Lymphatic Massage
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes, and ducts that collect and circulate fluid in the body.
There are 500-600 lymph nodes throughout the body. These nodes swell in response to infection due to a buildup of lymph fluid, bacteria, or other organisms and immune system cells.
The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. In addition to maintaining fluid balance, the lymphatic system plays a role in absorbing fats and fat-soluble nutrients, and assists with our overall physical, mental and emotional bodies being balanced.
Like the roots of a tree, the lymph system starts as tiny vessels–only a single-cell wide–that eventually branch into larger and larger tubes that carry these fluids back to the blood stream. This network of delicate vessels and lymph nodes is the primary structure of the immune system. The lymph nodes act as check points along the pathways of the vessels. They filter the fluid (called lymph) 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—say after surgery or an injury—we can have swelling, feel tired, and be more susceptible to colds and infections.
Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage, also known as a manual lymphatic drainage massage, works by opening up the lymph nodes, making way for the lymph to move through the lymph system by manually clearing lymphatic pathways and then pumping lymph through the limbs with further rhythmic motions. A lymphatic massage continues moving your lymph for 72 hours after the massage.
What does lymphatic drainage massage feel like?
With notions of toxin-flushing, one might easily assume that manual lymphatic drainage would mimic deep-tissue massage techniques. On the contrary, a very light pressure is applied with long, rhythmic strokes used to gently stimulate the lymphatic system without pressing hard on the vessels.
Indeed, it’s deceptively powerful. Despite the light touch, your lymphatic system speeds up by 100x and the drainage will keep working for over 72 hours after the massage has taken place.
Is Lymphatic Massage for You?
LYMPHATIC MASSAGE IS FOR EVERYONE!
WANT TO FEEL BETTER?
What if I told you I can help you feel better without additional medicine, without a shot, without added stress or any further pain? That’s right. I can help you feel better. All you have to do is schedule your session. Show up. Lie down. Unwind. Rest. Simply let me do all the work while you take a time out from your life’s routine and receive a relieving lymphatic massage.
Manual movement of lymph can help everything from your gut to your brain. At minimum, a monthly lymphatic massage is recommended for a well processing lymphatic system. Even better is every other week. The BEST is a weekly lymphatic massage. Don't take my word for it, try it!
SURGERY
If you have surgery (my specialty is post plastic surgery lymphatic massage), a series of massages are recommended. Amazingly, lymphatic massage helps everyone to heal faster, with less fibrosis/scarring, less discomfort and better overall results. Depending on your surgery and how quickly your body heals, we start your post surgery lymphatic journey with a series of 10 massages over a month.
PREGNANCY
Lymphatic drainage is highly recommended during pregnancy as lymphatic massage can help relieve heavy legs and improve blood quality for both mum and baby. Please confirm with your OBGYN prior to scheduling your pregnancy lymphatic massage. Post pregnancy lymphatic massage can help restore one's body faster.
FIBROMYALGIA
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. And by encouraging lymph flow and removing waste products, this gentle form of bodywork can help restore immune function and improve vitality.
LYMPHOEDEMA
The aim of lymphatic massage here is to move the fluid from the swollen area into a place where the lymph vessels are working normally. To do so, specialized skin movements open up the area where the fluid will be moved into. Then the areas affected by the edema are gently manipulated in order to move the lymphatic fluids into the processing areas.
RESETTING
Combining flushing your lymphatic system with flushing your energetic system through Reiki is a wonderful TOTAL BODY RESET. You will feel relaxed in a way you may have not felt before and in a way you will want to feel again. Balancing our systems through weekly lymphatic massage assists with our overall quality of life.
*A special package is available for those who attend weekly lymphatic massages. Available when scheduling four weeks in a row. Be sure to ask Rebecca.