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Table of Contents
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Benefits
Lymphatic Drainage Map of the Body
Professional Lymph Node Massage
Lymph Health Beyond Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage, or manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), is a massage technique that helps improve the flow of lymphatic fluid through the body.Lymphatic fluid, called lymph, is a watery, protein-rich fluid containingwhite blood cellsthat help your body fight bacteria and viruses to keep you healthy.
When the lymph flow is slowed or stagnant due to recent surgery, obesity, injury, or illness, the fluid gets stuck and builds up in the body’s tissues.Built-up lymph fluid(lymphedema) can lead to swelling, pain, and stiffness.Using gentle pressure, MLD helps clear built-up lymph and restores the normal flow of the fluid to relieve lymphedema symptoms.
This article discusses the benefits of lymphatic drainage, self-massage techniques to move lymph fluid, and professional lymph massage. It also covers other ways to support the health of your lymphatic system and maintain a healthy flow of lymphatic fluid.
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Lymphatic Drainage: What Are the Benefits of Massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a safe and effective way to improve the flow of lymph fluid through the body. While reducing lymphedema (swelling) is the primary benefit this massage technique offers, it may provide other benefits to your overall health and well-being.
Who Should Avoid Lymphatic Drainage Massage?While lymphatic drainage massage is considered safe for most people, it may be harmful for people with certain conditions, such as:An infection or inflammation (e.g.,cellulitis)A blood clot ordeep vein thrombosisHeart diseaseTuberculosisKidney disease
Who Should Avoid Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
While lymphatic drainage massage is considered safe for most people, it may be harmful for people with certain conditions, such as:An infection or inflammation (e.g.,cellulitis)A blood clot ordeep vein thrombosisHeart diseaseTuberculosisKidney disease
While lymphatic drainage massage is considered safe for most people, it may be harmful for people with certain conditions, such as:
May Reduce Lymphedema-Related Swelling
Some research suggests manual lymphatic drainage is most effective when combined with other treatments, such ascompression sleevesor bandages.
May Boost the Immune System
The lymphatic system works as part of the immune system, carrying infection-fighting white blood cells and other immune cells throughout the body. When infectious pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, enter the body’s tissues, lymph fluid picks up the pathogen.Lymphatic vesselscarry the fluid and other waste products to thelymph nodes, where they are destroyed.
Though research is limited, some studies suggest that stimulating lymph nodes and lymphoid organs (e.g., spleen) with MLD may help improve lymph flow and speed up recovery from some illnesses.
May Reduce Pain and Stiffness
Incorporating MLD into your wellness routine may relieve pain and stiffness, offering a gentle and noninvasive approach to improving your overall comfort and quality of life. Research exploring the effectiveness of MLD shows that this gentle massage technique may help reduce pain and stiffness related to:
MLD also increases blood flow throughout the body, which may help reduce inflammation, improve the range of motion of joints and muscles, and promote healing after injury or surgery.
Hundreds of lymph nodes are clustered in several key regions throughout the body. Understanding where lymph nodes are located can be helpful before you begin self-massage for lymphatic drainage. Lymph node locations include the following.
Lymphatic System Physiology
Cervical (Head and Neck)
Cervical lymph nodesare in the head, neck, and collarbone. MLD techniques applied to lymph nodes in this area can help drain lymph from the upper body, including the head and neck.
Axillary (Armpit)
Most people have between 20 and 30 lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary region).Axillary lymph nodesfilter and drain lymph from the breast, chest, and upper arms.
Inguinal (Groin)
Lymph nodes in the groin area drain lymph from the lower abdomen, pelvic region, and lower limbs. MLD in this area may relieve swelling in the legs related to lymphedema.
Mediastinal
Mediastinallymph nodesare in the middle of your chest, near the heart and lungs. MLD in this area may help promote healing after chest surgery or manage specific respiratory condition symptoms.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Post-SurgeryMLD can be particularly beneficial for preventing lymphedema after surgery. Research shows MLD can help improve blood flow, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote healing when performed after surgery.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Post-Surgery
MLD can be particularly beneficial for preventing lymphedema after surgery. Research shows MLD can help improve blood flow, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote healing when performed after surgery.
There are two components to self-massage for lymphatic drainage: clearing and reabsorption.
Clearing involves gentle strokes to release lymph fluid collected in tissues. Reabsorption involves soft pumps or sweeping motions to encourage lymph movement through the lymphatic vessels to the lymph nodes.
Here are a few tips to ensure you get the most out of your self-massage:
Head & Neck
Depending on your comfort level, you can massage both sides of your neck at once or do one side at a time. Repeat each of the following movements 10 to 15 times to get the most out of your self-massage for lymphatic drainage:
Arms & Chest
Repeat each motion 10 to 15 times for best results.
Legs
For lymphatic drainage in your lower body, begin on one leg and go through the steps. Repeat each step on the other leg. Perform each step 10 to 15 times on each leg.
To avoid straining your back, place your ankle on your knee while sitting or place your foot on a stool for easier access to your leg.Perform as follows:
If you have lymphedema or are recovering from recent surgery, a healthcare provider may recommend professional lymph massage with a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT). CLTs are healthcare professionals—physical, occupational, and massage therapists—with specialized training in manual lymph drainage.
Before beginning treatment, a CLT will assess your medical history, symptoms, and needs to develop a customized treatment plan.
They may use several techniques, including strokes, rhythmic pressure, or circular or cupping motions to encourage the movement of lymph fluid. The CLT will repeat these movements in different body areas. Manual lymph drainage sessions last 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your needs.
Your therapist should provide care instructions to follow after your LMD session, such as staying hydrated, as well as exercises you can do to help with lymph flow. They may teach you self-massage techniques you can perform at home once or twice a day.
Summary
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle massage technique that helps move lymph fluid throughout the body. MLD has many potential benefits, including reducing swelling, pain, and inflammation, boosting the immune system, and promoting healing after surgery or injuries.
Performing self-massage for lymph drainage is a simple way to support your lymph health. If you’re unsure where to begin, working with a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) who can provide MLD for you and teach you self-massage techniques you can learn at home may be helpful. MLD is a safe and effective treatment for most people. However, talk to a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions before trying MLD.
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