Our lymphatic system aids in eliminating our body’s toxins and wastes. A healthy and functional lymphatic system utilizes the natural mobility of the soft tissues to perform it. Nevertheless, health conditions, surgery, or other complications can result in fluids to get stuck in your lymph nodes and system, which is also known as lymphedema.

What is a Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

A lymphatic drainage massage applies light pressure and extended, rhythmic strokes that help the lymph fluid flowing and directs the toxins and wastes into the organs that can completely remove them out of the body. A  certified health practitioner can professionally apply the appropriate pressure to re-activate the natural contractions of the system. This will facilitate the flow of the fluid stuck into the natural lymph flow.

What are the Benefits of Lymphatic Massage?

A lymphatic drainage massage therapy is widely used for its benefit to:

  • fight against infection
  • make healing and recovery faster
  • decrease water retention
  • improve weight loss
  • treat cellulite, skin swelling, scar tissue, acne, and stretch marks
  • alleviate stress and fatigue
  • promote with post-exercise recovery

How is Lymphatic Massage Performed?

The purpose of lymphatic massage is to open the lymphatic vessels to the extra fluid drain back up in the lymph node in the groin. There are several techniques applied to perform lymphatic massage, however, all have the common goal, which is to free the fluid to go back up through the lymph nodes. This can be part of in-home physical therapy treatment.

To do a lymphatic massage on the legs, you can be guided with the following steps:

  • Do lymphatic massage of the upper part of the body prior to starting on the legs. Follow the steps of clearing in the supraclavicular part, the axillary part, and the inner-elbow part, in that order. This makes sure that the lymphatic system is clear to let the fluid drain up.
  • Apply light pressure. Once you can feel the muscles in your skin, you are kneading very hard.
  • Start with the leg massage at the most distant part away from the concerned or affected area and massage on your way down. For example, when your ankle is inflamed, begin the massage on the upper part of the leg.
  • Beginning at the top of the leg, place one hand on the inner part of the leg and the other on the back.
  • With mild pressure, extend the skin from the inside of your leg up and out, going to your hip.
  • Carry on this motion down the leg until you are on the knee.
  • When you get to the knee, stretch the skin upward, with left and right hands, toward your armpit.
  • Repeat the steps at least 15 times.

If you are experiencing any of the given symptoms and believe lymphatic massage would improve your condition, contact one of the highly trained professionals of Massage Rx Los Angeles and discuss a treatment plan that would be good for your health. Also provides manual physical therapy.