The entire process should take about 15 to 20 minutes, but after care is perhaps the most important part of the equation. Lanini recommends prioritizing hydration for 48 hours post treatment to promote drainage.
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.
How often should I get a lymphatic drainage massage? It is recommended that you get the series of lymphatic drainage session every three months.
A typical lymphatic massage can be done only once a day but for four to five times a week in two to four weeks.
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 lymphatic capillaries that collect this fluid are miniscule. In theory, if you apply too much pressure to these miniscule capillaries, they will simply collapse and not collect any fluid, until they reconstitute themselves.
Lymphatic drainage also improves circulation, relaxes the body and combats localized fat. Many clients report a slimmer waist and loss of excess water weight after their massage.
Most patients need 4 to 6 weeks worth of Lymphatic treatments to remove most of the excess fluid; however, most patients can expect relief even after the first treatment!
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.
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.
Results can last up to 10 days, depending on your metabolism and lifestyle.
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.
Yes, in three ways: (1) uncontrolled lymphedema causes the accumulation of excess fluid, (2) advanced lymphedema (Stage II / II) causes abnormal fat to develop in the affected limb, and (3) weakened lymphatic drainage in otherwise healthy limbs encourages local adipose tissue to resist calls to breakdown fat.
The lymphatic system's role in weight loss is to absorb digestive fat from the small intestine and transport it through the bloodstream, where it can be used as energy or removed as waste. A poorly functioning lymphatic system can lead to noticeable weight gain and extra difficulty releasing weight.
Practice Deep Breathing
Deep breathing serves a pump for the Lymphatic System and keeps lymph fluid flowing at an ideal pace to remove harmful toxins while blood carries oxygen to the body. Practice yoga, meditation, or simply stop to take a few deep breaths throughout the day.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle massage technique that facilitates lymph movement around your body. Lymphatic drainage massage is aimed at removing toxins, restoring your immune system's functions, and ultimately preventing a variety of health conditions.
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."
Drink 2-4 glasses of water after your massage to help properly flush out your lymphatic system. Drinking water helps flush your kidneys which are responsible for getting rid of toxins.
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.
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.
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).