Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle touch therapy that involves the whole body and is beneficial for relieving fluid retention, lymphodema due to lymph node removal, swollen or puffy legs/ankles and assisting the body to expel viruses like Ross River Fever.
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
Lymphatic Drainage enhances lymph circulation, promotes health and aids recovery from certain illnesses such as lymphedema, sinusitis or fibromyalgia. This powerful, yet subtle technique can:
- reduce or prevent fluid retention
- relieve swelling due to lymph node removal
- enhance the removal of toxins from body tissues
- assist in the expulsion of viruses
- support the immune system
- help recover from cosmetic surgery; and
- reduce breast discomfort
The lymphatic system plays a vital role in maintaining good health.
Lymph is a fluid rich in immune cells that fight viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. It circulates through the body, transporting immune cells where they are needed. Lymph passes through lymph nodes which produce new immune cells and filter out toxins and wastes. The swollen glands you feel when coming down with a virus are your lymph nodes working.
The therapy uses light, rhythmic touch to enhance lymph circulation. This improves the flow of immune cells, making it easier for the body to fend off disease and infection. Increased lymph circulation also helps reduce the body’s load of wastes and toxins.
This frees up resources that your body can use for tissue repair and maintenance, keeping you healthy.
What is a session like?
As many lymph vessels are just under the skin, moving the lymph requires a very light touch, barely the weight of a teaspoon of water. Therapists use flat hands and finger pads in painless, rhythmic movements to gently promote lymph circulation through the lymph nodes.
Most people experience lymphatic drainage as deeply relaxing. It is possible to feel light headed following a session and it advised to drink at least 6 glasses of water over the next 12 hours to replenish fluid and assist detoxification. Many people report feeling rejuvenated, invigorated or simply lighter in the hours or days following a lymphatic drainage session.
Lymphatic Drainage can help with:
Reduction of swelling
Lymphatic drainage can reduce swelling due to injury, surgery, cancer treatment or an illness such as sinusitis or fibromyalgia. As well as reduce the pain and inflammation associated with fluid retention.
Lymphoedema
Along with medical attention, it is also very effect for lymphoedema, the severe and chronic accumulation of lymphatic fluid, due to damage of the lymph transport system. Lymph-oedema can result in massively swollen limbs and can have a major impact on the sufferer, reducing mobility and causing discomfort and pain.
Cosmetic Surgery
The technique is very effective in decreasing swelling and bruising from cosmetic surgery such as breast reduction or implants, liposuction and laser surgery.
Breast Care
Lymphatic Drainage can reduce pain and swelling following removal of lymph nodes during breast cancer treatment. It can also reduce discomfort of breasts and nipples during and after pregnancy.