“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 should avoid 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.
There are a few absolute contraindications to lymphatic treatments. Any lymphatic pumping techniques should be avoided in areas with acute injuries, such as bone fractures. Leukemia or lymphoma may be a relative contraindication as there is a hypothetical risk that lymphatic techniques may spread the condition further.
Absolute Contraindications:
Acute inflammation – caused by bacteria, viruses and poisons are contraindicated. Tissues will be red, hot, and painful with congestion accompanied by fever. Lymphatic drainage will push these substances into the lymph channels before the body has a chance to eliminate them.
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.
“It's also important to note that lymphatic drainage techniques are not recommended for people who have a heart condition, kidney problems or cellulitis.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Swelling or accumulation of fluid (lymphedema).
It can also happen when your lymph nodes have been removed to treat a condition like cancer. With lymphedema, fluid most commonly builds up in your arms or legs. It can be very mild or quite painful and disabling.
It facilitates substance P binding to lymphoblasts, promotes T helper, B cell, and macrophage responses to lymphokines, and facilitates antibody-dependent cytolysis and immune cell adherence. Besides, Mg serves as a cofactor for C'3 convertase and immunoglobulin synthesis.
Deep breathing
Deep breathing helps to stimulate lymphatic system in your whole body. You can practice deep breathing anytime! Place the palms/flats of your hands on your stomach. Slowly, breathe in deeply through your nose, and let your stomach expand.
It might not be a good idea for you if you have other conditions, including: Heart problems. Kidney failure. Blood clots.
Notable territories of the body that do not appear to contain lymphatics include the bone marrow, epidermis, as well as other tissues where blood vessels are absent. The central nervous system was long considered to be absent of lymphatic vessels until they were recently identified in the cranial meninges.