How Lymphatic Drainage Can Help Manage Symptoms of Grave´s Disease: A Natural Approach to Reducing Inflammation and Swelling
Grave´s disease is an autoimmune condition (disorder) where your Thyroid gland is overactive the whole time (Hyperthyroidism). The Thyroid, located in the front of your neck, is a small gland and it has a butterfly shape. Your Thyroid produces hormones that regulate your body metabolism, so they affect nearly every organ and hormones in your body, even your heart beat. In Graves’ disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, causing it to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). This overproduction accelerates your body’s metabolism, leading to a variety of symptoms and health issues.
What are the symptoms of Grave’s condition?
Some of the main symptoms are:
- Mood changes: Feeling nervous and irritable.
- Shaky hands or fingers.
- Muscle weakness.
- More sensibility to heat/ sweating or warm increasement/ moist skin.
- Weight loss despite more appetite.
- Goiter. Enlargement of the thyroid gland may cause your neck to look swollen and can interfere with normal breathing and swallowing.
- Irregular Menstrual cycle.
- Erectile dysfunction/ low libido.
- Frequent bowel movements.
- Bulging eyes (thyroid eye disease or Graves’ ophthalmopathy).
- Tiredness sensation.
- Thick, discolored skin mostly on the shins or tops of the feet (Graves’ dermopathy).
- Faster or irregular heartbeat.
- Insomnia.
What Is Lymphatic Drainage?
Lymphatic drainage is a specialized type of massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body. This gentle massage helps reduce swelling, detoxify the body, and support the immune system. For people with Graves’ disease, lymphatic drainage can be particularly beneficial in managing specific symptoms.
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage for Graves’ Disease
1.Reducing Eye Swelling and Exophthalmos:
One of the most noticeable symptoms of Graves’ disease is eye bulging, known as exophthalmos. This occurs due to inflammation and fluid retention around the eyes. Lymphatic drainage can help reduce this swelling, providing relief from discomfort and improving the appearance of the eyes.
2.Alleviating Neck and Thyroid Swelling:
Graves’ disease often causes the thyroid gland to enlarge, leading to a condition known as a goiter. Lymphatic drainage can help reduce this swelling, easing pressure in the neck and improving overall comfort.
3.Supporting Immune System Function:
As an autoimmune condition, Graves’ disease involves the immune system attacking the thyroid gland. Lymphatic drainage can help by promoting the removal of toxins and waste from the body and facilitating the transport of antibodies, potentially aiding in overall immune system support.
4.Reducing Stress and Anxiety:
Lymphatic drainage is known for its relaxing effects, which can be particularly beneficial for those with Graves’ disease who often experience anxiety and nervousness due to hyperthyroidism. By reducing stress, this therapy can help alleviate some of the mental and emotional symptoms of the disease.
5.Enhancing Circulation and Detoxification:
Improved lymphatic circulation aids in detoxifying the body and reducing inflammation, which can help manage the symptoms associated with Graves’ disease. Better circulation can also support overall healing and well-being.
Considerations for Lymphatic Drainage in Graves’ Disease
While lymphatic drainage offers several potential benefits for those with Graves’ disease, it’s important to consult with your doctor before starting this therapy. It should be used as a complementary treatment alongside traditional medical care, not as a replacement.
Lymphatic drainage should be performed by a trained therapist familiar with Graves’ disease to ensure the technique is applied correctly and safely.
Conclusion
Lymphatic drainage is a valuable complementary therapy that can help manage some of the symptoms of Graves’ disease, particularly those related to swelling, inflammation, and stress. By incorporating this natural approach into your treatment plan, you may find additional relief and support in your journey with Graves’ disease.
We hope this information was useful. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill and Islington. We are always glad to help. If you like this blog, please share!
References:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/overactive-thyroid-hyperthyroidism/causes/
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/graves-disease
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/graves-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20356240
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0rl8kpvz2o
