Are you feeling sluggish all the time or have Edema or Lymphedema or have had a surgery?
Learn about the benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy and how it can help you get rid of wastes and fluids 20 times faster!
So, what is Lymphatic Drainage Therapy?
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is a gentle massage technique that can improve your immune system, boost your energy levels, and reduce fatigue, among other major conditions such as edema, lymphedema and surgery.
This superficial pressure massage technique moves lymph fluid through your lymphatic system, which serves as a filter for your body, containing wastes, toxins, and mutant cells. The therapist uses light rhythmic pressure strokes to massage the entire body, with a little more pressure applied to areas with a high and deeper concentration of lymph nodes, such as the axillary and inguinal (abdomen) regions.
The massage works by manipulating lymphatic structures in the subcutaneous tissues to influence the direction and speed of lymphatic flow. This therapy may cause increased urination with a medium to strong odor and color in the person receiving it. It is performed without the use of any lotions or oils. A therapist may use rollers if a client experiences excessive skin stretching as a result of humidity in the environment or has loose skin.
It aids in the flushing of toxins, reducing fluid retention in the face and throughout the body. The therapy also aids in redirecting the flow of stagnant lymphatic fluid away from blocked or compromised areas and into more centrally located healthy lymphatic vessels that drain into the venous system. Lymphatic Drainage promotes better blood circulation, digestion, muscle flexibility, and inflammation reduction in the body, in addition to boosting the immune system, excretion, and congestion relief.
Most people are likely unaware of what the lymphatic system is or what it does for the body. Unlike blood, which flows in a continuous loop throughout the body, lymph flows in only one direction. It is the secondary circulatory system, which is made up of a network of lymphatic vessels that transport a clear fluid called lymph back to the bloodstream.
Another important function is to provide defense in the immune system. Lymph is made up of lymphocytes and other white blood cells. We come into contact with a variety of foreign bodies as we go about our daily lives, all of which have the potential to make us sick.
Why do we need to manually move the lymph system?
Basically, because we lead too sedentary lives. We do not move our bodies enough to allow this system to function optimally. Bending and stooping, reaching and twisting, and so forth. This system does not have a pump like our primary circulatory system, the heart, but when we stimulate it, it filters through the body and out, carrying harmful toxins with it.
How is lymphedema different from edema?
Both edema and lymphedema cause swelling, but the conditions are caused by very different factors and are treated in very different ways. However, the therapeutic treatments in both are very similar.
Edema is swelling caused by trapped fluid in your body’s tissues.
One of the most basic and common causes of Edema is gravity, which can occur as a result of sitting or standing in one place for an extended period of time. Water is naturally drawn down into your legs and feet.
Circulatory system issues such as chronic venous insufficiency, congestive heart failure, and deep vein thrombosis can also contribute to it. This swelling typically affects the lower limbs of the body, and if the underlying cause is addressed, the edema will resolve.
Some medications you take to control your blood pressure or pain may cause or worsen edema. Too much salt/sodium in your diet can aggravate edema.
Pregnancy can cause edema in the legs because the uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels in the lower trunk of the body.
Non-pitting edema is defined as edema that does not leave a mark when a finger is pressed into it. Diuretics, also known as water pills, can help with some causes of edema. These medications aid your body’s elimination of excess water and sodium (salt). Other types of edema, such as swelling after an ankle sprain, will resolve on their own over time.
Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when the lymphatic system is compromised. It refers to tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of protein-rich fluid, which is normally drained through the lymphatic system of the body.
It is caused when the amount of lymphatic fluid in a given area exceeds the capacity of the lymphatic transport system to remove it. Because of the excess lymph fluid trapped in the tissues, the area swells. It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but it can also occur in the chest wall, abdomen, neck, and genitals where lymphatic vessels are in access.
Lymphedema is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Surgery to remove lymph nodes and/or radiation can harm the lymphatic system and obstruct fluid drainage, resulting in swelling. Lymph nodes are the lymphatic system’s checkpoints. The effects could be seen weeks, months, or even years after the initial treatment. Not everyone who receives cancer treatment develops lymphedema.
When the finger is pressed into the skin in the early stages of lymphedema, it leaves a mark. This is referred to as pitting edema. The use of diuretics harms rather than helps Lymphedema. While there is no cure, with proper management, Lymphedema’s major symptoms, namely swelling and infection risk, can be improved and controlled by treatment plans such as exercise, wrapping, and Lymphatic Drainage Therapy.
“A Case Study:
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) for patients undergoing surgery.
The medical community’s acceptance of MLD is largely due to research studies. The question of whether MLD produces significant outcomes for post-surgery patients was answered in a study conducted by Laurie Casas, M.D., and Patricia Depoli, M.D. The research looked at 13 different cosmetic surgery procedures. Half of the group received MLD, while the other half did not. According to the authors, “we see complete resolution of postoperative edema, bruising, and fibrosis within 9-18 months in non-MLD patients.” Those who received MLD recovered in six to three months, significantly shortening postoperative recovery.“
Why should you invest in MLD before and after surgery?
MLD can relieve the tight, heavy feeling of swelling after a facelift, tummy tuck, liposuction, breast reconstruction, or even orthopedic surgery. In fact, having a lymphatic treatment can help with any type of surgery.
Besides surgery. Edema, and Lymphedema, what are the other major benefits of MLD”
Improves Immunity
Improves Energy Levels
Eliminates / Reduces Heaviness/ Bloatedness
Eliminates / Reduces Sinusitis
Alleviates Pain
Mastectomy
Eliminates / Reduces Digestive Issues
Reduces Spots, Pimples and Dullness on the Face
Reduces Inflammation
and much more.
How do you feel after the Lymphatic Drainage Therapy?
Less tight and heavy with swelling reduction due to lymphatic stimulation.
Less stress and more relaxation Reduces the risk of fibrosis (thickening) around the scar and affected surgery area.
Anesthetics are expelled from the system more quickly.
Wound healing is accelerated.
Scar tissue is laid down evenly.
Patients can return to their daily lives much sooner.
Reduction in the appearance of cellulite, less pain, and increased energy.
How do you need to plan for MLD?
You may schedule at least a weeks treatment prior to your surgery. This will help your body and lymphatic system prepare for post-surgical recovery lymphatic massage treatments and will give you a stronger positive response during the surgery.
To reap the benefits of lymphatic massage treatments, plan and schedule them as soon as possible after your surgery.
As a general rule, schedule two to three 45-minute treatments per week for four to nine weeks.
Talk to your surgeon about your recovery plan.
How often should I get a lymphatic drainage massage in general?
For any of the above conditions, it is recommended that you get a series of lymphatic drainage sessions for maximum effect. The benefits can only be seen after a minimum of seven sessions. Following that, you may plan to increase the sessions based on your recovery.
Conclusion:
In a gist, this therapy helps to bring back stagnant water within your body tissues into circulation, allowing you to have better health, if it has been compromised due to water retention.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is not a one-time or single-session treatment that produces dramatic results in the first session. To see results, you will need to attend a series of sessions. Even if you’re opting for traditional relaxation and rejuvenation therapy.
This therapy is only for women living in Bangalore. Let’s talk about how I can help you on your path to better health. WhatsApp or call:+91 9742763479.
