How Do You Know If You Need A Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Our body's immune system relies on the lymphatic system to stay healthy and remove waste. If the lymphatic system isn't working well, it can cause various health problems. 

Lymphatic drainage massage uses techniques that support both systems. It improves the flow of lymph, which supports the body's natural detoxification process and immune function.

However, how do you know if you need a lymphatic drainage massage? What signs should you look out for? 

By the end of this read, you'll know if a lymphatic drainage massage could be good for you!

Signs That Tell You Need a Lymphatic Massage

If you notice these signs, it might be a good idea to consider a lymphatic drainage massage to keep your health in check:

Allergies

Allergies happen when the immune system reacts excessively to substances like pollen, dust mites, or certain foods. This causes sneezing, itching, runny noses, and skin reactions. The lymphatic system, vital for the body's immune function, plays a key role in handling these allergens effectively.

How lymphatic drainage massage can help

Lymphatic drainage massage helps boost the lymphatic system, which is responsible for eliminating waste products, including allergens.

Additionally, lymphatic drainage massage can stimulate the immune system, preparing it to cope with histamines and other substances released during an allergic reaction. This stimulation may decrease allergy symptoms' severity and enhance overall immune function.

If you're experiencing allergy symptoms, consider waiting a week or two before getting a massage of lymphatic drainage.

Getting a massage when your allergies are at their worst could make your body deal with more fluids while it's already busy, possibly worsening symptoms before getting better.

Bloating

The lymphatic system removes waste and excess fluids from tissues, and when it's not working efficiently, fluid can build up and cause bloating.

How lymphatic drainage massage can help

Lymphatic drainage massage can reduce bloating by getting the lymphatic system moving. This reduces water retention, causing a bloated feeling by expelling excess fluid and waste products from the tissues. It's most effective for the abdominal area, with plenty of lymphatic vessels.

Brain fog

Lymphedema causes swelling in the arm, legs and genitals, and it causes lymphatic masses to develop in her abdomen. As it progresses, the person may also start experiencing brain fog.

This is because a compromised lymphatic system can lead to a buildup of toxins in the brain, which affects mental clarity and cognitive function.

How lymphatic drainage massage can help

Lymphatic drainage massage, or manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy, aims to manage and relieve inflammation and swelling caused by damage and disease. It also supports the lymphatic system in fighting infections and promoting healing. 

Healing comes faster with MLD therapy as it reduces inflammation and improves lymph circulation. This solves issues controlled by the central nervous system, such as brain fog.

Colds and flu

Colds and flu are typical in colder seasons, bringing symptoms like congestion, sinus pressure, and post-nasal drip. The lymphatic system, vital for the body's immune response, helps combat these illnesses. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) specifically targets the lymphatic system and can effectively alleviate symptoms from colds and flu.

How lymphatic drainage massage can help

Manual lymphatic drainage boosts the flow of lymphatic fluid, boosts immune cell production, and helps eliminate toxins. When done on the face, neck, or head, it helps the sinuses drain stagnant fluid. This reduces headaches, sinus pressure, and postnasal drip. Most patients prefer it because MLD is gentle, painless, and effective. 

Constipation

Lymphatic drainage massage can ease constipation by kickstarting bowel movements. The massage boosts parasympathetic nerve activity, supporting digestion and smoother bowel function. It effectively relieves symptoms like hard, dry stools and difficulty passing stool.

How lymphatic drainage massage can help

Sculpt & Skin by Amber Jasper’s lymphatic drainage massage is perfect for men and women retaining fluid, who look puffy and feel swollen after surgery. Other benefits include illness blocks, gut health improvement and decreased constipation. Book now. 

Depression

Depression is connected to inflammation and a weakened immune system. Lymphatic drainage massage may help boost the immune system, potentially lessening inflammation and enhancing the overall physical health of individuals with depression.

How lymphatic drainage massage can help

Manual lymphatic drainage can potentially lower anxiety and depression in women with breast cancer. Relaxation can reduce psychological distress and uplift mood in breast cancer patients. 

Dry or itchy skin

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system and can cause itchy skin. Your lymphatic system might need a boost if your skin feels dry, itchy, less elastic, or shows signs of early aging, acne, or rashes.

Approximately 70% of our lymph system is directly under the skin and is vital for skin health. This is why many people are turning to lymphatic drainage massage as a wellness and skin rejuvenation treatment.

How lymphatic drainage massage can help

Lymphatic drainage massage can keep your skin hydrated by helping the flow of lymphatic fluid. When the lymphatic system works well, it regulates the body's fluid balance, leaving the skin better hydrated and nourished.

Excess weight

Carrying extra weight can harm the lymphatic system as it cleans out waste and toxins from the body. Being overweight is linked to problems in how the lymphatic system works, which could lead to lymphedema. Deep lymphatic massage (DLM) is one of the methods that can address fluid buildup in various body parts.

How lymphatic drainage massage can help

Losing weight becomes tougher when the body is overloaded with toxins. Lymphatic drainage massage can help your weight loss efforts by clearing these toxins. It also helps the liver and kidneys detoxify, boosts metabolism, and reduces stress, which indirectly helps with weight management.

Fatigue

Gentle and light pressure from lymphatic drainage massage can ease fatigue. Manual lymphatic massage techniques might help alleviate fatigue symptoms. This is especially true during the early stage to reduce acute symptoms and prevent them.

