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Lymphatic Massage
ShareLymphatic massage is a type of massage that is very helpful for aiding the body’s elimination of wastes and toxins. It also has many benefits for the body, including weight loss and reducing the amount of cellulite. Read on to learn more about this fantastic therapy.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is one of the main elimination channels in the body. The others are the skin, lungs, kidneys and bowels. It is a major factor in the absorption of nutrients from digestion into the tissues and it is also how the body removes its metabolic wastes. The lymphatic system clears toxins, unwanted proteins, and waste which cannot be removed by any other means.
The lymphatic system maintains the connective tissues to an optimal levels, carries toxins out of the body’s interstitial spaces, helps to transport lymphocytes and hormones throughout the body, filters harmful substances and bacterial infection, maintains the balance of fluids in the body’s tissues, and it recovers substances that have escaped into the body.
What is Lymphatic Massage?
Because the lymphatic system has no pump, its functions are dependent upon muscle contractions, diaphragmatic breathing, and body movement. It is common to develop a sluggish lymphatic flow. Some causes of this include inactivity, consuming the wrong foods and drinks, and not drinking enough water.
Lymphatic massage is a massage technique that is designed to stimulate the lymph’s circulation in order to speed up the removal of waste from the body. It is helpful for the nervous system as it reduces sympathetic nervous activity, allows para-sympathetic activity, stimulates the defenses of the immune system, and increases the flow and volume of the lymph fluid. The technique involves the use of gentle, rhythmic strokes and pumping movements towards the direction of the lymph nodes on the body.
Lymphatic massage is helpful for scars, stress, cellulite, stretch marks, detoxification, chronic fatigue, weight problems, arthritis, neurological disorders, pregnancy, pain, and overall wellbeing.
Benefits of Lymphatic Massage
The benefits of lymphatic massage include:
• improving circulation, in turn increasing the metabolic rate
• helping with weight loss
• reducing fluid retention
• eliminating toxins, thus aiding detoxification
• reducing cellulite fat in the body
• improving immunity
• helping with sinus congestion and allergies
• fibromyalgia
• hormonal imbalances
Deep Lymphatic Massage
Many degenerative problems are related to imbalances or poor functioning within the lymphatic system. If these imbalances are not corrected, the lymphatic system is unable to properly remove waste and toxic materials. The toxic matter then builds up in the body’s tissues, eventually leading to what we call disease.
Deep lymphatic massage is used to clear all of the lymphatic vessels through the body – the superficial, mid, and deep vessels – which have become congested through trauma. Any time the body sustains damage, an area of congestion develops and, over time, this congestion solidifies and may hold fluid around the area, thus leading to an increase in body size and blocking the flow of some fluids.
Many conditions respond well to deep lymphatic massage, although it is especially good for people that are wishing to prevent problems in the future. It should not be used by people that are pregnant, have epilepsy, or have appendicitis.
What to Expect During a Lymphatic Massage Session
Lymphatic massage treatments generally last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. It is performed on a table, and the client undresses to an extent that they are comfortable with. Sheets and blankets are used to protect modesty. The strokes used in the massage are light and rhythmic, and the massage should not be painful. Massage oil is generally used. Once the massage is over, the practitioner will leave the room to allow the client to redress. The practitioner will also give you some tips on exercises that will continue to assist in lymphatic drainage.
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Related Modalities
Lymphatic Drainage
