Lymphatic Drainage Massage--
The Lymph System--Most
people are familiar with the body's vessel system that carries blood to and
from the tissues, but few understand there is another equally vital system of
vessels that removes excess fluid, viruses, bacteria, wastes from cell
metabolism, inorganic substances, water, fats, and proteins. This is the
lymph (lymphatic) system and is the primary structure of the immune system.
The lymph system picks up these various fluids and waste products from the
spaces between the cells and then filters and cleans them. Removal of protein
is especially important because proteins draw water to themselves, so too much
in the interstitial spaces causes edema.
The
lymph system starts as tiny vessels--only a single-cell wide--that eventually
branch into larger and larger tubes. After passing through ducts and nodes,
the lymph fluid empties into subclavian veins at the throat and then enters
the bloodstream via the heart. The lymph nodes filter the fluid and serve as
the home for lymphocytes--little Pac Man-like cells that attack and destroy
foreign bacteria and viruses and even abnormal cells, like cancer cells. When
the lymph system works well, we feel healthy and have a strong defense against
illness. When it's sluggish or blocked we can have swelling, feel tired, and
be more susceptible to colds and infections.
Lymphatic Massage--A
gentle form of bodywork, lymphatic massage (lymph drainage therapy) helps the
lymph system do its job better, by increasing the flow of lymph and
stimulating the production of lymphocytes and thereby enhancing immunity. Most
lymph vessels--about 70 percent--are located just below the skin. By using
very light pressure (the weight of a nickel) in a rhythmic motion on specific
places on the skin, a massage therapist can stimulate the lymph system to work
more efficiently and help it move the lymph fluid toward the heart. Per
day, 2-3 liters of lymph are filtered through the system. Lymphatic drainage
massage can increase the volume of flow by as much as 20 times.
Who Should Get It?
Lymph massage can
benefit just about everyone. If you're feeling tired and low on energy, or if
you've been sick and feeling like your body is fighting to get back on track,
if you’ve had bronchitis or swollen glands, lymph massage would likely serve
you well. It can cause a profound feeling of relaxation, detoxification, and
can give you a rush of energy! In addition, athletes, surgical patients,
fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue sufferers, as well as those wanting a fresh
look may want to consider lymphatic massage. Here's why:
After a sports injury or surgery, lymph vessels can become overwhelmed with
the demand placed on them trying to heal the body. Lymphatic massage is often
the treatment of choice, because it helps the body remove proteins and waste
products from the affected area and reduces the swelling. This reduces
pressure on cells and allows them to reproduce faster to heal the body.
Surgical procedures involving lymph node removal--such as breast cancer
surgery--can cause limbs to swell, beginning sometimes years later. Severe
limb swelling needs the attention of a medical team, but in milder cases,
lymphatic massage alone may be enough to prevent or even treat the swelling.
Make sure your massage therapist has certification in lymphatic drainage
massage.
Lymph massage can also be part of a care program for fibromyalgia or chronic
fatigue syndrome. Because it's so gentle, it is well tolerated by these
patients, who are often experiencing sore trigger points throughout the body.
This gentle form of bodywork can help restore immune function and improve
vitality. Try a session today!
From
www.abmp.com and
www.realbodywork.com/articles/lymphatic
