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Lymphatic drainage massage is a deep tissue treatment that is applied with pressure in long upwards strokes. Lymphatic drainage massage aims to increase the flow of the lymphatic system and get rid of toxins in the body.
The lymphatic system is made up of large vessels that run through the body. The lymphatic system transports a clear fluid called lymph which carries immune cells to tissues and organs to help fight infection. Lymphatic drainage massage stimulates the flow of lymph around the body, refreshing the immune system and draining out toxins. Massage therapists at Manchester Physio can use lymphatic drainage as an effective treatment for a range of conditions.
Above: Lymphatic drainage to the axilla massage techniqueWhat is lymphatic drainage?
Lymphatic drainage is the natural function of the lymphatic system in the body. The lymphatic system carries lymph flow which is made up of white blood cells through the lymphatic vessels. White blood cells are part of the immune system which defends the body against infection. The lymphatic system flushes toxins away to keep the body healthy. Lymphatic drainage massage is an effective technique to help keep the immune system working. By applying upward strokes towards the heart, it improves the lymphatic flow and drainage around the body. Lymphatic drainage can also speed up healing from injury and reduce swelling.
What is lymphatic drainage used for?
Lymphatic drainage is an effective massage technique used:
- To improve the immune system
- To help defend the body from infection
- Following removal of lymph nodes
Lymphatic drainage massage technique is used to improve the immune system. Lymphatic drainage is used to boost the lymph flow around the body refreshing the immune system and draining toxins away from the body.
Lymphatic drainage can also be used to help defend the body from infection. Toxins can be produced in the body after exercise and from a poor lifestyle and diet. When lymphatic drainage massage is applied, the direction of strokes on the body stimulates the lymphatic system. The fluid that is carried in the lymphatic system contains a high number of white blood cells which defends the body against infection and improves the immune system.
Lymphatic drainage is specifically used following the removal of lymph nodes in the body. During major surgery lymph nodes and lymph vessels can be removed or damaged. Lymphedema occurs when lymph nodes are removed due to surgery. Lymphatic drainage is very important in treating lymphedema. Lymphedema is an area of swelling caused by a build of lymphatic fluid. Without lymphatic nodes, the lymphatic system cannot function efficiently, therefore relies on only massage treatment to initiate lymphatic drainage in the body.
What are the benefits of lymphatic drainage?
Lymphatic drainage has many benefits. The benefits of lymphatic drainage include:
- Improved immune system
- Induced relaxation
Lymphatic drainage improves the immune system. Lymphatic drainage allows lymph flow to move around the body, refreshing the immune system and draining away toxins. The lymph flow contains a high number of white blood cells which helps defend the body against infections. The transportation of white blood cells in the lymph flow removes toxins and increases the healing process. If lymphatic drainage doesn?t occur in the body due to damage or the removal of lymph nodes and vessels, excess fluid can build up causing lymphedema. Lymphedema can cause major health risks therefore it is important for drainage to occur. The lymphatic system does not have a pump to transport fluid around the body so relies on a massage technique to keep the lymphatic fluid moving.
Lymphatic drainage also helps to promote relaxation. Specific upward strokes of lymphatic drainage massage increasing temperature of the muscles and stimulates the release of feel good hormones. Hormones such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamines are released from the brain. Feel good hormones can improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Above: Lymphatic drainage to the inguinal and femoral nodes massage techniqueHow does lymphatic drainage help?
Lymphatic drainage massage helps by removing waste products and toxins, promoting relaxation and reducing swelling.
Lymphatic drainage massage helps remove waste products and toxins from the body. Lymphatic drainage massage helps move fluid in the lymphatic system. Pressure is applied through upwards strokes on the body towards the heart. The lymphatic system does not have a pump therefore is dependent on the massage technique. The lymphatic system aids the immune system by removing waste products and toxins in the body. Toxins can be built up in the body and cause illness if they are not removed.
Lymphatic drainage also helps to provide a therapueatuic effect. Along side many health benefits, lymphatic drainage massage stimulates feel good hormones in the body and increases temperature of the muscles.
Lymphatic drainage also helps by reducing swelling caused by lymphemdema. If there is a problem within the lymphatic system the fluid cannot move away from an area of the body and cause swelling called lymphedema. Specific massage techniques helps clear the lymphatic system pathway to help drain excess fluid.
Summary
Lymphatic drainage is the natural function of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is made up of large vessels and carries fluid around the body. Fluid in the lymphatic system contains a high number of white blood cells which helps defend the body from infection and aids the immune system. Lymphatic drainage massage is a beneficial technique to help speed up healing, improve recovery and maximise performance. Massage therapists at Manchester Physio can use lymphatic drainage as an effective treatment for a range of conditions.
How can I arrange an appointment for lymphatic drainage?
To arrange a lymphatic drainage treatment at Manchester Physio, e-mail us at office@manchesterphysio.co.uk or call 0161 883 0077.
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