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.
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.
“It's also important to note that lymphatic drainage techniques are not recommended for people who have a heart condition, kidney problems or cellulitis.”
Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin that causes swelling (edema). Lymph fluid travels throughout the body and is part of the lymph or lymphatic system.
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.
Lymphedema, lipedema, and even simple obesity in the extremities can resemble each other superficially and are often confused for one another, but they differ in important ways (Table 1).
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.
When your lymphatic system doesn't work well, your body accumulates fluid and may begin to swell. The swelling typically affects your arms and legs, but it can affect other areas of your body, too. Lymphedema also increases your risk of developing an infection where you have the condition.
The lymphatic system of the breast
, which helps fight infections. There are several groups of lymph nodes that drain each breast. These groups of lymph nodes are found on both sides of the body. The supraclavicular lymph nodes are above the collarbone.
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.
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.
Ballancer®Pro is an FDA-approved compression therapy* system designed to provide various therapeutic benefits to the body.
Fatigue is by far the most common side effect and clients tend to feel the most "drained" after their very first MLD appointment. We're unclogging the pipes so-to-speak, but don't worry! The intensity of symptoms normally decreases over time with each session as your lymphatic flow improves.
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.
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.
Some folks are just more sensitive to the detox process and it may make you feel crummy. Now when I say this, the crumminess last less than 24 hours. You could experience flue-like symptoms like nausea, headaches, achiness, swollen lymph nodes and fever.