Put simply, lymphatic drainage is a gentle technique that removes toxins from the immune system. It also helps to replenish the body's healthy cells, healing existing ailments or injuries.
The lymphatic system was first identified in the 17th century. Research from several European scientists - Italy's Gasparo Asselli, France's John Pecquet, and Sweden's Olauf Rudbeck - established that the body is made up of a complex network of vessels that carry transparent fluid, or "lymph," to the heart. This is the basis of the lymphatic system recognized today
More than a century later, the Belgian surgeon Alexander de Winiwarter (1848-1910) introduced the technique of draining lymphatic swellings manually. This was primarily used for lymphedema, a condition in which the lymphatic system is obstructed due to the retention of fluid. The main symptom is swelling.
We've all heard of swollen lymph nodes, but few of us know what lymph nodes actually do. They have a variety of functions:
- They are the filtration and purification centers for lymph circulation
- They locate and eliminate bodily toxins.
- They work in concentrating the body's lymph
- They produce lymphocytes - blood cells that help our immune system
Lymphatic System Drainage Symptoms
If you suffer from lymphatic problems, you will most likely have more than just swollen lymph nodes. Your arms or legs may be swollen as well, which can be quite painful. Such cases, in particular, require lymphatic drainage.
Today, lymphatic drainage is a widely practiced technique, accepted by medical professionals and massage therapists throughout the world. Massage therapists trained in lymphatic drainage learn how to recognize the lymph flow's unique rhythm, as well as the direction, depth and overall quality of the flow. Using this knowledge, they can gently alter the flow with their hands, improving the circulation of lymphatic fluids while releasing obstructions.
The most talented licensed massage therapists will be able to map the lymphatic system via its pathways, using this knowledge to guide their hands. They are also able to provide accurate diagnosis upon examining the patient, and can recognize improvements and the process of healing. Much like craniosacral massage, the best practitioners have both intimate knowledge and practiced touch of this gentle approach.
So how do you know if you need lymphatic drainage?
- Do you have chronic inflammation, swelling or joint problems?
- Are your lymph nodes swollen beyond the common cold?
- Are any of you limbs painful and swollen?
- Are your fingers painful and swollen?
- Is there a detectable lump under the skin?
- Do you have heat in the area of swelling?
All of these may be linked to lymphatic problems. Your doctor should first be consulted, and then you can reach out to a licensed massage therapist with expertise in lymphatic drainage for treatment.
But there are other benefits to lymphatic drainage as well. If you have joint inflammation or arthritis ,the lymphatic fluids could be obstructed. If you suffer from migraines, lymphatic drainage can also help. This gentle technique can assist the healing process after surgery or a injury - but doctors advise that you wait at least six weeks - and can help new mothers avoid the common pains and swelling associated with breast feeding. In addition, lymphatic massage can improve the immune system, relieve stress and relax the body.
Lymphatic drainage may not sound appealing, but it can yield remarkable results in the relief of chronic and inflammatory conditions. Put simply, lymphatic drainage is a gentle technique that removes toxins from the immune system. It also helps to replenish the body's healthy cells, healing existing ailments or injuries.
The lymphatic system was first identified in the 17th century. Research from several European scientists - Italy's Gasparo Asselli, France's John Pecquet, and Sweden's Olauf Rudbeck - established that the body is made up of a complex network of vessels that carry transparent fluid, or "lymph," to the heart. This is the basis of the lymphatic system recognized today
More than a century later, the Belgian surgeon Alexander de Winiwarter (1848-1910) introduced the technique of draining lymphatic swellings manually. This was primarily used for lymphedema, a condition in which the lymphatic system is obstructed due to the retention of fluid. The main symptom is swelling.
We've all heard of swollen lymph nodes, but few of us know what lymph nodes actually do. They have a variety of functions:
- They are the filtration and purification centers for lymph circulation
- They locate and eliminate bodily toxins.
- They work in concentrating the body's lymph
- They produce lymphocytes - blood cells that help our immune system
If you suffer from lymphatic problems, you will most likely have more than just swollen lymph nodes. Your arms or legs may be swollen as well, which can be quite painful. Such cases, in particular, require lymphatic drainage.
Today, lymphatic drainage is a widely practiced technique, accepted by medical professionals and massage therapists throughout the world. Massage therapists trained in lymphatic drainage learn how to recognize the lymph flow's unique rhythm, as well as the direction, depth and overall quality of the flow. Using this knowledge, they can gently alter the flow with their hands, improving the circulation of lymphatic fluids while releasing obstructions.
The most talented massage therapists will be able to map the lymphatic system via its pathways, using this knowledge to guide their hands. They are also able to provide accurate diagnosis upon examining the patient, and can recognize improvements and the process of healing. Much like craniosacral massage, the best practitioners have both intimate knowledge and practiced touch of this gentle approach.
So how do you know if you need lymphatic drainage?
- Do you have chronic inflammation, swelling or joint problems?
- Are your lymph nodes swollen beyond the common cold?
- Are any of you limbs painful and swollen?
- Are your fingers painful and swollen?
- Is there a detectable lump under the skin?
- Do you have heat in the area of swelling?
All of these may be linked to lymphatic problems. Your doctor should first be consulted, and then you can reach out to a licensed massage therapist with expertise in lymphatic drainage for treatment.
But there are other benefits to lymphatic drainage as well. If you have joint inflammation or arthritis ,the lymphatic fluids could be obstructed. If you suffer from migraines, lymphatic drainage can also help. This gentle technique can assist the healing process after surgery or a injury - but doctors advise that you wait at least six weeks - and can help new mothers avoid the common pains and swelling associated with breast feeding. In addition, lymphatic massage can improve the immune system, relieve stress and relax the body.
I have a LDT-1 (level one) certification in lymphatic drainage, which I received after taking intense, hands-on courses at the Chickley Institute. I am eager to share this remarkable approach to massage with my patients - existing and new.
With more than 20 years of experience and natural intuition, my approach to lymphatic drainage is professional, gentle and individualized for each client. For more information on lymph drainage massage, or to schedule an appointment, visit my website.
Eugene Wood
Licensed Massage Therapist
NYC-Massage.com
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