What not to do before a lymphatic drainage massage?

Author: Savannah Collins  |  Last update: Thursday, March 27, 2025

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.

How should I prepare for a lymphatic drainage massage?

How to prepare for a Lymphatic Drainage Massage
  1. Wear comfortable, loose clothing. ...
  2. Avoid consuming caffeine or alcohol before the massage. ...
  3. Drink plenty of water. ...
  4. Inform the therapist of any medical conditions or allergies. ...
  5. Discuss your expectations and concerns with the therapist.

What not to do before a lymphatic drainage?

Avoid lotions and oils: It's best to avoid using lotions or oils on the skin before the massage, as they can interfere with the therapist's ability to perform the massage. Drink water: Drink water before the massage to help hydrate the body and promote the flow of lymph fluid.

Can I drink coffee before lymphatic drainage massage?

Stay Away From Caffeine

Do not consume a lot of caffeine prior to your appointment. Caffeine is a natural diuretic and it quickly depletes your system of water. LDM targets the elimination of excess water in the tissue, so naturally when you combine the two, you can cause a mild dehydration on your body.

What precautions should be taken for lymphatic drainage?

Since lymphatic drainage massage acts on the skin, it's important to avoid using oils or lotions during the massage. There are other ways to pamper your lymphatic system, too, including: Deep breathing. Breathing slowly and deeply can help move fluid through the lymph vessels and nodes.

Lymphatic Drainage Massages Explained | Family Physician Dr. Jen Caudle

Should you eat before lymphatic drainage?

To prepare yourself for lymphatic drainage massage therapy you should drink a lot of water before and after the massage, avoid eating one hour before treatment and reduce taking salty food, sugar, and alcohol before and after the massage for the best result.

What can block lymphatic drainage?

The most common reason for lymphatic obstruction is the removal or enlargement of the lymph nodes. Other causes of lymphatic obstruction include: Infections with parasites, such as filariasis. Injury.

Do you have diarrhea after lymphatic massage?

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.

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.

How should I sleep to help my lymphatic drainage?

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.

Do you pee a lot after lymphatic 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.

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)

Why do I feel dizzy after lymphatic drainage massage?

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.

What should I avoid after lymphatic massage?

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.

Where does the fluid go after lymphatic massage?

A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling.

Do you lose weight after lymphatic drainage?

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.

Do you feel sick after a 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.

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.

How long after lymphatic massage do you see results?

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.

Should I eat before lymphatic massage?

Make sure you eat very little or nothing on the day of your massage. A full stomach will get in the way of your masseuse giving you the best and most effective lymphatic drain. When your stomach is full, and the massage isn't done properly, then the aim is forfeited.

What can I drink to drain my lymphatic system?

Increase Water Intake

Staying Well hydrated is one way you can cleanse your lymphatic system naturally. Dehydration (results from not enough water) can lead to impaired lymph drainage.

How to tell if lymphatic drainage is working?

If it's working, you should start to get relief from your symptoms of lymphedema in time. Your swelling should go down. You'll feel less heavy or tight. It will be easier to move, too.

What color is lymph fluid?

The lymph or tissue fluid is a colorless fluid containing specialized cells called lymphocytes. Lymph is the fluid that mingles through the lymphatic system.

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