What is Lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic drainage is a specialised massage technique designed to activate and cleans the human fluid system. Because the lymphatic system itself is responsible for optimum functioning of fluid circulation and immune system, lymphatic drainage is a key to maximising our ability to rejuvenate and to establish resistance to stress and disease.
What are the benefits of Lymphatic drainage massage?
* reducing or preventing lymphoedema
* alleviating fluid congestion ( e.g. swollen ankles, puffy eyes)
* stimulating the immune system to reduce frequency of recurring infections. (e.g. colds, flu,
* promoting healing (e.g. wounds, acute injuries, burns) After traumatic injury lymphatic drainage massage is performed proximal to the injury and not directly over it formed proximal to the injury
and not directly over it formed proximal to the injury and not directly over it
* reducing pain(e.g. in arthritic conditions)
* reducing cellulite
* promoting hormone balance ( some menstrual conditions and menopause)
* removing metabolic waste, excess water, toxins, bacteria, large protein molecules and foreign substances from the tissues
* improving many chronic conditions( e.g. sinusitis, scleroderma, acne and other skin conditions, chronic fatigue)
* scar treatment ( lymphatic drainage massage may soften and improve elasticity of scar tissue)
* assisting treatment of some neurological disorders ( e.g. multiple sclerosis, migraine, Parkinson's disease, trigeminal neuralgia.
What do you experience during the treatment?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle, light-touch, noninvasive technique, because our lymphatic system is just under our skin and above muscle. We will spend a lot of time on the anterior body due to most of lymth nodes and vessels are located. Correct pressure is achieved when the top layer of skin moves against the level immediately beneath, not against muscle which would indicate pressure that is too heavy. Therefor lymphatic drainage massage should not be painful.
What do you need to do after the treatment?
It is very important to stay hydrated for at least 48 hours after the treatment, because your lymphatic system speeds up faster before the treatment. Other recommendations include epsom salts baths and a diet that is rich in diuretic foods like pineapple, papaya, berries, cucumbers, radishes, celery, aloe vera juice and watermelon.
References:
Sandra Grace PhD, MSc( Chiro), Grad Cert Sports Chiro, Cert Clinical Chiro Paediartics, Dip Acup, DBM, DO, DC, Dip Ed, The education for Practice Institute, Charles Sturt University.
Mark Deal Bsc(Sy), Grad DC, DO, Dip Ed( Technical), Chiropractor, Osteopath, Acupuncturist and Educator, Independent Contractor to Noosa Parade Medical Centre.
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