What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the natural drainage of the lymph from the body. It is also known as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) or just lymphatic massage.

This type of massage therapy is often recommended for people with lymphedema, an accumulation of fluid that can cause swelling in arms and legs. Lymphatic drainage massages can also be beneficial for those who are recovering from surgery or have other health issues such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

The goal of lymphatic drainage massage is to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body, which helps to detoxify it and promote healing. This type of massage involves very light pressure on certain areas around your neck, chest, arms, abdomen and legs in order to stimulate circulation in these areas. During a session you may feel tingling sensations as your therapist stimulates specific points along your body’s energy pathways known as meridians.

When performed correctly by an experienced practitioner like Brett McInnes at Remedy Wellness Centre, this type of treatment can provide relief from pain and inflammation as well as improve overall health by promoting better circulation throughout your body’s tissues and organs. In addition to helping with physical ailments such as lymphedema or recovery from surgery, this type of therapeutic touch has been shown to reduce stress levels and enhance relaxation for many people who receive it regularly over time.

What Is The Lymphatic System? 

To understand lymphatic drainage, we should first understand the lymphatic system.

Your lymphatic system is mainly composed of a network of lymphatic vessels and 600-700 tiny lymph nodes, which range in size from a pea to a pinhead and are spread throughout most of the body. The fluid in these nodes and vessels is called lymph, which is composed of water, protein, lipids, cells, and other substances. The spleen and thymus gland are also part of your lymphatic system, and the digestive tract is also rich in lymphatic tissue.

What Does The Lymphatic System Do?

The lymphatic system is a vital part of the human body that plays an important role in helping to keep us healthy. It helps to maintain fluid balance, transport nutrients, and fight infections. But what exactly does the lymphatic system do?

The main function of the lymphatic system is to help the body get rid of waste products and toxins, as well as excess fluids. It also helps fight infection by transporting white blood cells throughout your body. The lymphatic vessels are located just beneath your skin and run throughout your entire body.

What Effects Can Be Achieved Through MLD?

• Increasing the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), aiding in sleep and relaxation
• Pain relief, via working with the gate theory of pain to reduce the amount of “pain signals” that reach the brain
• Accelerating the flow of lymph to up to five times its normal rate. It has not yet been scientifically proven, but this is hypothesised to have a beneficial effect on the immune system.
• Reducing the effects of swelling, edema, and lymphedema (an abnormal accumulation of lymph).

The massage works by stretching and manipulating the skin in specific areas of the body to stimulate circulation in order to move stagnant fluids. This helps clear out debris from the cells and encourages new nutrients into them for improved health.

It can also be used as an effective form of relaxation therapy due to its calming effect on tense muscles and nerves. MLD has been found to be particularly beneficial for those suffering from lymphedema, a condition caused by blockage or obstruction of the lymphatic vessels resulting in swelling or inflammation. By stimulating circulation through MLD, this condition can often be reduced or completely eliminated without resorting to more aggressive treatments like surgery or drugs.

In addition, manual lymph drainage has also been shown to boost immunity by encouraging healthy white blood cell activity throughout the body as well as helping with wound healing due to its ability to increase oxygenation in tissues that have become deprived due to poor circulation.

Finally, MLD is known for its ability not only relieve soreness but also help speed up recovery time after physical exercise such as running marathons or other strenuous activities where there may be excessive muscle fatigue

Lymphatic Drainage Massage is available with Brett McInnes, RMT