Lymphatic drainage massage has gained a lot of buzz in the wellness world as of late.
It was conceived in the West by a pair of Danish doctors in the 1930s after they studied Traditional Chinese Medicine—of massages using jade rollers and gua sha tools.
The reason why it is becoming popular is due to its proven benefits. These benefits include clearer skin, an accelerated lymphatic system, and even shifting subcutaneous fat.
This article will discuss lymphatic drainage massage—what is it, how it works, and what its benefits are.
What Is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is a part of the immune system that works like waste management. It disposes of all the waste that our body naturally produces, such as toxins and bacteria that can harm our body. Think about the lymphatic system as the network that protects your body from infection.
The lymphatic system is composed of a network of organs and tissues that cleans and removes toxins. It is composed of lymph, a fluid that moves inside the blood vessels and arteries containing white blood cells that fight off any infections. The lymph cleans and removes the waste into the lymphatic system.
Since there is no way to pump the lymph throughout the blood vessels, it only relies on the pumping of our muscles. Massage can help move the lymph to the lymph node, thus eliminating the waste. It allows for the fluid to naturally flow and flush toxins out of the body.
What Is a Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
The lymphatic drainage massage is not the same as a regular massage. Usually, massages put pressure on your muscles to stimulate circulation and deal with soreness or stiffness. Lymphatic drainage massage is very light pressure on the surface of the skin it is where your lymphatic system is located.
The massage is a series of rhythmic circular movements wherein the first part starts at the central part of the body then goes to the extremities. It starts by massaging the regional lymph nodes to remove the fluid, so it can flow more easily during the massage.
Think about it as emptying a glass of water, so you can add more to it. The toxins drained will be transported to the organs responsible for removing them. Make sure to work with a trained practitioner or a certified lymphedema therapist. They know how to properly provide light pressure to stimulate the natural flow of the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic drainage massage is perfect for everyone. However, talk to your medical professional or doctor before the massage because certain conditions can make a person unfit for them. If you have experienced blood clots, heart problems, cancer, infections or inflammation in the area, you shouldn’t get one.
What Are the Benefits?
Lymphatic drainage massage is used to help fight off infections. It also can help you slim down because it reduces water retention and bloating. It can alleviate swelling, acne, migraine, insomnia, and many more.
Conclusion
Lymphatic drainage massage is a good treatment for your body. Just make sure that the procedure is medically safe for you before you schedule an appointment. It's also best if you work with a professional and ask your doctor for advice beforehand.
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