Acute inflammation, Malignant tumors, Thrombosis and major heart problems are all contraindications to lymphatic drainage massage. Lets look at these one at a time.
Generally speaking, lymphatic drainage massage is a safe treatment to relieve lymphedema. There are some conditions and circumstances where lymphatic drainage massage is not recommended: You have a heart condition. You have kidney failure.
Contraindications include acute infection, cardiac edema, malignancies, acute deep vein thrombosis, renal failure, bronchial asthma, and uncontrolled hypertension.
“Lymph fluid ultimately drains into the bloodstream at the base of the neck, so this is the most important place to focus any lymphatic massage - even if you have swelling or inflammation in other areas. Use slow, mindful movements - not hard and fast like you might find with deep tissue massage.
Depending on the severity, most cases should begin to see results after 1-2 sessions. Frequency is dependent on the clients goals and how congested the lymph system is.
What Does the Lymphatic System Do? One of the lymphatic system's major jobs is to drain extra lymph (LIMF) fluid from body tissues and return it to the blood. Lymph contains white blood cells called lymphocytes (LIM-fuh-sites) and chyle (KYE-ul), which is made of fats and proteins from the intestines.
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 system clears away infection and keeps your body fluids in balance. If it's not working properly, fluid builds in your tissues and causes swelling, called lymphedema. Other lymphatic system problems can include infections, blockage, and cancer.
Infections. An infection, such as cellulitis, can sometimes cause lymphoedema. Severe cellulitis can damage the tissue around the lymphatic system, causing it to become scarred. Filariasis can also cause lymphoedema.
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.
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.
Lymph is a clear-to-white fluid made of: White blood cells, especially lymphocytes, the cells that attack bacteria in the blood and body tissues. Fluid from the intestines called chyle, which contains proteins and fats.
How often should you get a lymphatic drainage massage? For the best effects, a professional may recommend lymphatic drainage from once per month to once per week. For home use, they may also advise the person massage one to two body parts per day.
Regular physical exercise is a great way to get your lymphatic system pumping and detoxing your system of waste. Jumping, walking, stretching, yoga, Pilates, and other moderate exercises done on a daily basis will really improve the state of your lymph.
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.
Lymphatic drainage further improves blood circulation, relaxes the body, and fights localized fat. Many clients report a slimmer waist and weight loss after a massage. After a massage, your circulatory system can quickly get rid of excess fluid as well as the toxic buildup.
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.
A sluggish lymphatic system can result in a lowered immune system, fluid retention, cellulite, and fatty deposits. It can also be a root cause of respiratory problems, sinus infections, swollen glands, eczema, colds, and ear infections.
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.