Frequently Asked Questions About Lymphatic Drainage

How does lymph drainage therapy work? 
The lymphatic system is responsible for handling and neutralizing toxins and wastes created from food, pollution and our own body's daily cellular activities. It is also responsible for housing and transporting immune cells.  Lymphatic drainage therapy works to help recirculate body fluids, stimulate functioning of the immune system, and balance the autonomic nervous system.  Basically, the lymph takes out the trash and lymph drainage therapy is like bringing in an extra garbage collector.

Watch Video on Self Lymph Drainage for the Head and Neck

The fluids in our body flow like the tides cleansing and nurturing us.

How do I know if I can benefit from lymph drainage therapy?
Lymphatic drainage therapy can be beneficial by helping to:  

• Reduce swelling from injuries or surgeries. (great to do pre and post surgical or dental procedures)
• Relieve chronic inflammation and conditions such as acne, eczema, and allergies.
• Stimulates the immune system for preventive maintenance and health.
• Detoxification of the body especially after sickness or anesthesia or a cleansing diet. 
• Relief of chronic pain. Clients may believe they need a deep tissue massage for pain relief when  trapped fluid in the muscles are causing the pain. Deep work flattens the lymph vessels and doesn't drain the fluid. 
• Reduce the feeling of fullness in the face and head. 
• Reduction of symptoms of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. Lymph drainage encourages the release or neuropeptide
• Alleviation of adipose and cellulite tissue.

Helping the lymph vessels in the torso drain.

How should I prepare for for my session?

• Starting a few days before the session it is good to drink a lot of water or fresh citrus juices to prepare the system for cleansing. Don't force yourself, just be sure you are well hydrated.
• Wear comfy cotton clothing. No underwire bras please.  A lymphatic session is fully clothed unless it is being incorporated as part of a massage session.
• Eat lightly on the day of your session.  This is a great opportunity to begin a detox diet for a few days as well.

 
What will the session be like?

• Your massage therapist's touch will often be very light to moderate (just enough pressure to stretch the skin) but the treatment should never elicit pain or discomfort. 
• Your therapist will concentrate on several key areas of your lymphatic system: neck, armpits, abdomen, hips. Organs such as the liver and kidneys will also be addressed in addition to any areas of complaint.
• You may experience sensations on the table as lymph fluids begin to move (tingling, coolness in fingers and toes, digestive noise, drainage in the throat). Sometimes clients need a bathroom break midsession because the fluids are moving.

It is vital for good health to keep all our fluids (blood, lymph, cerebral spinal) flowing well. The fluids cleanse and nurture our cells.

What should I do and how will I feel after the session?
The list below are only a FEW of the more common healing responses that may be experienced shortly after your session:

• The body may feel clean, light, and pure.
• The mind may be clear, sharp, and expanded.
• Some joints may spontaneously "adjust" themselves as the reduction in fluid allows for better alignment.
• Sometimes, as you detox, you may briefly feel sluggishness, nausea, muslce aches, pain and fatigue. These symptoms do not last and are a sign of healing.
• Temporary increase in urination and bowel movements possibly more odorous.
• Temporary change in your body odor. Increased sweat.
• Deeper and more restful sleep. Maybe wanted a nap in the day.
• Thirst.
• Sinus and ear drainage.
• Reductions in swelling and headaches.

These are signs your body is releasing toxins and your are on the road to better health. Drink water and eat light and healthy food. Don't worry, detoxing is natural and doesn't last too long.

What are the benefits of several sessions?
Over time the following benefits may occur:

• Weight loss with a reduction in adipose and cellulite tissue.
• Reduction in water retention.
• Reduction or elimination of your chronic pain.
• Reduction of your skin conditions and allergies.
• Increased energy.
• Increased metabolism.
• Reduction of PMS symptoms.
• Improved range of motion in your joints.
• Reduction in neck and jaw pain
• Relief from sinus pressure and headache
• Stronger immune system function and illness prevention.
• Regeneration or youthfulness of skin tissue.

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