Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage is a very gentle yet effective therapy. The strokes are quite different to those of therapeutic massage. The movement is a gentle pushing type stroke encouraging fluid movement back to the sub-clavian vein for entry back into the venous system.
A well functioning lymphatic system is an important facet of overall wellness. Lymph flows throughout the entire body; it is the second circulatory system, an eliminating system removing biochemical toxins to the blood stream for processing by the liver.
Lymphatic drainage unblocks congested connective tissues. The slow light strokes work along the directional flow of the lymph system. It is an excellent therapy for any inflammatory condition.
E.g. sprained ankle. The lymphatic drainage above the ankle would encourage the excess fluid away from the injury, relieving pressure and pain and encouraging the healing process. Injuries heal better if treated promptly, before changes such as fibrotic tissue occur, which could end up impairing physiological function.
E.g. fractures. Lymphatic drainage is so gentle that it can work where other therapies would cause pain.
Benefits
· Increases the body’s lymph circulation, improves metabolism, helps eliminate biochemical waste e.g. lactic acid.
· Assists in reducing swelling and minimizing bruising
· Supports the immune system – lymphocytes are circulated from the lymph nodes during a lymphatic drainage.
· Helps minimize scarring and hastening the healing process.
· Promotes soft tissue relaxation – good for the parasympathetic nervous system.
· It can reduce pain by clearing excess fluid from an injury site.
Lymphatic drainage is also a useful tool for general detoxification. It can boost energy levels, increase vitality.
Case study:
A dancer came to see me. He had been social dancing for years and his leg muscles were extremely tight. I could not do regular therapeutic massage as his muscles were too sore. He was having difficulty in bending over to put on his dancing shoes and was experiencing pain as he tried to do so.
I did an hour of lymphatic drainage. After the session he could bend over and put on his shoes with no restrictions or pain.
