Benefits Of A Massage
A massage is an important part of health wellness for its healing benefits. Spas, general health clinics, gyms, and more all offer massage sessions. More people are incorporating a massage session into their daily lives. Its benefits have been continually proven to help relieve stress, fatigue, insomnia, depression, pain, muscle tension, and much more.
However, if you know someone who has been diagnosed with health issues like arthritis, fibromyalgia, digestive problems, or orthopedic injuries, suggest they receive a lymphatic drainage massage. Its continued health benefits include the following:
• Lessens bloating
• Relieves headaches
• Improves epidermis circulation and appearance
• Reduces stress and fatigue
• Improves allergy congestion
• Improves pre and post-illness infections
• Helps you to lose weight
What is a “manual lymphatic drainage massage(MLD)?” A lymphatic drainage massage is a specialized massage that is designed strictly to assist the lymphatic system. This type of massage helps to stimulate the body’s lymphatic fluid system to surrounding tissues and organs. An experienced massage therapist helps to move the lymph fluid around to do what is originally designed to do within the human body.
What Is The Body’s Lymphatic Structure?
Our lymphatic system involves the tonsils, spleen, and lymph circulatory system. The watery lymph fluid is clear to cloudy white in color. Its white blood cellular makeup is vital in keeping our body in good health.
The cells within a lymph system like lymph nodes help the body to fight off bacteria or foreign material. The lymph cellular structure is in partnership with the blood stream’s immune/filtering system.
Why Experience A Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
In addition to the health benefits noted above, why should you look into getting a lymphatic drainage massage? An MLD massage has become a part of the new wellness care modality. It is a massage procedure that benefits men and women.
When you want to get rid of swollen tissues and aid in the removal of toxins, an MLD massage is a great start. This type of unique massage treatment can also help in lessening the appearance of cellulite and spider veins in the legs.
A lymphatic drainage massage is specialized. Unlike different types of massage, like a stomach massage or a Swedish massage that addresses tired or sore muscles, this massage goes a lot further. It is built around a systemic approach to massages.
Physicians suggest that their patients use this massage technique who have undergone breast surgery or cosmetic procedures. Whatever swelling is involved, a lymphatic massage helps to flush toxins from the body, like the remnants from an anesthesia treatment.
What Is A Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
An experienced massage therapist uses messaging, stretching, or cupping movements over the body. These movements are designed to stimulate the lymphatic fluid to flow to the desired parts of the body.
With rhythmic light motions, the lymphatic drainage fluid is directed toward the body’s circulatory areas. Why does the lymphatic fluid need help from a massage treatment? The body’s lymphatic system features lymph nodes located throughout the body like the neck, armpits, chest, pelvis, abdomen, etc. Due to illnesses or injuries, these areas can be swollen.
The lymphatic fluid slowly moves in and around the body. When a swelling takes place, it impedes the fluid from reaching its desired organs. A lymphatic drainage massage keeps the lymphatic fluid circulating regularly.
Different Types of MLD Massage Techniques
The techniques used in an MLD massage requires a light, steading stimulation to address the specific vessels just below the epidermis. A massage therapist for this type of massage must understand how to stimulate and push the lymph fluid where the body needs it most.
Knowing which direction and how to manipulate the lymphatic fluid is very vital. A therapist must be familiar with the body’s lymphatic nodes. They are stimulated to receive the fluid. Then the therapist slowly and rhythmically moves the fluid toward the nodes.
Depending on the health condition of a person who requires the proper kneading of an MLD massage, the therapist will know which technique is best to direct the fluid back toward the specific nodes. MLD techniques are best used on the body when it involves massaging a large body area.
For example, massaging the chest, the back, the neck, or legs is best suited for an MLD massage. Here are a few lymphatic drainage massage technique:
- Scoop Technique
A therapist uses the palm of their hand in a circular motion. The Scoop technique is more popularly used on the lower parts of the body.
- Circle Technique
A therapist uses a circular motion over the body’s specific lymphatic area using the fingers or the hand(s).
- Rotary Technique
The therapist uses their hands and fingers in a continuous oval movement.
- Pump Technique
A therapist uses the palm of their hand and the knuckles of the fingers in a pulsing circular motion. This technique releases the lymphatic drainage fluid to stimulate its flow. While each MLD massage has its own health benefits, no one technique works better over another. They all have a specific health benefit.
Many clinicians also approve a self-MLD massage in the privacy of your home. It’s a great way to help detox your body in just a few minutes. Your physician can provide instructions and a diagram to help you locate the lymph nodes that are specific to your condition.
You will only be asked to very gingerly stimulate nodes in the more reachable part of your body. This includes your upper arm, beneath your knee cap, and your abdomen. Larger body areas are best performed under the trained eye of a licensed massage therapist.
What To Expect Following A Lymphatic Drainage Massage
A lymphatic drainage massage is a very gentle holistic treatment. But, because the massage is circulating a stagnant body fluid to different tissues and organs, there may be side effects. The side effects are minimal, and they do not last long to become discomforting:
Headache or Aching Muscles – this is a normal side effect because you are becoming stimulated to release stored toxins.
Bathroom Break – you will probably need to urinate quickly. A bowel movement is also very likely. This is a positive sign that the toxins are being released.
Thirst and Hunger – The lymphatic drainage massage is all about releasing and cleansing toxins from the body. After an MLD massage, your body will realize that it needs to be fed because your body has been flushed.
Tiredness – Since the lymphatic fluid has been slightly blocked. When a massage helps to release the fluid runs throughout tissues and organs, your body begins to feel weary. After a little nap, you will feel good.
Skin Breakouts – breakouts can occur of the toxins being released that affects the dermis cells. Also, several massage therapists use natural oils during the massage to keep the skin supple. People could be slightly allergic to their skin contact.
What Are the Signs For a Health Relieving MLD?
A backed-up lymphatic system is experienced when the following signs remain in the body for a specific length of time:
• Bloating or holding on to water
• Constipation
• Dry or itchy skin
• Lingering allergies
• Lingering colds
• Puffiness in eyes or face
• Sinus infections
• Soreness
• Swelling in the body (fingers, ankles, face)
• Swollen glands
Granted that not every symptom calls for an MLD, but undergoing a massage can only be a very helpful treatment. Also, an MLD massage actually relaxes your mind and the body.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Practitioner
The advantages of a lymphatic drainage massage are plentiful. How then can I find a lymphatic massage near me? Several licensed lymphatic drainage massage therapists are located near where you live. Some may be identified under a holistic category.
Whomever you decide to use, make sure that they are properly licensed. Also, do your homework and ensure that the therapists are experienced and well trained. When browsing through a directory to find a licensed lymphatic massage near me, you can receive assistance from a physician, an esthetician, or a medical spa center.
