If you have swelling that can be painful or a feeling of fullness, heaviness or tightness in your limbs, your provider might recommend manual lymph drainage, also known as lymphatic drainage massage.
If you are experiencing any of the following, you may benefit from a lymphatic massage: Post-surgical fluid build-up and swelling. Visible swelling or edema. Sinus pressure or congestion.
Slower Healing
Poor lymphatic circulation means the lymphocytes can't do their job, allowing potentially infectious or inflammatory toxins to accumulate and slow down healing. Lymphatic massage not only stimulates the flow of lymph fluid but also encourages blood circulation.
Few people have negative reactions to lymphatic massage. But some people develop side effects like fatigue, headaches or nausea. If this happens, let your healthcare provider know. They can tell you how to reduce your risk for these complications.
Massage your chest to aid in lymph drainage from your neck and chest to your lymph nodes under your arms. Continue down toward your ankles. Stroke upward and down through the ankles and feet. Finish the massage by gently pushing the fluid in your toes upward with your fingers.
Lymphatic drainage should be avoided if a person has a fever or active infection. Manual stress to the tissue should be avoided in an area undergoing radiation treatment or over a known cancer site.
Lymph drainage, when done on your breasts regularly, can improve circulation and reduce swelling or any breast tenderness (2). Our breasts are such a prominent part of our being.
Swelling or accumulation of fluid (lymphedema).
It can also happen when your lymph nodes have been removed to treat a condition like cancer. With lymphedema, fluid most commonly builds up in your arms or legs. It can be very mild or quite painful and disabling.
It facilitates substance P binding to lymphoblasts, promotes T helper, B cell, and macrophage responses to lymphokines, and facilitates antibody-dependent cytolysis and immune cell adherence. Besides, Mg serves as a cofactor for C'3 convertase and immunoglobulin synthesis.
Dry brushing involves gently rubbing the skin with a body brush. The lymphatic system runs close to the skin, so stimulation from the brush keeps it flowing well. Since it only takes a few minutes to dry brush just before you shower or bathe, this is one of the fastest ways to cleanse your lymphatic system.
One of the most common causes of lymph. congestion is dehydration. Add lemon to increase cleansing and draining effect. Lemon is a stellar ingredient to stimulate liver and digestive function while aiding the lymphatic system.
If you're looking for an eating plan that closely follows the tenets of anti-inflammatory eating, consider the Mediterranean diet, which is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils.
If things aren't able to leave our body as quickly as they are accumulating, we may experience something known as a "Detox Flu" after our MLD session. This is due to the temporary strain that detoxification puts on our body, and can include a low-grade fever, chills, and body aches. It's rare, but it can happen.
Myth #2: Lymphatic Drainage Can Lead to Extreme Weight Loss
There's a common belief that lymphatic drainage massage can result in significant weight loss, but that's not its main aim. While the massage can help reduce temporary bloating and water retention, it does not promote fat loss.
The main symptom of lymphoedema is swelling in all or part of a limb or another part of the body. It can be difficult to fit into clothes, and jewellery and watches can feel tight. At first, the swelling may be soft and easy to push in, leaving a dent, and may come and go.
The best products for lymphatic drainage, at a glance:
Best Dry Brush With Handle: Goop Beauty Dry Brush, $25. Best Gua Sha for Body: Skin Gym Sculptural Body Gua Sha, $52. Best Handheld Dry Brush: OSEA Body Brush, $28. Best Jade Gua Sha: Mount Lai The Jade Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool, 29.