Lymphatic drainage massage eliminates excess water, toxins, bacteria, and metabolic waste from the cells of the body. It is known to significantly reduce body pain, which gives you both mental and physical comfort after the treatment.
Many have reported that they feel a feeling of tingling or flow of fluid under the skin, much like a small stream. Others report the feeling of being able to breathe deeply for the first time in a while because of the lymphatic flow in the sinuses. Other people feel rejuvenated, and others feel a deep relaxation.
You will notice feeling better by about 50 percent, then hours after the massage, 90 percent better. You will also likely feel incredibly rejuvenated, which will last even for days after your session.
In many cases, swelling reduces and then disappears within 2 to 3 weeks once the body has successfully fought the infection. If the problem persists for longer than a couple of weeks, it might warrant a visit to the doctor. Other reasons to visit the doctor include: a lymph node that feels hard or rubbery to the touch.
Few people have negative reactions to lymphatic drainage massage. Some people, however, complain of headaches, nausea and fatigue. When that happens, you should ask your healthcare provider about managing your side effects.
Expect to have an increased need to urinate.
The whole purpose of a manual lymphatic drainage massage is to help balance fluid and remove waste/toxins from the body, and how does that happen, through your urine. The increased need to urinate is actually a really really good thing.
The pro recommends massaging the arms, legs, and stomach up to 3 to 4 times a week at home. "However, when done by a professional," she explains, "1 or 2 times a week is enough, but each body is different."
How often should I get a lymphatic drainage massage? It is recommended that you get the series of lymphatic drainage session every three months.
The implementation of proper techniques and lymphatic massage tools leads to an increased flow making it easier for the organism to flush out waste and leads to the process of detoxification. Even though this type of non-invasive treatment carries many benefits, sometimes patients may feel sick after it.
Results can last up to 10 days, depending on your metabolism and lifestyle.
Manual lymph drainage, or lymphatic massage, does help with lymphedema swelling and encourages lymph flow out of the inflamed area, such as the legs. It's important to note, however, that this is not a detox treatment.
Lymphedema signs and symptoms include: Swelling of part or all of the arm or leg, including fingers or toes. A feeling of heaviness or tightness. Restricted range of motion.
Choose a time that works for you
In the morning, lymphatic drainage is ideal for helping to reduce puffiness in the face after waking up. It also helps to prep your skin for your daytime skincare products, before you start the day.
Secondary lymphoedema
Symptoms may include a feeling of tightness and heaviness in a limb, altered sensation, tenderness, reduced range of movement. The oedema is initially pitting, however, over time it becomes non-pitting. The skin can ooze a clear or yellow fluid, and/or can have a foul-smelling odour.
HYDRATE. Prior to starting your first session and during each 3-day period of treatment, we recommend you drink 2-3 liters of water. Water and hydration are key to this process being effective. Just like any water system, if the volume is inadequate, things can not flow.
The other important reason why we drink water is to flush out the toxins that have been released by your massage, or 'helping the process of lymphatic drainage'. The more tension that is released during the massage, the more metabolic waste is released into your system.
The bottom line
Lymphatic massage, or manual lymphatic drainage, has proven benefits for people who have lymphedema or are at risk for developing it. It could possibly help improve overall health in others, but those benefits aren't yet backed by research.
When you receive a lymphatic drainage massage, the flow and circulation of the lymph is encouraged. This means they are able to circulate throughout the body more freely, collecting more toxins as they go. The end result is a decreased number of toxins in your body, and therefore a body that is fully cleansed.
Collecting ducts: Lymphatic vessels empty the lymph into the right lymphatic duct and left lymphatic duct (also called the thoracic duct). These ducts connect to the subclavian vein, which returns lymph to your bloodstream.
Lymphatic massage only temporarily displaces (moves around) the swelling while helping some of the excess to flow through the lymphatic system better. There is rebound swelling afterwards as new fluid settles back in. This is normal but should get less and less over the next several weeks.
The lymph fluid carries the waste products and destroyed bacteria back into the bloodstream. The liver or kidneys then remove these from the blood. The body passes them out with other body waste, through bowel movements (poo) or urine (pee).