We’ve noticed a significant increase in the number of people seeking lymphatic drainage massage. Have you heard of it? This technique, traced back to the 1930s, is an excellent approach to support the body’s ability to heal after surgery or injury, improve energy levels, and minimize a number of symptoms associated with diabetes, fibromyalgia, and more. But what does the lymphatic system do in our bodies? How does lymphatic drainage massage promote post-operative healing and assist the body in everyday practice? We sat down with massage therapist Barbara Spratt, LMT, to learn more about this healing modality.
Can you tell us briefly what the lymphatic system is and what it does for the body?
“The Lymphatic System is part of the immune system and is complementary to the circulatory system which consists of a large network of lymphatic vessels, nodes and tissues that carry lymph, a clear fluid, back towards the heart for re-circulation. It is effectively the waste delivery system of the body.”
What kinds of things can impair the lymphatic system’s ability to function properly?
“Inflammation due to injury including surgery (especially cosmetic surgery), illness (diabetes, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, lymphedema, cancer), poor diet and even (excessive) exercise in some individuals can increase the amount of excess lymph in the body.”
How does lymphatic drainage massage help to counteract these impairments?
“Lymphatic Massage stimulates the lymphatic system by gently breaking up areas of excessive inflammation using gentle gliding, kneading, wringing strokes whose aim is to encourage lymphatic fluid to move from the areas of increased inflammation towards the heart where it is transported directly to the liver to be processed and eliminated through normal digestive processes.”
What can I expect in a lymphatic drainage massage?
“Depending on the goal of the session an individual may expect different areas treated and depth of pressure. In general lymphatic massage uses gentle light ‘skin deep’ pressure. If someone is coming in for a postoperative cosmetic surgery typically only the areas having had surgery might be worked on while someone with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue or who is interested in experiencing a Lymphatic Drainage Massage for increased energy may receive a full body massage.”
When should I NOT get a lymphatic massage?
“Contraindications for Lymphatic Massage are similar to most massage which includes open wounds/sores, burns, contagious skin conditions, active non-terminal cancer that has affected the lymph nodes. If you are under a physician’s care check with your doctor if lymphatic massage is recommended.”
What else can I do, on my own, to support my lymphatic system?
“The number one thing is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water, proper hydration is essential for a well functioning lymphatic system and aids in the elimination process of waste in the body as a whole.
Consume anti inflammatory supplements like turmeric with pepperine, an extract of pepper.
Cryotherapy for acute conditions like after an injury or to aid in recovery after an athletic event using an icepack on a swollen or sensitive area or a cold shower or more effectively an ice bath to affect the whole body.
Contrast therapy is exceptionally effective for chronic conditions and can replicate a pump-like action in the lymphatic system that has no pump by alternating heat which expands tissue and cold which contacts tissue it aids the body in moving the excess lymph from the area being treated towards lymph nodes. One can alternate a hot compress and ice packs for a small area or alternate between a hot bath/shower and a cold or icy bath/shower ending with cold for a whole body treatment.”