In order to understand lymphatic massage, then it is important to have an understanding of the lymphatic system which is made up of organs, ducts and nodes.
It may be considered that the lymphatic system acts like a huge washing machine that has been put on the spin cycle and wrings the lymph out of the various tissues and cells.
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The main functions of the lymphatic system are as follows:
It produces lymphocytes which prevents disease in the body
It is able to help maintain fluid balance by collecting and returning interstitial fluid to the blood
It absorbs lipids from the intestines and transports them to the blood
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT)
There are numerous benefits to LDT. These include:
With LDT, there is the activation of the circulation of lymph, veins, cerebrospinal fluid, blood capillaries, interstitial liquids as well as synovial fluids. Stagnant fluid is rerouted in many parts of the body.
Since there is the removal of toxins, lymphatic drainage may be effective in the regeneration of tissues; scars, wrinkles, surgical-incision sites, stretch marks, and the fracture repair process may be improved. Many therapists use lymphatic drainage therapy as a part of their anti-aging and detoxification processes.
Oedema, or the retention of fluid, is reabsorbed.
The immune system’s functioning is stimulated by an increased flow of lymph.
Chronic pain may be reduced.
The functioning of one’s parasympathetic system is bolstered. When the lymphatics are stimulated, sympathetic tone is diminished.
LDT has proven to be helpful in cases of muscle-related maladies and constipation.
Achieving Optimal Results with LDT
In order for you to achieve optimal results with LDT, your therapist must learn and observe several points:
Rhythm and frequency of movements – The therapist needs to listen carefully to the client’s lymphatic rhythm.
Manual Lymphatic Mapping – This process will give knowledge to the therapist concerning the direction of the flow of lymph.
Hand pressure – The motions for drainage must be steady, gentle and regular. The hand manoeuvres should be gentle as well as the reabsorption process.
Contraindications of LDT
Therapists must always be aware of the precautions and contraindications of LDT and the drainage of lymph should never cause pain. Here are some of the basic contraindications that a therapist should watch out for:
If someone is sick with an acute infection or has an inflammatory disease and fever, then the therapist must wait until the fever has subsided.
If there is a change of a blood clot in the legs then LDT is contraindicated.
If a person is haemorrhaging, then the therapist should make sure that the bleeding has stopped before any draining occurs.
The therapist should not work on people who have major cardiac problems such as coronary thrombosis (heart attack) and acute angina pectoris. The techniques used in LDT therapy may cause an increase to the cardiac load.
Any information, advice, recommendations, statements or otherwise contained herein, or in any other communication whether oral or in writing, is not intended to replace or to be a substitute for medical advice trained by a trained physician or healthcare practitioner.
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