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.
Avoid greasy or heavy foods that can make you feel sluggish. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. This will make it easier for the therapist to reach the areas they need to work on. Let your therapist know about any medical conditions, allergies, or areas of discomfort.
Exercise. While blood is pumped by the heart, lymph fluid is squeezed through the vessels during physical activity. “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.”
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. Give your body time to fully absorb the benefits of the lymphatic massage.
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.
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.
Sleeping on your side can also help drain your body's lymph fluid, meaning your risk of swelling (lymphedema) will also go down. This is especially true if you sleep on your left side since that's your dominant lymphatic side.
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.
Ballancer®Pro is an FDA-approved compression therapy* system designed to provide various therapeutic benefits to the body.
Physical activity encourages fluid to drain into the lymphatic system in the abdomen. Walking, swimming, yoga, pilates and Tai chi all might help to encourage the lymph to move. Pelvic floor exercises may also help. These target and strengthen the muscles in your pelvis.
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.
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. It's rare, but it can happen.
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.
Berries: Tiny Powerhouses of Nutrition
Berries are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and polyphenols. Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries can significantly reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, benefiting your lymphatic health.
Deep breathing
A very important part of your self-care is deep breathing. Deep breathing helps to stimulate lymphatic system in your whole body. You can practice deep breathing anytime!
As the Lymph is just under the skin, the movements are soft and need to flow. Some side effects from the treatment can be smelly and brown urine, a feeling of trickling fluid down your body. Its recommended not to drink alcohol after the treatment.
Functioning almost like a sponge, the lymphatic system absorbs excess lymph fluid from the body's organs and returns it to the blood stream. In a healthy body, the lymphatic channels from the liver and mesentery drain toward the thoracic duct, which is the main lymphatic vessel responsible for lymph drainage.
In conclusion, it is not uncommon to notice a smell on your skin after receiving a massage. Factors such as the type of oil used, sweating during the session, and poor hygiene practices can all contribute to any odors present.