You may get a monthly massage to relax or for pain relief, but one of the most beneficial additions to your wellness routine may be a lymphatic massage.
What is Lymphatic Massage?
Lymphatic massage or Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized technique that gently stimulates the lymphatic system to promote the body’s natural detoxification process.
Developed by Dr. Emil Vodder in the 1930s, MLD is widely recognized for its benefits in reducing swelling, boosting immune function, improving the appearance of skin, and enhancing overall health.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system, located just under your skin, is an important part of the body’s immune and circulatory systems. Think of it as the body’s “waste removal system.” It consists of a network of vessels, nodes, and organs that work together to remove toxins, waste products, and excess fluids from tissues. Here’s how it works:
Lymphatic Vessels
These vessels are like blood vessels but instead of carrying blood, they transport a clear fluid called lymph. Lymph is rich in white blood cells, especially lymphocytes, which help fight infections.
Lymph Nodes
These small, bean-shaped structures are scattered throughout the body, acting as filtration points. They trap and destroy harmful substances like bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
Lymph Organs
Organs such as the spleen and thymus are also part of the lymphatic system and contribute to the production and maturation of lymphocytes.
The heart serves as a central pump for the circulatory system, pumping blood through our bodies. The lymphatic system does not have a central pump like the heart. Instead, it relies on the movement of muscles and the contractions of lymph vessels to move lymph fluid through the body.
How Lymphatic Massage Works
Lymphatic massage or MLD involves light, rhythmic massage techniques that mimic the natural contractions of the lymphatic system. A certified MLD therapist uses gentle, precise movements to stimulate lymph flow and encourage the drainage of lymph fluid from swollen or congested areas.
During a Session
- Lymph Nodes – the therapist starts by gently stimulating the lymph nodes to prepare them to receive and process the increased lymph flow.
- Lymph Fluid – using specific, rhythmic strokes, the therapist then guides the lymph fluid towards the lymph nodes, promoting its efficient removal from the body.
- Circulation – the gentle movements also enhance overall circulation, helping to reduce fluid retention and support the body’s natural detoxification process.
After a Session
After your first session, you may feel only relaxation. It may take a few sessions to get relief from your symptoms like a reduction in swelling, ease of movement, or clothes fitting better. If symptoms are not improving after a few sessions, ask your doctor about other things to try.
Most people tolerate sessions well. Sometimes it may cause headaches, nausea, or fatigue. Let your therapist know what you experience so they can adjust your next session to ensure your comfort and progress.
It is important to re-hydrate and flush toxins out of areas that were released. Make sure to drink water before and after your session.
What Promotes a Healthy Lymph System?
- Water
- Healthy Diet
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Lymphatic Massage
Benefits of Lymphatic Massage
MLD offers a range of health benefits, including:
- Reduced Swelling – particularly effective for conditions and injuries where fluid buildup causes swelling.
- Improved Immune Function – by enhancing lymph flow, MLD helps the body more effectively filter out toxins and pathogens.
- Pain Relief – gentle, soothing strokes can reduce pain and discomfort associated with various conditions.
- Detoxification – supports the body’s natural detox process, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
- Post-Surgical Healing – can aid in reducing swelling and speeding up recovery after surgery.
When to Avoid Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage is typically safe and can help many conditions. It might not be a good idea if you have a heart condition, kidney failure, blood clots, infection, cancer, wounds, or inflammation with skin issues.
In addition, when the lymphatic system is impaired, blocked, or injured, there may be a risk for conditions like enlarged lymph nodes, lymphedema, or lymphoma.
- Enlarged lymph nodes usually occur when an infection is present, like a cold or other systemic infection. Wait until you are symptom free before scheduling any massage. This gives your body time to heal without adding more to integrate.
- Lymphedema occurs when lymph nodes are damaged or the vessels get blocked, and fluid backs up in the tissue causing swelling and pain. If manual lymphatic drainage is needed for active lymphedema, it’s best to see a doctor who specializes in treating these conditions and ask for a referral to a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) for your lymphatic drainage care. The therapist should have at least 135 hours of lymphedema training including decongestive therapy, bandaging, and compression garments. Most CLTs will also be able to accept medical insurance.
- A lymphoma or blood cancer can occur when lymphocytes mutate. Treatments include radiation and chemotherapy. A CLM Oncology Massage would be the preferred session for a lymphoma diagnosis.
Self-Lymphatic Massage
Ask your doctor if it’s a good idea to try a do-it-yourself lymphatic drainage massage along with seeing a certified manual lymphatic drainage therapist or certified lymphedema therapist. If so, check with your certified therapist for suggestions.
Lymphatic Massage at CLM
It is important to note that manual lymphatic drainage or lymphatic massage should be performed by licensed professionals who have undergone proper training. At Carole Lilly Massage, our Lymphatic Massage sessions are provided by Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapists.
Carole is a Nationally Board-Certified Massage Therapist (BCMTB), a NC Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT), and owner of Carole Lilly Massage. She is a Certified Holistic Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapist (C-MLD) and began taking MLD and Oncology Massage advanced coursework in 2009.
“I love that I get to wake up each day and share MLD with you. It’s such a gift to slow down and take good care of ourselves.” – Carole
At CLM, we recommend a Lymphatic Massage session if you want to eliminate toxins, reduce fluid retention, improve skin tone, boost immune function, and enhance overall well-being. Your therapist uses light pressure to improve or restore lymph flow that has become impaired.
What is a session like?
At CLM, a lymphatic massage typically lasts thirty or sixty minutes. This treatment is different from a traditional massage in that the goal is to gently stimulate and encourage movement of lymph around the body. Your therapist uses light pressure and rhythmic movements in specific areas to stimulate lymphatic flow. Most clients feel only relaxation during a session.
No lotion or oils are typically used during a session. This is not a full-body massage. We ask that clients wear comfortable clothing (sports bra/tank top/t-shirt and shorts/sweats) during their first session.
How often should I get a Lymphatic Massage?
It is recommended that you get an initial series of Lymphatic Drainage sessions and then continue with a maintenance session every three months.
Recommended scheduling protocol:
- Initial Series: Schedule 3-5 visits consecutively (T/W/H/F/S)
- Session 1: 30-minutes – Lymphatic Massage, Half Session
- Sessions 2-5: 60-minutes – Lymphatic Massage, Full Session
- Maintenance: Schedule Lymphatic Massage Full Session every 3 months. Schedule Therapeutic or Relaxation services between Lymphatic Massage sessions as needed.
Before Surgery: We recommend scheduling pre-surgery MLD sessions one week prior to surgery.
After Surgery: We recommend scheduling post-surgery MLD sessions for six to eight weeks after surgery. CLM does not provide post-surgery MLD sessions while drains are in place or without a doctor’s approval. If you would like MLD sessions within 6 weeks after surgery, talk with your surgeon or doctor for a referral to a hospital based Certified-MLD therapist or Certified Lymphedema Therapist.
Conclusion
Lymphatic Massage or MLD is a gentle, yet powerful therapy that supports the lymphatic system’s essential role in maintaining health and wellness. By promoting better lymph flow and drainage, MLD helps reduce swelling, boost immune function, and enhance overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with specific health issues or simply looking to support your body’s natural detoxification, MLD can be a beneficial addition to your wellness routine.
If you have any questions about Lymphatic Massage sessions at Carole Lilly Massage, please contact us.
