The Benefits of a Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Have you thought about cleansing your body with lymphatic drainage massages (MLD) or looking for more understanding about a lymphatic drainage process and treatment?
We’re here to help! The professionals at Planet Massage Spa have been practicing Fort Lauderdale lymphatic Massage and lymphatic drainage massage treatments since 2006!
What’s the difference between Lymphatic Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage & MLD? Essentially, they are all one in the same, with the exception of the fact that there are other techniques to promote lymphatic drainage which are NOT massage, such as dry brushing. Even light stretching or a light walk encourages lymp drainage.
What is lymph fluid and why should you care? Lymph, or lymphatic fluid, is the a clear fluid that drains from cells and tissues. It is basically everything “liquid” in the body that is not blood.
When receiving manual lymphatic drainage, the flow and circulation of the lymph is encouraged to circulate and flow freely. The fluid is able to circulate throughout the body & in turn, collect more toxins on the way. This is where the magic happens, as the result is a decreased number of toxins in your body, and therefore a body that is fully cleansed.
Manual Lymphatic drainage focuses on helping to remove toxins, boosting and restoring your immune system function and ultimately helping to treat or prevent a plethora of health conditions.
Lymph nodes filter substances that travel through vessels, similar to veins that travel through miles of the body carrying lymphatic fluid which contains lymphocytes (white blood cells).There are hundreds of lymph nodes and miles of passageways found throughout the body. These lymphocytes are in charge of helping your body fight infection and disease.
Many doctors, highly recommend MLD after surgery for their patients’ comfort as well as to assist them in achieving the best possible results after their procedure. This is especially true with many surgeons, and is especially popular & often recommended after cosmetic procedures and cancer treatments.
Scheduling a Lymphatic Massage in Fort Lauderdale:
The Planet Massage Spa team has a number of therapists who specialize in the practice of Fort Lauderdale lymphatic drainage massage near me with treatments at our spa or with the convenience of at-home lymphatic drainage or mobile lymphatic drainage massage.
Many people are fans of regular lymphatic drainage massage for general wellness and detoxification. It can help with an overall holistic wellness program, helping to “take out the trash” in your body and allow it to heal. It can help with bloating, “puffiness” and weight loss, as well as helping to mitigate the look of cellulite.
Lymphatic drainage massage, manual lymphatic drainage or lymphatic massage is a very gentle yet powerful form of massage therapy. Lymphatic massage is recognized worldwide to relieve painful swelling experienced in your arms and legs caused by lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition that often affects people recovering from breast cancer surgery.
Lymph fluids traverse the areas of the body including the lymph nodes and nodes of the axillary glands located under your arms. Lymph nodes are tiny bean-shaped structures and are located throughout the body, including in the neck, torso and groin.
What Are Lymphatic Drainage Massages?
lymphatic massage utilizes a very light pressure and rhythmic movements to boost lymphatic fluid movement, and help restore homeostasis and a healthy immune system. Treatments encourage the elimination of toxins by moving cellular materials back into circulatory system, where they have the opportunity to be cleared by your other organs.
Unlike other forms of massage like deep-tissue massage and Swedish Massage, the techniques and intent are different. Most massage has a goal of releasing muscle tension while increasing blood flow and circulation. The intent of a lymphatic massage is to reduce swelling that often happens when medical treatments or illness blocks the channels of the lymphatic system.
Lymph fluid flows through the lymphatic system, which is a system made up of your lymph vessels and lymph nodes. When functioning normally, the lymphatic system collects lymph fluid and routes it to the heart through circulation. When the lymphatic system is unhealthy and disrupted, lymph fluid can accumulate in the arms and legs, often leading to swelling and other issues.
Lymph fluid is one of your body’s powerful natural workhorses. It contains among other things, white blood cells which build up the immune system and fight infection. Lymph nodes are throughout the body and number in the hundreds. You’ll find that many are concentrated in the neck, armpits, torso, chest, belly and groin area.
While your heart is the pump of your circulatory system, the lymph system does not have a pump. The lymphatic system relies on movement of your body or muscle movement to move the lymphatic fluid. Surgery, injuries or other conditions can cause the lymphatic fluids to stagnate and it can become thicker, and less effective. Staying hydrated is key when considering lymphatic treatment or it’s benefits.
What to expect during a lymphatic massage.
While each therapist has been trained slightly differently and has a slightly different protocol, typically, there is little or no oil applied during lymphatic drainage massages.
Many massage theraists have been trained in the Voder method of Lymphatic massage which is extremely light compared to other massage techniques. Soft strokes are typically directed toward the heart. Often, your lymophatic massage therapist will start at the toes and fingers and work their way up.
Lymphatic drainage massage is not painful in the least. Clients find MLD to be very relaxing. In fact, you might fall asleep or into a dream-like state during treatment.
It may take a few sessions to start seeing noticeable results from lymphatic massages as the effects are cumulative and each session builds on the next as your body heals itself. Often, surgeons recommend a series of sessions on regular intervals following surgery.
