WHAT IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE, AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO OUR HEALTH?
Lymph Drainage Massage (LDM) is a hands-on technique that works specifically with the lymphatic system. It is designed to attain and sustain proper functioning of the human fluid system.
Unlike other systems in our body, the lymphatic system relies only on movement, exercise and massage to filter. Every day our body filters 1.5 to 2 liters of lymph that can increase with exercise. Lymphatic Drainage Massage increases this movement to 10-30 liters! (fluid movement can vary a lot depending on the length of session and amount of fluid the clients may be retaining).
Lymphatic Drainage Massage practitioners are able to detect the lymphatic system’s rhythm, direction, and quality of the lymphatic flow in the body. From there they can use their hands to perform Manual Lymphatic Mapping of the vessels to assess the overall direction of lymphatic circulation, areas of stagnation, and the best alternate pathways for draining lymph and other body fluids.
While receiving a lymphatic massage, clients will experience a deep state of relaxation.
Lymphatic massage is a vital part to improving overall health. It is great for clients who want to receive massage without the pressure of a deep tissue massage, while attaining similar benefits and balance.
A proper functioning lymphatic system is crucial to our body’s ability to drain stagnant fluids, detoxify and regenerate tissues. It absorbs and filters out toxins, excess fluid, proteins, electrolytes and foreign substances while maintaining a healthy immune system. The lymphatic system is complex, comprised primarily of lymph vessels and nodes working in cooperation to accomplish their task.
Lymph vessels rely upon hundreds of tiny muscular units (lymphangions) contracting throughout the body to propel lymph flow. The contractions enable the lymph vessels to transport numerous substances (i.e. proteins, toxins, hormones, fatty acids, immune cells) to lymph nodes which can then process them. The action of these muscular units can be hindered or stopped, due to surgery, fatigue, stress, or age. When lymph circulation stagnates, fluids, proteins, cells and toxins accumulate, and cellular functioning is significantly compromised. This can open the way to many physical ailments and hasten the aging process.
HOW IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE PERFORMED?
Lymphatic Drainage Massage is gentle, soothing massage meant to stimulate the flow of Lymph fluid in the body. The process of Lymphatic Drainage Massage involves the use of gentle manual maneuvers to aid in the recirculation of body fluids. On average, the pressure is a very light five grams, or the equivalent weight of two quarters.
