Acute inflammation, Malignant tumors, Thrombosis and major heart problems are all contraindications to lymphatic drainage massage. Lets look at these one at a time.
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.
Please don't apply oil or lotion before your treatment. Empty your bladder right before your treatment begins. The goal of a MLD treatment is to encourage the lymphatic system to work more efficiently and move stagnated fluid. This process will cause fluid to find it's way to your bladder.
There are some conditions and circumstances where lymphatic drainage massage is not recommended: You have a heart condition. You have kidney failure. You have blood clots.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lymph fluid travels through the lymph vessels and drains into the bloodstream. This is a colourless fluid that is made in the body. It surrounds all body tissues. Extra fluid from tissue in the body drains into and flows through small lymph vessels.
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."
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.
Citrus. Citrus fruits aid hydration, carry powerful antioxidants and enzymes, and help cleanse and protect the lymphatic system.
Lymphatic System Support
Vitamins that support the lymphatic system include, vitamin A, C, E, and B-6. Common herbs that also help include goldenseal, echinacea, and poke root.
It may get old to hear, but drinking water is crucial to every aspect of your health, including your lymph system! Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep fluids flowing instead of clogging up your system.
If your limbs are swollen you may experience aching, heaviness, difficulty with movement, repeated skin infections, hard and tight skin, folds developing in the skin, and pitting.
Common signs and symptoms of lymphedema can include: Swelling in part of the body (such as your breast, chest, shoulder, arm, or leg) Skin feeling tight or hard, changing in texture, looking red, or feeling hot. New aching, tingling, numbness, or other discomfort in the area.
The most common reason for lymphatic obstruction is the removal or enlargement of the lymph nodes. Other causes of lymphatic obstruction include: Infections with parasites, such as filariasis. Injury.
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.