FAQs About Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Common Questions Answered Regarding Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Manual Lymphatic drainage massage is popular among celebrities and health enthusiasts for its potential to eliminate toxins, boost the immune system, and aid weight loss. But is it effective, and who benefits?

Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle technique focused on the lymphatic system, located just below the skin. This treatment can be highly beneficial for individuals whose lymphatic system is impaired due to surgery, illness, or injury.

Sadly, lymphatic drainage is frequently misunderstood. This blog addresses some of the most common questions regarding the treatment.

The Lymphatic System

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What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle type of massage that encourages the flow of lymphatic fluid through the body. It involves light pressure and soft movements to help move excess fluid and waste products out of the tissues and towards the lymph nodes. Lymphatic drainage massage helps reduce swelling caused by surgery/medical treatments or illness that obstruct your lymphatic system.

How does Manual Lymphatic Drainage work?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) works by using gentle, rhythmic massage techniques to stimulate the lymphatic system and move fluid from areas of swelling or congestion into healthy lymph nodes and vessels, where it can be processed and reabsorbed. This helps reduce swelling, improve circulation, and support the immune system. 

MLD adheres to a particular order, beginning with deep breathing then activation of the primary drainage points in the body - lymph nodes located in the neck, thoracic duct, and armpits. This is followed by the employment of gentle, rhythmic massage techniques to move fluid from areas of swelling or congestion towards healthy lymph nodes and vessels, where it can be processed and reabsorbed. The concept is that by massaging an area without swelling, you create space for the congested lymph fluid to flow into.

How do you know if you would benefit from it?

Swelling is the most evident indication of a compromised lymphatic system. Similar to the blood in your circulatory system, lymph fluid is in constant motion. When it stops, lymph fluid can accumulate, leading to swelling, typically in the arms and legs. If your rings become tight or your clothes start to feel tighter, it might indicate that you're retaining excess fluid. You may also feel pain and a sense of heaviness.

Lymphatic vessels often become congested due to surgery, infections, trauma, or diseases such as cancer. Therefore, if your lymphatic system is compromised, you're likely to notice. Signs of congestion can also include infections and tight muscles.

Besides cancer, conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic venous insufficiency (which occurs when the veins in your legs do not function properly), and lipeodema (characterized by abnormal fat accumulation in the body) can lead to lymphedema. So if you have lymphodema due to any of these underlying conditions then you will benefit from Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

Can a Healthy Body Benefit from Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

If your lymphatic system is functioning well, lymphatic drainage massage probably won't offer benefits beyond basic relaxation. Even though some celebrities claim it prepares them for the red carpet, there's no proof that lymphatic drainage massage aids in weight loss.

Alternatively, employing lymphatic drainage techniques might temporarily slim the body by facilitating the movement of fluid throughout, similar to spreading a stack of papers from one end of a counter across its entire surface.

Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage help recovery following plastic surgery?

It most certainly can help with recovery after plastic surgery. Post- surgical swelling, bruising and discomfort are common challenges patients encounter during the recovery phase. To address these issues and enhance healing, lymphatic drainage massage has been recognised as a valuable therapeutic addition. I have a follow up blog which goes more in depth into the benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage following plastic surgery.