the lymph flowing, asking the client to breath will also help the flow of lymph, the client may feel the fluid move, or even flowing down the throat, and they may feel the need to swallow. The movements in lymph drainage massage are also much smaller than in regular massage therapy, this massage is not about relaxing muscles, but rather draining away excess fluid.

Experts recommend lymph drainage therapy to anyone with allergies, particularly those who suffer from sinus pressure, so the spring time, when people are starting to suffer from hayfever, and other allergies, is a great time to go for a lymph drainage massage. Lymph drainage therapy is also helpful for those with ear infections, as it relives pressure and helps to clear out excess fluid, as well as those suffering from  oedema (swelling/fluid retention), chronic fatigue syndrome and lymphoedema.
Ellie Garwood is a freelance writer interested in a host of topics. For a host of complementary medicine, and physical therapy related anatomy books she recommends the range available at Lotus Publishing.
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