Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage, a form of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), is used in conjunction with standard medical care. It reduces pain, improves mental health, and enhances emotional wellbeing, providing support for those healing from trauma and aiming to regain their sense of self during the healing process.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a light touch modality that aids the lymph flow in the Lymphatic System, which is crucial as it functions as the body’s sewage system, discarding waste and excess fluid. This system collects surplus fluid from tissue gaps and transports it to the heart, where it is filtered out of the body. The lymph nodes, integral parts of the lymphatic system, produce, store, and discharge immune cells that combat foreign elements like viruses and bacteria. A massage stimulates these lymph nodes, causing them to release the accumulated fluid in the muscle, which is then purged from the body. Regular lymph drainage massages can have positive effects on general health and well-being.
Developed in the 1930s for its immune system benefits, Manual Lymphatic Drainage encourages the body to eliminate cellular debris and pathogens swiftly by manually stimulating the lymphatic system.
Autoimmune and Pain-Inducing Conditions
As an adjunctive therapy, lymphatic drainage is beneficial for autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. While it doesn't address the root cause, it alleviates symptoms and enhances comfort in the body. Clients with fibromyalgia, CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome), and other conditions involving pain in the joints or muscles also greatly benefit from lymphatic drainage, as the therapy is not only analgesic but also relaxing to the nervous system. This is my specialty!
Surgical Recovery
Lymphatic drainage is also essential for pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical recovery, due to its advantageous properties for healing. Before surgery, it's beneficial to clear the area of any stagnant lymph, preparing it for speedy post-surgery healing. Post-surgery, lymphatic drainage reduces swelling, softens the tissue, increases range of motion, and generally accelerates healing. Regular lymphatic massages just after surgery can protect your investment in your health.
PreNatal
Prenatal massages, best started after the first trimester with your practitioner's permission, reduce stress hormones, relax muscles, and increase blood flow, supporting the lymphatic system in toxin removal. Regular prenatal massages can alleviate joint pain, insomnia, sciatica, leg cramping, and neck and back pain. They also assist with depression relief, sinus congestion, headaches, and swelling.
PostPartam
Postpartum massages can be extremely beneficial if you're experiencing swelling in your face, legs, feet, ankles, hands, and arms after giving birth. The extra fluid doesn't disappear overnight, and postpartum swelling can be caused by a buildup of this excess fluid. It can also increase due to the extra fluids received via IV during labor and delivery. Lymphatic drainage massage can effectively push these fluids from under the tissues into the bloodstream for proper drainage, triggering a state of healing and reducing swelling.
However, please note that lymphatic drainage techniques are not recommended for people with heart conditions, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), kidney problems, or cellulitis.
Education and Training:
Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist, trained in the Vodder Method by Klose Training (October 2022)