Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a gentle, detoxifying treatment performed by a trained practitioner that helps process waste and toxins from the body’s tissues. But let’s break it down further to better help you understand the benefits and science supporting it.

WHAT IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE?

First, let’s define lymphatic drainage: it is simply the act of pushing the lymph fluid from the capillaries to the nodes. As this fluid is moved, interstitial fluid moves in and replaces it (interstitial fluid is the fluid around the cells). Once the interstitial fluid is moved into the lymph capillaries, it becomes lymph. This can also be used to drain excess fluid from areas in cases of edema, or excess fluid trapped in the tissues. This is different from swelling which is when blood floods an area to repair, causing it to become engorged, red, and warm and tender to the touch.

Fluid can be trapped from injury, diet, change in exercise, overcoming illness or the inflammatory effects of the menstrual cycle or a more colloquial term also known as “Retaining Water.”

A more accurate term for lymph drainage may be “interstitial fluid movement” or “manual edema movement” as we are not “removing” or “draining” the fluid, but merely moving it to the Lymph nodes so if can be processed, as well as replacing the lymph with new fluid.

WHY DO WE NEED LYMPH DRAINAGE?

The lymphatic system - consisting of lymph nodes, ducts, capillaries - and the spleen, do not have a “pump” to move the lymph. However, our body has other ways to transport it, most often through movement and also the underlying current of blood from the veins. Having a trained therapist manually create movement is a way to speed up the process.

Research is still being conducted, but studies have favorable evidence that it helps in recovery of injury, exercise induced delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), oxidative stress, DNA damage repair and various forms of edema caused by: inactivity, late stages of healing, travel, and hormone imbalance prior to menstrual cycle.

Bernal 2005, Vairo, G. L., Miller, S. J., McBrier, N. M., & Buckley, W. E. (2009)

HOW IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE DIFFERENT THAN OTHER MASSAGES?

Lymphatic drainage is different from other forms of massage. Massage often targets muscles at varying depths. Lymphatic drainage uses light, surface level pressure. The intention is to keep the skin taut and push the fluid towards major lymph nodes. This is often done through slow, repetitive movements. mobilization of joints and limbs, and deep, intentional breathing on the part of the client.

Once at the nodes, the therapist manually “pumps” the nodes via compressions to process the excess fluid, and then move it towards areas throughout the body to drain.

Due to its more deliberate, slower, and targeted movement, performing this service on just the face and neck can go for an hour.

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE AT SAFFRON & SAGE

As part of our Holistic approach, we see the benefits in it aiding in fluid retention, either from diet, exercise, hormones, lifestyle or injury. However, lymphatic drainage isn’t for everyone. Those with chronic inflammation or a compromised immune system should reconsider.

If interested, please contact us and schedule an appointment with one of our skilled and knowledgeable therapists.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage