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.
Acute inflammation, Malignant tumors, Thrombosis and major heart problems are all contraindications to lymphatic drainage massage. Lets look at these one at a time.
Contraindications include acute infection, cardiac edema, malignancies, acute deep vein thrombosis, renal failure, bronchial asthma, and uncontrolled hypertension.
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.
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.
The lymphatic vessels drain into collecting ducts, which empty their contents into the two subclavian veins, located under the collarbones. These veins join to form the superior vena cava, the large vein that drains blood from the upper body into the heart.
When your lymphatic system doesn't work well, your body accumulates fluid and may begin to swell. The swelling typically affects your arms and legs, but it can affect other areas of your body, too. Lymphedema also increases your risk of developing an infection where you have the condition.
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.
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.
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 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."
Citrus. Citrus fruits aid hydration, carry powerful antioxidants and enzymes, and help cleanse and protect the lymphatic system.
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.
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.
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.
Results can last up to 10 days, depending on your metabolism and lifestyle.
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.
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.