Lymphatic Drainage

What is Lymphatic Drainage?

A specially trained therapist performs lymphatic massage or drainage to stimulate the circulation of lymph fluid around the body. This gentle and rhythmical massage treatment helps to rapidly speed up the removal of wastes and toxins from a sluggish lymphatic system. In addition to aiding in preventing swelling after injury or surgery, lymphatic massage can also significantly boost your immune system.

How Does Lymphatic Drainage Help You?

Lymphatic drainage helps to increase the efficiency of your lymphatic and circulatory system by reducing the volume of retained fluid and the associated pressure. This volume reduction increases your circulatory system’s capacity to remove retained fluids and toxic waste build-ups rapidly. It also reduces the risk of impeded circulation, which can leave you feeling “energised” after the treatment.

Research shows that 25-33% of people with breast cancer develop lymphoedema (Kelly D 2008, Stubblefield M 2011), making lymphatic massage an essential treatment for managing this condition. In addition, lymphatic massage improves circulation, increases your metabolic rate, and has the potential to enhance your immunity. It is highly beneficial in post-operative conditions that affect your lymphatic system, such as post-mastectomy.

What Conditions May Benefit from a Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage may benefit individuals experiencing various conditions, such as:

• Chronic fluid retention in legs or arms
• Swelling of a limb before or after surgery
• Lymphoedema (Hock K, Colby L 2012)
• Post-mastectomy or breast cancer treatment (Torres Lacomba M et al. 2010)
• Breast tenderness and congestion
• Fibromyalgia and Lupus
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Depression and Anxiety
• Hormonal and emotional imbalances
• Cellulite fat accumulation
• Recurrent infections, e.g. colds, flu, tonsillitis, sinus, and yeast infections.

What is the Duration of a Lymphatic Massage Session?

A lymphatic massage session typically lasts 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the specific condition. We recommend a 60-minute duration for the initial session to stimulate lymphatic flow and promote drainage in one limb. If you require treatment for two or more limbs, we suggest a 90-minute consultation initially.

Your lymphatic drainage massage therapists will guide your follow-up sessions based on your response to the massage and their experience.

What to Expect at your first Lymphatic Massage Treatment

During your first lymphatic massage treatment session, your therapist will take a thorough history and gain an understanding of your specific condition to determine the most effective treatment approach. The massage will be conducted on a table using light and rhythmic strokes that should not cause pain. Towels protect your modesty, and the use of massage oil is optional.

Following the massage, your therapist may recommend compression garments, and we will provide you with additional information if required. You may also benefit from exercise tips, self-massage techniques, skin brushing, and compression bandaging, all of which can help continue the lymphatic drainage process. Your therapist will encourage you to ask questions to understand your options for optimal care.

What is the Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system plays a vital role in your body’s functioning by collecting excess fluid from the tissues, purifying it, and returning it to the bloodstream. This process is critical because various substances continuously leak from blood capillaries into the surrounding tissues. Suppose your lymphatic system fails to remove these excess fluids. In that case, they can accumulate and cause swelling, potentially increasing the risk of infection. An efficient lymphatic system helps defend your body against germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that may cause illness. Fortunately, an effective lymphatic system works silently in the background, helping to keep you healthy.

The lymphatic system drains fluid into specific areas of your body, such as your armpits and groin, where there are concentrations of lymph nodes. Lymph nodes contain lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, including antibodies that fight germs (including cancer cells) and prevent infections from spreading throughout your body. Lymphatic massage can rapidly speed up your lymphatic system’s capacity to fight disease and viruses, remove toxins and waste products, reduce swelling, and filter lymph fluid and blood, leading to better health.

It is essential to note that lymphatic massage is a specialised treatment that requires additional qualifications. If you seek lymphatic drainage, ensure that your massage therapist is lymphatic massage qualified.