Many celebrities and influencers have been recommending lymphatic drainage massage for months to show off a flat abdomen without excess fluids. However, not everything is what it seems, and it is possible that certain drawbacks are hidden in this type of therapy.
For certain short-term and chronic health conditions, lymphatic drainage massage can be a very inexpensive and beneficial way to reduce symptoms. All we need is time to lie back and relax while a qualified therapist treats us.
What is?
This gentle form of massage therapy is done with the intention of stimulating the body’s lymphatic system. The idea is that waste products can be removed from the body more efficiently.
The key benefits of lymphatic drainage massage include the natural cleansing of a lymphatic system that may have become blocked. This can occur as a result of illness or medical treatment such as surgery. This condition is known as lymphedema and can be the result of chronic health problems that can damage the lymphatic system. It can also be caused by infection or cancer treatment that includes removal of lymph nodes, such as a mastectomy.
There are hundreds of lymph nodes located throughout the human body. They are found in various places, including the armpits, neck, groin, abdomen, and chest. Lymph nodes contain cells that are crucial to the body’s immune response, as these immune cells attack and destroy organisms carried in the lymphatic fluid as it travels through the body.
Benefits
Lymphatic drainage massage can improve circulation throughout the body’s lymphatic system and can also help reduce swelling. This type of therapy may be part of a treatment program known in the medical profession as lymphatic decongestive therapy.
Lymphatic drainage massage can be beneficial for people experiencing all kinds of symptoms and has been used to relieve the effects of conditions ranging from eczema to fibromyalgia. If you ever suffer from stress, fatigue, insomnia, bloating, digestive problems, migraines, or arthritis, lymphatic drainage massage may help relieve symptoms and stimulate the lymphatic system to work more effectively.
This is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that can help treat pain, stiffness, and inflammation that can occur throughout the body. Decongestive lymphatic therapy is recommended for lymphedema, and a comprehensive treatment program may combine skin care, exercise, and the use of compression bandages with lymphatic drainage massage to manage each specific condition.
When to do it?
Lymphatic drainage massage, or manual lymphatic drainage, can help the body maintain proper blood circulation, body fluid balance, and immune function. It is a massage technique that works to promote the natural movement of lymphatic fluids, with studies that claim it can help people with the following health conditions:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lymphedema (swelling in the legs, feet, or arms)
- Fibromyalgia (a long-term condition that causes inflammation, skin discoloration, and swelling)
- Chronic venous insufficiency (when the leg veins do not allow blood to return to the heart, causing blood to pool in the legs)
Researching the impact lymphatic drainage massage has on health-related quality of life and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, it was also found that it helped reduce pain levels.
Opinions on how often a lymphatic drainage massage should be done vary, so it’s best to address this directly with a therapist. At a minimum, having a lymphatic drainage massage once every three months will help keep the lymphatic system in tip-top condition. However, undergoing treatment more often will mean reap maximum benefits.
Contraindications
For most people, receiving a lymphatic drainage massage is completely safe when in the hands of a qualified and experienced therapist. However, there are some contraindications. Anyone who has blood clots or deep vein thrombosis, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, circulation problems, or infections should not have a lymphatic drainage massage.
If we have any pre-existing medical conditions it is essential to consult a doctor before booking a lymphatic drainage massage.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
As a form of non-invasive therapy, a lymphatic drainage massage is ideal during pregnancy as long as none of the contraindications detailed above are present.
As lymphatic drainage massage can help with swelling and water retention, it can be very effective in relieving some of the more uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy. In fact, a developing fetus requires a healthy, fully functioning lymphatic system for growth and development. As the lymphatic system boosts immunity, reduces inflammation, and removes toxins from the body, it can be key to ensuring a safe and stress-free pregnancy.
Lymphatic drainage massage is perfect for mothers-to-be who require gentle treatment. It can also be great to help deal with postnatal conditions. Lymphatic drainage massage therapy can be administered throughout the body or alternatively it can be localized to ensure it is effective precisely where it is needed.
If we suffer from pregnancy-related conditions such as fluid retention or tired feet, a lymphatic drainage massage can be very beneficial in relieving these symptoms.
