Get a good night's rest – It's possible you may feel a little tired after receiving a lymphatic drainage massage. That's completely normal as your body's energy is concentrated on the detoxification process its undergoing. Get to bed early if you can and enjoy a deep rest.
Fatigue is by far the most common side effect and clients tend to feel the most "drained" after their very first MLD appointment.
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.
Reduced swelling/bloat.
The powerful effect of lymphatic drainage on fluid reduction is undeniable. The lymphatic system is responsible for 90% of all fluid regulation in the body. So expect a reduction in swelling, bloat and puffiness.
Don't: Take hot baths or use saunas for the first 24 hours after the massage, as the heat can cause the blood vessels to dilate and impede the flow of lymph fluid. Don't: Massage the areas that were treated during the massage, as this can disrupt the flow of lymph fluid and undo the benefits of the 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.
A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling.
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.
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.
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.
Sleepiness after a massage is due to reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels, which shift the body from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest” mode.
Although swelling in the legs, feet, arms and hands is perhaps the most recognizable symptom of lymphedema, persistent and chronic fatigue is another common symptom, and for some people, it can become so severe, even normal daily activities can become difficult.
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.
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.
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!
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.
The resulting mixture of lymphatic fluid and fats – a milky-white substance known as 'chyle' – is carried through the lymphatic network and into the largest of the lymphatic vessels – the thoracic duct and thenceforth directly into the heart. It is only at this point that the fats we have eaten enter the bloodstream.
Long-Term Benefits
Regular lymphatic massages may improve circulation and reduce cellulite appearance over time. Many people report feeling lighter and more energetic after treatments. Incorporating these practices into daily life encourages better lymphatic health.
This research suggests that even before overt swelling is present, diminished lymphatic drainage is causing changes in the interstitial fluid that bathes cells. These microenvironmental changes convince adipose cells to resist calls to break down fat deposits to release stored food energy.
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.
Benefits. Lymphatic drainage treatment decreases face puffiness, and removes bags under the eyes, jowls, and double chin. Lymphatic drainage before and after pictures reflects the difference even after the first 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.