Lymphatic drainage massage

This is a light and gentle massage that encourages the drainage of fluid and toxins through the lymphatic vessels.
The lymphatic system is our first line of defense in fighting bodily infections, detoxifying the body and transporting metabolic wastes, excess water and bacteria out of the body.

As the Lymphatic vessels lie just below the skin the methods used in this massage are light, milking and gently pumping. You might notice a pleasant tingling or a subtle 'pins and needles' sensation as the circulation is affected.  This action stimulates the opening of one way valves and aids 1/10th of fluid return to the cardiovascular system, which is vital because it can return no other way.  These vessels have no “heart” to pump them and rely on skeletal muscle pumps (eg. in the calf muscles when walking, they are squeezed and 'pumped') and by  active respiration, or in this case massage 'mechanical' stimulation.

It is highly recommended for people who have a low immunity and are prone to sore throat, tonsillitis, colds and infections.  Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin, and  those suffering from fluid retention (puffy ankles), oedema and lymphoedema. Lymphatic massage may be useful during pregnancy for those experiencing  tiredness or a lack of energy and the physically inactive.  Can be useful during detoxification and may aid in weight loss.

Contraindications

• malignant cancer, post cancer surgery: see GP re. Re-occurring tumour
• sudden onset of lymphangitis (infection)
• history of vascular disease, taking anti coagulants? Possibility of DVT?
• Congestive heart failure (dangerous to move too much fluid too quickly)
• unassessed pain
• contagious disease
• where fluid is due to organic disease such as heart or kidney problems or nutritional factors.
• Swelling due to an acute injury  in the first  24 hours, massage may increase swelling inflammation and disrupt the healing process, apply RICER.

Duration and Frequency of sessions

Lymphatic drainage massage can be anywhere from 40 minutes concentrating on a localised area to a 2 hour session for a whole body treatment.
A full body treatment is recommended for the first visit.
Depending on specific reasons for massage weekly consecutive treatments may be beneficial before desired results are obtained.

How you might feel after the session

• Dizziness or  light-headedness, it is important that you take your time getting off the table and to feel your feet firmly on the floor before standing up. 
• Nausea.  This depends upon the degree of stagnation within one's lymphatic system and thus the level of toxins that must be released from the system.