Do not apply lotion on your skin before the session. Lymphatic drainage massage is more effective when there is dry skin contact. The procedure requires a gentle, skin-stretching motion for maximum efficiency. As such, a lymphatic drainage massage should be done without lotion or oils, allowing your skin to stretch.
Below you can find some steps you can take to prepare for a Lymphatic Drainage massage: Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing: It's best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the therapist to easily access the areas of the body that will be massaged.
A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling.
By avoiding hot showers or baths immediately after, you can help your lymph nodes continue to function optimally. Massage therapists often advise against intense heat, which can cause your lymphatic vessels to dilate and become less effective.
Usually, some results will be noticeable immediately after your facial lymphatic drainage massage however the fluid will begin to properly drain around 24 to 48 hours post massage. For each individual client, the rate of lymphatic drainage can differ and therefore each individual will notice different results.
Sleep on your left hand side
In holistic medicine the left side of the body is the dominant lypmphatic side so sleeping in this position allows your body to naturally take pressure off lymph drainage from the heart and spleen.
Possible side effects of lymphatic drainage massage can include: Increased urination/bowel movements: after the massage, the lymph waste will need to be removed from the body. This leads to an increase in urination and bowel movements, as these are the methods the body uses to eliminate lymph waste from the body.
Rare side effects of lymphatic drainage massage include dizziness and nausea caused by blood flow changes. A full medical history will be taken to examine the risks. It is advised to have something to eat or drink before your appointment to prevent dizziness caused by drop in blood pressure.
Lymphatic drainage massage is typically considered safe and low-risk. 13 However, this technique may not be safe for people with conditions that can move lymphatic fluid back to the heart or kidneys. These conditions include: Blood clots.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the drainage of lymph nodes and the movement of lymph fluids around the body. It can help relieve symptoms of lymphedema. The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from body tissues.
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.
Lymphatic drainage massage may improve the appearance of cellulite but will not get rid of it completely. The most likely cause of weight loss immediately following the massage is the loss of excess fluid and potential bowel movement that occurs afterwards.
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.
Can lymphatic massage cause diarrhea? It is possible to get mild diarrhea as your body after an initial Lymphatic Massage as the body is expelling toxins and waste into the kidneys and liver. This is especially true if you have IBS. It is not common, but not a cause for alarm.
The pressure of this massage is very superficial (light) and directed toward the lymph nodes to drain the excess fluid from your body. Enjoy your renewed energy and better health benefits from this specialized massage as a series of treatments recommended to be done every 3-6 months.
“It's also important to note that lymphatic drainage techniques are not recommended for people who have a heart condition, kidney problems or cellulitis.”
Expect to have an increased need to urinate.
The whole purpose of a manual lymphatic drainage massage is to help balance fluid and remove waste/toxins from the body, and how does that happen, through your urine. The increased need to urinate is actually a really really good thing.
Ballancer®Pro is an FDA-approved compression therapy* system designed to provide various therapeutic benefits to the body.