People who want to improve their health often turn to massage therapy to relieve pain and other symptoms of illness, but do you know the difference between different kinds of massage? Lymphatic drainage massage is an interesting type of massage that works with your lymphatic system to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve your immune system function.
By reading this article, you will learn more about lymphatic drainage massage and whether or not it’s right for you!
Table of Contents
What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
For centuries, people have used various massages to address pain and stress and promote healing. In the past twenty years or so, an entirely new type of massage has become popular lymphatic drainage massage. When done properly by an experienced professional, this type of massage can help improve blood circulation and flush toxins from the body.
As a result, it may also relieve swelling in some areas. However, as with any type of therapy, from hot packs to deep tissue work, there are pros and cons associated with lymphatic drainage massage. This new form can be achieved at home through self-massage or with the help of a partner or family member.
How Does it Work?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a type of massage that has many benefits for health. It’s all about the lymph, a clear fluid that flows through the lymph vessels and helps remove waste products from tissues in your body. Your lymph nodes are located in different parts of your body, so there are different types of massage treatments you can use.
The most common is called myofascial release (MFR), which targets large groups of muscles simultaneously. One big pro to lymphatic drainage massage is that it can improve blood circulation, which helps flush toxins out, so they’re not stored in your body’s tissues.
Who is it Good For?
Lymphatic drainage massage is excellent for anyone with joint pain or who suffers from cellulite, psoriasis, swollen legs, or hands. It’s also good for the person who experiences night time leg cramps, difficulty breathing, or clearing their throat. There are many other benefits as well. The most important thing about it is that it works!
Some people have pain and don’t know what’s wrong with them. They go in for a consultation with a massage therapist and find out they have edema (swelling), a form of water retention caused by inflamed lymph nodes in the body.
By manipulating your lymph nodes, you can relieve some discomfort because the fluid builds up when there’s an imbalance within the system.
How Can I Do It at Home?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a type of bodywork that involves pressing specific points in your skin and moving fluid back towards the lymph nodes. It’s usually done by therapists, but you can also do it yourself at home. However, remember that this technique is not as effective when done without supervision.
Before getting started, make sure you have a good quality massage oil that won’t clog pores, clean hands and feet (or gloves if you’re going to be working with your hands), and a place where you can lie or sit down for the duration of the session, extra towels or pillow for padding under your buttocks during a face-up session or under your calves for a face-down session.
Final thoughts
Lymphatic drainage massage is a type of holistic therapy used by professionals in the field. It’s been scientifically proven that massage helps reduce pain, increase flexibility, boost moods, and promote relaxation. If you’re thinking about trying a lymphatic drainage massage at home or going to see a therapist for a session, know the benefits are worth it!
