Place you hand on your collarbone. Move your hand down your chest in half circles toward your underarm. Massage your chest to help reduce swelling. This massage will move the lymph fluid from your neck and chest to your underarm lymph vessels and nodes.
Place your flat hands on either side of your neck, just under your ears. Gently stretch the skin back (away from your face) and down, then release. Try to massage your neck in a slow, gentle way, following a rhythm. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the drainage of lymph nodes and movement of lymph fluids around the body. It can help relieve lymphedema. The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from body tissues.
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.
Compression bandages or garments, such as sleeves, gloves, stockings or tights, fitted over affected limbs act as a counterforce to muscles. This stimulates more effective lymph drainage. The combination of exercise and compression encourages the fluid to move out of the affected limb.
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.
1) Soreness/Stiffness – If you frequently feel sore or stiff, you may have sluggish or congested lymph fluid. You may also have lingering pain or tightness that cannot be explained. 2) Headaches – Inadequate lymphatic and sinus drainage creates inflammation and pressure which causes headaches.
Usually lymph nodes are not enlarged and thus not able to be felt, but if you have previously had an infection (such as tonsillitis) you may have noticed and felt lymph node becoming enlarged, painful and tender. Lymph nodes can also become enlarged due to cancer cells lodging in them.
After the infection is gone, the nodes slowly return to normal size. This may take 2 to 4 weeks. However, they won't ever completely go away.
While you can always come and see us for a lymphatic drainage massage even if you're not exhibiting any specific symptoms, several signs indicate you may need one: You have congestion or fullness in your ears. You suffer from headaches. You feel fatigued or run down.
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.
Self-lymph drainage, or SLD, is a special type of gentle massage that helps move extra fluid from an area that is swollen (or is at risk of becoming swollen), into an area where the lymph nodes are working properly. This is done by stimulating contractions of lymphatic vessels.
Swollen lymph nodes will feel like soft, round bumps, and they may be the size of a pea or a grape. They might be tender to the touch, which indicates inflammation. In some cases, the lymph nodes will also look larger than usual. Lymph nodes appear in parallel on both sides of the body.
Massage down and inwards toward your collarbone. Always keep your fingers above your collarbone. Start massage on the area of your neck that is close to your shoulder and gently stretch the skin towards the middle of your neck. Gently stretch the skin just as far as it goes without pain.
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.
Veggies like broccoli, kale, & spinach are full of chlorophyll, a natural super cleanser, & have properties that stimulate lymph drainage & circulation. Adding chlorophyll drops to your water is a great way to get all the benefits too.
Swollen glands should go down within 2 weeks. You can help to ease the symptoms by: resting. drinking plenty of fluids (to avoid dehydration)
Looking After Your Lymphatic System
Drink plenty of water – Dehydration is one of the most common causes of lymphatic congestion which can further exacerbate existing lymph problems. Drinking sufficient water throughout the day encourages healthy lymphatic function and reduces water retention.
Don't squeeze the nodes.
Poking and squeezing lymph nodes may keep them from shrinking back to normal size. Remember that it may take a month for the nodes to return to normal. They won't completely disappear. There's no need to check them more than once a month.
Gentle contraction of the muscles in the arm or leg can help move the excess fluid out of the swollen limb. Manual lymph drainage. Therapists trained in this massage-like technique use very light pressure to move the trapped fluid in the swollen limb toward an area with working lymph vessels.
Lymphedema occurs when the lymph vessels are not able to adequately drain lymph fluid, usually from an arm or leg. The most common causes of lymphedema include: Cancer. If cancer cells block lymph vessels, lymphedema may result.