The topic of detox has become more and more popular over the years. Still, one system of the body, in particular, is commonly overlooked in this specific topic, the lymphatic system. It is essential for many functions in the body. This article will learn about the lymphatic system and numerous lymphatic drainage massage benefits that can optimize your health.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is a series of vessels and tissue spread throughout the body responsible for collecting and moving the waste from cells and tissues.
It does this by circulating a special fluid called “lymph” through a series of one-way valves and lymph nodes. You can think of it like your body’s own built-in sewer system. It also has other functions as well such as:
- Collecting excess fluid from tissues and cells and maintaining fluid levels in the body.
- Carrying fat and proteins from the digestive tract to the bloodstream.
- Producing lymphocytes play a crucial role in immunity and fighting off infections such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.
If you’ve ever been sick with a cold or flu, you’ve experienced the lymphatic system in action as most of feeling ill comes from the deadly virus or bacteria spread through your lymphatic system.
Another interesting thing to note is that the lymphatic system doesn’t have a dedicated organ to circulate lymph fluid as the blood does with the heart. Hence, it has to be distributed through the movement of muscles and tissues. Not everyone exercises and moves their muscles as much as they should, so this is where lymphatic massage can help.
What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Lymphatic massage, sometimes called “lymphatic drainage massage,” uses gentle strokes, movements, and soft “pumping” by the practitioner to help the circulation of lymph fluid throughout the body. A massage can go from the head down to the feet. A lymphatic massage is generally pretty painless, and most people find it very relaxing.
Due to lymphatic massage being gentle and low-intensity, most people can receive one without any complications. However, certain conditions may not be eligible for this treatment, such as:
- Acute infection in a swollen area
- Blood clots or deep-vein thrombosis
- Heart problems
- Certain cancers in the area of massage
Your massage therapist should be appropriately certified and know which conditions to look out for, but as always, be sure to check with your doctor first if you have any concerns.
8 Lymphatic Drainage Massage Benefits You Should Know About
- A reduction in fluid retention and swelling with an increase in circulation. Especially for those for have a lymphatic system blockage like lymphedema.
- Increased immunity for people with compromised immune systems or those suffering from a long-term illness.
- Faster recovery of tissues after surgery as well as a reduction in scar tissue formation.
- Boosted metabolism and enhanced digestion.
- Skin benefits include reducing the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite along with cleaner pores and less acne.
- For women who are breastfeeding, a reduction in the swelling of plugged ducts.
- Better hormonal balance.
- Lymphatic massage gives exceptional benefits for those who have limited mobility or maybe bedridden as they cannot move enough to circulate the lymphatic system. The benefits, however, can extend to almost everyone, though the lymphatic system is a vast network throughout the whole body, and even healthy people may not get as much movement as they should for each area of the body.
Here are some other quick tips that can also help boost your lymphatic system:
- Minimize your exposure to toxic chemicals found in herbicides, pesticides, and many commercial cleaning products. These can build up in your system and make it harder to filter waste.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated so lymph can freely move throughout the body.
- Include regular exercise in your routine and center your diet towards healthy, whole foods.
If you think you could benefit from a lymphatic massage yourself, start by searching for a certified lymphatic massage therapist and talk with them about your health goals and whether this type of massage would be right for you. Also, if you have any other conditions you might be concerned about before getting one, talk with your doctor.