How lymphatic drainage massage can help

Lymphatic drainage massage can speed up the lymphatic system's pulsation up to 30 times a minute. This helps the body perform natural detoxification, which removes metabolic waste in the tissues to restore the body’s full potential. Clients felt more energetic, experienced reduced stress levels, and improved their daily lives.  

Skin folds and cellulite

Both beauty bloggers and massage therapists praise lymphatic drainage for enhancing skin appearance and minimising fine lines, wrinkles, and eye bags.

Lymphatic drainage massages can improve skin folds because the lymphatic system is closely linked to the skin, with numerous vessels. Additionally, the massage reduces thigh circumference and thickness of thigh and abdominal fat, which benefits people with cellulite.

How lymphatic drainage massage can help

Gentle lymphatic drainage massage relaxes muscles and skin, making skin folds less noticeable. The strokes in this massage reduce inflammation and bloating and break up fat deposits, visibly reducing cellulite. It works by reducing fluid that pushes against the fibres beneath your skin.

Swollen lymph nodes

Swollen lymph nodes, also called lymphadenopathy, pose a threat to the body. They can enlarge due to infection and inflammation. These nodes are crucial for the immune system, which traps and filters out viruses, bacteria, and other illness-causing agents.

You might feel swollen nodes in the neck, under the chin, armpits, or groin, often accompanied by tenderness and pain. While infections are the usual cause, swollen nodes can signal conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lymphoma, leukemia, and other cancers.

How lymphatic drainage massage can help

Lymphatic drainage massage eases swollen and inflamed lymph nodes by increasing the flow of lymph fluid. Applying pressure to the swollen area helps release excess fluid. This cleanses the area and restores normal circulation of the lymphatic fluid. 

Health Conditions that Lymphatic Drainage Massage Can Help

Lymphatic drainage massage is beneficial for various health conditions involving the buildup of lymph fluid. Here are some conditions that may find relief through this massage. However, while the massage can bring comfort, it's most effective when complementing and not replacing medical treatment.

Lipedema 

Lipedema is one of the common chronic conditions affecting mainly women. It's when excess fat accumulates in the buttocks, hips, thighs, and lower legs.

It is usually misdiagnosed because there are no standardised criteria to detect it. Current treatments are weight loss, compression therapy, and surgery.

A lymphatic massage is proven to reduce limb swelling. For example, a two-month lymphatic massage program notably decreased limb size, alleviated pain, and reduced depression in women with lipedema.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition causing widespread pain, fatigue, and issues with sleep, memory, and mood. It often affects more women than men and amplifies pain signals in the brain and spinal cord.

In a study, women with fibromyalgia felt better after a month of hour-long massages given 12 times. They measured symptoms using scales and found improved pain, stiffness, sleep, sleepiness, and overall well-being. Even two months after the massages stopped, pain relief continued.

Rheumatoid arthritis

The lymphatic system is important for the immune system as it balances our body fluids. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it helps remove extra fluid from swollen joints. Research shows that during RA, the lymphatic system changes due to inflammation.

At first, it expands to manage the extra fluid, but the lymphatic system might not work as RA continues. This causes poor fluid flow and adds to joint swelling and pain. 

Manual lymphatic drainage massage works wonders by

• Getting rid of extra fluids in your joints

• Improving blood flow

• Reducing swelling

• Making it easier to move

Splenomegaly

Splenomegaly is when the spleen gets too big, and it happens for various reasons. These include hyperplasia, hematologic disorders and viruses like HIV and tuberculosis.

The spleen is important for the lymphatic system, which balances body fluids and fights infections.

Lymphatic drainage can indirectly help with an enlarged spleen by improving the flow of lymph, which is good for conditions like swelling (lymphedema). Less swelling means less work for the lymphatic system and eases the spleen’s workload.

FAQs

How long does a typical lymphatic drainage massage session last?

Physical therapists give lymphatic drainage massages lasting 45 to 60 minutes. It depends on the part of the body they're working on.

What happens if I don’t drain my lymphatic system?

Your body can collect fluid and swell if your lymphatic system isn't working properly. Lymphatic diseases can mess with your lymph, lymph vessels, or lymph nodes. This can lead to issues like swollen glands and lymphedema.

Can I have a lymphatic drainage massage even without a health condition?

If you're wondering if you need a lymphatic drainage massage, it depends on your health. This massage benefits conditions like lymphedema, post-surgery recovery, or rheumatoid arthritis, where it improves lymph flow and reduces swelling. 

If you're generally healthy, the benefits might be limited to relaxation and temporary relief from swelling. It's not a must-do for overall health, and no strong evidence supports its use for detox or weight loss.

What are the risk factors to consider before getting a lymphatic drainage massage?

Pregnant women or those with abdominal aortic aneurysm, or diverticulitis shouldn't undergo manual lymphatic drainage on the abdomen. Similarly, people with a history of blood clots, renal dysfunction, or heart disease should avoid it.

Where to Get Lymphatic Drainage Massage

If you're noticing the signs or dealing with the health conditions included above, a lymphatic drainage massage could be just what you need. But before that, check with your healthcare provider to be sure it's the right choice. Once you get the green light, visit our day spa clinic Sculpt & Skin by Amber Jasper in Perth, Australia!

We specialise in lymphatic drainage for both the face and body. Not only that. All our lymphatic treatments pair perfectly with our infrared sauna after your treatment. This way, you can give your lymphatic system a total cleanse.

Our lymphatic massage is super gentle. There is no need for deep pressure like a regular massage that works on muscles. It's all about the surface, a unique and relaxing experience. So, if you're ready for a wellness boost, book your first session with us today!

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