Massage Resources

What is the Lymphatic System and what are its functions? The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system. It is a secondary pathway to the heart, parallel to the venous system. It moves fluids through the body and returns it to the circulatory system. The lymphatic system is the body’s waste disposal. It clears away bacteria, cell debris, excess water, proteins and wastes from the connective tissue, and returns it to the bloodstream for ultimate removal by the kidneys. Lymph is a fluid that originates in connective tissue. The function of the lymphatic system is to collect proteins, pathogens, and molecules that are too large to return to the blood. They are transported and filtered through the lymph nodes, acting as a purification center, and then rejoin the blood near the junction of the subclavian and jugular veins. The purification of the lymphatic system is very important, because if anything blocks lymphatic return, blood protein and blood osmotic pressure fall below normal, and fluid imbalance and death occur within 24 to 48 hours. What is lymphatic drainage massage? Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the drainage of lymph nodes and the movement of lymph fluids around the body. It’s also called “manual lymphatic drainage,” and compared to other forms of massages it’s typically much gentler. While it involves light touch, it’s still very specific and needs to be done in a certain way to be effective and helpful. This type of massage works by applying light strokes to the skin in slow motions, targeting lymph nodes that are located just below the skin. Areas of the body where the largest concentration of lymph nodes are found include the neck, armpits, chest, belly, and groin. How can Lymphatic Drainage Massage help? Lymphatic drainage massage increases lymphatic circulation and helps to detoxify the body. It drains sluggish lymph nodes. The lymph flows in all directions, and so the fluid can be shifted with lymphatic drainage massage in a desired direction. The purpose of lymphatic drainage is to cleanse and regenerate tissues and organs, and to promote balance of chemistry. It stimulates the movement of lymph, and encourages the formation of lymphocytes that produce antibodies, increasing the body’s resistance to infection. If tissue has been damaged, lymphatic drainage helps to stimulate the lymphatic system to remove waste more rapidly from around these inflamed tissues. It is sent back to the lymphatic system for removal and cleansing. Who is a good candidate for lymphatic drainage? Adults who have experienced damage to their lymph nodes and lymphatic system are most likely to benefit from lymphatic drainage massage. These include people with lymphedema, which is characterized by swelling due to lymph fluid accumulating where it shouldn’t it be, and lymphadenitis. If you’ve developed any of the following symptoms, you might be a good candidate for lymphatic drainage massage: •Discomfort due to swelling •Heaviness or tightness in the limbs •Tissues that feel firmer than normal •Pain when moving and stiffness Lymph nodes can become damaged due to health conditions, such as some types of cancer, or due to surgery. Most often the swelling develops in the arms, legs or where the cancer occurred, or where surgery was performed, such as the breasts in the case of breast cancer. Lymphedema symptoms can develop due to illnesses and conditions such as: •Breast cancer •Cancer surgery (surgical removal of lymphatic structures, such as nodes and vessels, which impairs lymph carrying capacity) •Surgical scarring, which diminishes lymph transport •Surgical removal or damage of muscle tissue that diminishes the muscle’s compressive force on the lymph vessels •Radiation therapy, which can cause node damage, and/or scarring and fibrosis While most studies focused on the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage have included people with lymphedema, some research also suggests that this type of massage may also help with: •Arthritis pain •Edema and lipedema •Preparing and cleansing the body pre-surgery •Post-surgical •Fibromyalgia symptoms •Reduced inflammation •Constipation •Reduced muscle spasms after trauma (whiplash), or lacerations •Tissue swelling in the head from ear, nose, and throat region •Chronic venous insufficiency •High amounts of stress, which can add to anxiety, depression, and insomnia •Activating fluid circulation •Promoting tissue regeneration, like scars, •Stimulating the immune system (preventive) •Bronchitis •Sinusitis •Tonsillitis •Acne •Eczema •Chronic fatigue •Fibromyalgia •Auto-immune diseases •Reduced overall pain •Tinnitus •Vertigo Bibliography: •Lymphatic drainage massage benefits and how to do it - Dr. Axe. (2022, February 5). Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/health/lymphatic-drainage-massage-benefits/ •Milady’s Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage, 2nd edition •Silent Waves, Theory and Practice of Lymph Drainage Therapy, Bruno Chikly, M.D., D.O.