When you think of a massage, deep tissue, Swedish, hot stone, and sports massages are the ones that come to mind. These forms of massage help promote relaxation by massaging knots out of muscles. A lymphatic drainage massage doesn’t break up muscle tissue; rather, this gentle massage aims to eliminate toxins by moving materials back into circulation. At that point, the body’s organs clear these materials from the body.
What Is A Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
A lymphatic drainage massage focuses on draining lymph nodes, whereas regular massage focuses on muscles. The two constants in a lymphatic drainage massage are light pressure and rhythmic movements. Together, they help encourage lymphatic drainage. Lymph fluid that flows throughout the lymphatic system, which consists of various nodes and vessels. The lymphatic system collects and returns lymph to the heart via circulation. If there is a blockage or disturbance within the lymphatic system, lymph can collect in the legs and arms, potentially causing swelling.
Lymph fluid contains white blood cells and other cells that enhance immune function. Although there are hundreds of lymph nodes in the body, they are mainly concentrated in the neck, armpits, chest, belly, and groin areas. They feel like little beans under the skin when swollen and fighting off an infection. Because the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like the circulatory system, it relies on movement to move fluid. Simple movements, such as walking, resistance training, swimming, biking, jogging, etc., can move lymphatic fluid. However, lymphatic drainage massages can help target thick or stagnant fluid that the body can’t drain on its own. Consider the following benefits when you receive a lymphatic drainage massage.
It May Reduce Stress And Anxiety
Any massage is a great recipe for stress reduction because you get pampered for an hour or so and hit the pause button on life. Lymphatic drainage takes de-stressing to a whole new level. Unblocking the lymphatic system can help reduce soreness, pain, cramps, or built-up stress. Many people who struggle with panic attacks, depression, stress, or anxiety on a regular basis benefit from lymphatic drainage massages. You can incorporate essential oils to stimulate your senses and recharge your batteries as well.
It Helps Reduce Swelling
A lymphatic drainage massage is a useful tool to relieve painful swelling in the arms and legs caused by lymphedema. This condition tends to affect people recovering from breast cancer surgery. Lymphedema occurs when tissues in the body retain fluid after the cardiovascular system delivers blood to tissues and organs. A disruption in the lymphatic system can cause lymph to accumulate in the arms and legs, causing swelling. Not only does this form of massage help reduce the pain that results from tissue swelling, but it also helps prevent swelling from happening in the future.
It May Improve Immune Function
By targeting the lymph nodes in the body, lymphatic drainage massage may help enhance immune function. The massage works by moving lymphatic fluid to remove toxins from the body, ultimately reducing your risk of infection. Additionally, the blood and fluid that the massage moves re-stimulates it to promote detoxification. If you have the common cold or contracted a virus, for example, a lymphatic drainage massage may help the body eliminate it more quickly.
May Help Patients With Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes fatigue, tenderness, and muscle pain. If symptoms manage to flare up, there are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the severity of symptoms. Health experts say that different types of massages offer relief from fibromyalgia symptoms. One review of studies noted that people saw improvements in symptoms after experiencing myofascial release therapy. Shiatsu and lymphatic drainage massage also helped to ease stiffness in fibromyalgia patients.
May Reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints, causing major stiffness, pain, and swelling. Health experts say that lymph nodes swell more frequently in people with RA. Lymphatic drainage massage can be an excellent form of therapy to help stimulate lymph drainage and reduce the pain and swelling in the body.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
