Lymphatic drainage

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage is form of massage, The lymphatic system is responsible for helping fluid and waste leave the body, and for regulating the immune system. When the lymphatic system, comprising tiny vessels and nodes,  becomes blocked, fluid builds up and stagnate, causing the entire system to become toxic. This makes us feel sluggish and become more susceptible to viral or contagious diseases (see below for more info).

Lymphatic Drainage massage stimulates this system by clearing blockages, thereby eliminating toxins and allowing freer and more efficient transport of nutrients to cells. In turn, this boosts the immune system and increases metabolism.

Lymphatic Drainage is a form of massage. Unlike some other forms of massage, it utilises a very light pressure combined with soft pumping movements in the direction of the lymph nodes. The process can take from 30 minutes (when just concentrating on localised problem areas), to two hours for a whole-body treatment.

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More about the lymphatic system...

The lymphatic system makes blood circulation look simple by comparison. Made up of fine vessels and lymph nodes, this little-known circulation network is an important part of the immune system. Fluid travels through the lymph system around the body, filtering out waste and debris, and carrying nutrients to cells.

The lymph nodes do the collection and filtering of waste material from cell fluid, while the lymph vessels return the fluid back into general circulation. This clears the entire body, stopping excess fluid from stagnating in cell tissues.

Unlike the heart, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump to push it round the body. It relies on muscular action and body movement to keep the fluid moving.  To work efficiently, it also requires all areas of the body to be in good condition; that means adequate fluid intake, excellent nutrition and a high level well-being.

Why does the lymphatic system go wrong?

The lymphatic flow can stagnate for many reasons, such as swelling, chronic inflammation, too little exercise, too much starchy food, stress, fatigue, emotional shock, age, poorly fitted bras, or wearing bras for an excessive amount of time.

When lymphatic circulation slows down, the regeneration of cells becomes less effective. This condition allows toxins and proteins to accumulate around the cells, causing cellular oxygenation to decrease and tissue regeneration to diminish.

The tell-tale signs of oedema or tight swollen tissue appear.  It commonly occurs after a long-distance air travel: ankles and legs become tight and puffy. It’This is due to a lack of movement, pressure on lymph vessels from sitting, and the hanging position of the legs.

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage

  • Clearing areas of congestion such as swollen ankles, puffy eyes and swollen legs
  • Promotion of scar tissue healing, torn ligaments and sprains
  • Post-operative healing
  • Swelling relief following plastic surgery
  • Treatment of Llymphoedema and other conditions arising from venous insufficiency
  • Improving chronic conditions such as sinusitis, arthritis, acne and other skin conditions
  • Deep relaxation and stress relief
  • Reducing cellulite