Lymphatic drainage massage

Introduction

It has recently been observed that the number of people turning to complementary and alternative medicines is increasing. What could be the cause? One of the main reasons has been the side effects and adverse medical complications associated with pharmaceutical drugs' excessive use. Chinese acupuncture is at the top of the list of popular alternative medicines. This procedure, also known as needle treatment, has yielded positive results for patients.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) helps in enhancing the immunity of the body. Sterilized needles are inserted on the acupuncture points of the body to clear the energy blockages. Known as acupoints, these are located in the meridians of the body through which the energy flows.

Lymphatic drainage massage is a similar example that helps the immune system to function perfectly. The flow of energy is restored to normal through this therapeutic procedure. Lymphatic drainage massage should be performed only by licensed and trained therapists. As you may know, the proper working of the lymphatic system is essential in a healthy body as it supplies nutrients to cells and removes excess waste and toxins from the body. Any block in the lymphatic system would affect the human body's whole functioning, thereby resulting in inflammation and swellings.

So in lymphatic drainage massage, a cleanup process is carried out, thereby removing toxins from the body. Soft and gentle massage can improve metabolism, encourage cell regeneration and also prevents lymphedema. Stay healthy in life, and make sure to choose the services of a trained and certified medical practitioner.

What is manual lymphatic drainage massage?

Manual lymph drainage massage (also called lymphatic drainage and lymph massage) is a very light massage that encourages lymph flow in the body. It is perfect for detoxification, oedema, pre- and post-plastic surgery and post-liposuction. It can also help with cellulite treatments, scar tissue, spider veins, redness and acne.

The lymphatic system is a slow-moving system of vessels and lymph nodes supplementary to the body's circulatory system. The lymph system delivers nutrients to the cells and carries away excess water, cellular waste, bacteria, viruses and toxins.

A therapist trained in lymph drainage massage stimulates the lymph system with extremely light, circular pumping movements. By stimulating the lymphatic system, the therapist helps drain puffy, swollen tissues, supports the body's immune system, helps the body heal from surgery, and aids in the body's natural waste removal or detoxification.

The lymphatic system is located directly beneath the skin, so the pumping, circular movements are very light. Manual lymph drainage should have a very soothing, relaxing effect. It can be used as part of a facial or as a whole-body treatment.

Drink plenty of water after a lymph drainage massage to help flush out toxins. Stay away from salt and alcohol after a massage, as they inhibit the body's ability to flush out toxins.

Emil Vodder, a resident of Copenhagen who lived on the French Riviera in the 1930s, devised lymph drainage massage. He studied medicine but was unable to complete his degree due to illness. Nevertheless, h is work in art history earned him a doctorate in philosophy.

Origins

This therapy first became available in the 1930s. It was completely unacceptable to interfere with this system at the time. Emil and Estrid, two Danish doctors, invented the lymphatic drainage massage. It has been used to treat chronic sinusitis as well as to boost the immune system. It was first introduced to France in 1936. Manual lymphatic drainage is now widely practised in many parts of the world.

Function

You will be treated by a specialist when you visit the doctor's clinic, an expert in MLD therapy. The doctor will examine your overall condition and health. He will advise you on the MLD sessions you require based on his analysis. A typical MLD session lasts anywhere between one and one and a half hours.

In the manual lymphatic drainage massage, the physician will give you a light and periodic massage. He uses gentle and specialized pump methods. The movement in this therapy usually intends to follow the body's lymph stream path, and hence it stimulates the lymphatic vessels.

These vessels play an important role in sending the required antibodies and nutrients to the body. It also plays an essential role in discharging the waste and toxins present in the human body.
Stimulation is necessary for the lymph vessels to eliminate the blockages inside. This therapy is very much helpful in boosting the immune system. It is also very much useful in treating infections, headaches, allergies.