What are the contraindications for lymphatic drainage massage?

Author: Isaiah Kunze  |  Last update: Sunday, November 23, 2025

Conditions that could cause a life-threatening are acute infectious, fever, serious circulatory problems such as acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT), congenital heart failure, major cardiac problems, hemorrhage, acute enuresis, and malignant ailments, or undiagnosed 'lumps'. Avoid Massage/MLD.

What are the absolute contraindications for lymphatic drainage massage?

General Absolute Contraindications (MLD is not safe): Cardiac Edema Kidney failure Acute infections Acute bronchitis Acute Deep vein thrombosis Local Contraindications on the neck (skip the neck if you have on of the following): Carotid-sinus syndrome Hyperthyroidism.

When should you not do lymphatic drainage massage?

“It's also important to note that lymphatic drainage techniques are not recommended for people who have a heart condition, kidney problems or cellulitis.”

Who shouldn't get lymphatic drainage massage?

But you should avoid it if you have:
  • Blood clots.
  • Cellulitis.
  • Deep vein thrombosis.
  • Fever.
  • Heart disease.
  • Infection.
  • Kidney failure.
  • Stroke.

Which of the following is a major contraindication for lymphatic drainage?

Absolute Contraindications:

Acute inflammation – caused by bacteria, viruses and poisons are contraindicated. Malignant tumours. Thrombosis. Major heart problems.

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) - Contraindications

Who cannot have lymphatic drainage?

It is a type of self-massage called simple lymphatic drainage (SLD). You will not have MLD if you have an infection called cellulitis in the swollen area. You also cannot have it if you have certain medical conditions, such as heart problems.

Can lymphatic massage spread an infection?

In summary, scientific research demonstrates legitimate reasons to avoid lymphatic drainage massage in the presence of infections or while taking a course of antibiotics. Doing so can exacerbate and spread infection or reduce the efficacy of antimicrobial treatment.

Why do I feel sick after lymphatic drainage massage?

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.

What is the best drink for lymphatic drainage?

Here are our top picks for the best teas to keep your lymphatic system flowing beautifully:
  • Yaupon Tea. Yaupon tea, a unique herbal tea made from Ilex vomitoria, is a fantastic option for lymphatic drainage. ...
  • Ginger Tea. ...
  • Chamomile Tea. ...
  • Peppermint Tea.

Can you overdo lymphatic drainage?

Yes, it's possible to overdo lymphatic massage. While lymphatic drainage massage offers numerous benefits, more is not always better. Overdoing it can lead to bruising and swelling, especially if the massage is too aggressive or the pressure too high.

What is the best lymphatic drainage tool?

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.

How do I know if my lymphatic system is clogged?

Lymphedema signs and symptoms include:
  • Swelling of part or all of the arm or leg, including fingers or toes.
  • A feeling of heaviness or tightness.
  • Restricted range of motion.
  • Recurring infections.
  • Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis)

Do you poop after lymphatic drainage massage?

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.

What are the main contraindications to massage?

Contraindications for Massage Therapy
  • Recent Injuries or Acute Trauma. ...
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) ...
  • Infections and Fever. ...
  • Cancer and Tumors. ...
  • Cardiovascular Conditions. ...
  • Pregnancy Complications. ...
  • Skin Conditions. ...
  • Bleeding Disorders or Use of Blood Thinners.

When not to do lymphatic drainage?

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.

What are absolute contraindications?

Absolute contraindication means that event or substance could cause a life-threatening situation. A procedure or medicine that falls under this category must be avoided.

How do you unclog your lymphatic system naturally?

“One of the greatest things you can do to keep your lymphatic system healthy is exercise,” says Pyle. “It helps the lymph fluid move through your system.” Deep breathing exercises. Moving the diaphragm muscle through deep breathing also helps fluids circulate, she says.

What vitamin helps the lymphatic system?

Vitamins that support the lymphatic system include, vitamin A, C, E, and B-6. Common herbs that also help include goldenseal, echinacea, and poke root.

What is the FDA approved lymphatic drainage device?

Ballancer®Pro is an FDA-approved compression therapy* system designed to provide various therapeutic benefits to the body.

What are the negative side effects of lymphatic drainage?

Risks of Lymphatic Drainage Massage
  • Heart problems.
  • Kidney failure.
  • Blood clots.
  • Infection.

What comes out of your body during lymphatic drainage massage?

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.

Does your pee smell after lymphatic drainage?

After receiving this massage, you may receive some minor side effects for the next few days. Your urine may become darker and smelly due to the stimulation of the kidneys. Your urination frequency may also increase throughout the day because your body is ridding itself of all the excess toxins.

When is lymphatic drainage contraindicated?

Relative contraindications include hypertension, paralysis, diabetes, and bronchial asthma. General contraindications include acute infections of any kind and congestive heart failure.

Is coffee bad for your lymphatic system?

Alcohol and caffeine could also function like diuretics. They both could dilate the lymph tissue and cause more swelling, and as a result, exacerbate the lymphedema. Don't adopt a low-protein diet. Consumed protein has no connection with the protein in the lymph fluid.

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