What is Lymphatic Massage?

The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system. It moves fluids in a slow rhythmic fashion through the body and returns it back to the circulatory system. The main function of the lymphatic system is the purification of the connective tissue as lymph is a fluid that originates in the connective tissue. It clears away bacteria, cell debris, excess water, and collects proteins and waste that are too large to return back to the bloodstream.

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Lymphatic massage , also known as manual lymphatic drainage is to purposely and directionally move the lymph to increase circulation, detoxify the body and restoring muscle function by decongesting the tissue. Lymph moves in only one direction through one-way vales called angions. By encouraging the lymph to flow by slow and gentle light touch strokes, we eliminate stagnation in the body and are able to bring balance to the autonomic nervous system (our fight or flight response). The lymphatic system’s primary pathway is under the skin and the idea is to “skin-stretch” rather than compress the lymph nodes.

Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage

  • Decrease stagnant fluid from tissues and increase blood circulation
  • Reduces swelling and inflammation and accelerates healing process
  • Increasing immune system
  • Stimulate the para-sympathetic nervous system (rest & digest) to relieve stress and promote emotional stability
  • Particularly beneficial for after surgical procedures

What is Lymphatic Massage?

The lymphatic system is an essential part of the circulatory system, responsible for moving fluids slowly and rhythmically throughout the body and returning them to the circulatory system. Its primary function is to purify connective tissue, as lymph—a fluid that originates in connective tissue—clears away bacteria, cellular debris, excess water, and collects proteins and waste that are too large to re-enter the bloodstream.

Lymphatic massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, aims to purposefully and directionally stimulate lymph flow to enhance circulation, detoxify the body, and restore muscle function by reducing tissue congestion. Lymph moves in only one direction through one-way valves called angions. By encouraging lymph flow with gentle, light touch strokes, we can eliminate stagnation and help balance the autonomic nervous system, which controls our fight-or-flight response. The primary pathway of the lymphatic system lies just beneath the skin, and the goal is to “skin-stretch” rather than compress the lymph nodes.

Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage

  • Decreases stagnant fluid in tissues and enhances blood circulation
  • Reduces swelling and inflammation, accelerating the healing process
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) to relieve stress and promote emotional stability
  • Particularly beneficial after surgical procedures