Is Lymphatic Massage Right for Me? - Shelly Meschke Massage & Energy

What is The Lymphatic System, Anyway?

The lymphatic system is made up of a network of very fine capillaries, clusters of nodes and glands. Fluid containing infection fighting antibodies, waste cells and other toxins flow around this system. The fluid moves by muscle movement. Since lymph doesn’t have a pump to move it around like blood has in the circulatory system, it may benefit from some manual manipulation.

The lymphatic system forms a really important part of your immune system and one way to know if your lymphatic system is a sluggish is if you have been getting repeated colds or bugs and/or lymphedema.

What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), encourages lymphatic movement and relieves swelling that happens when medical treatment or illness blocks your lymphatic system. MLD is a type of massage that can help to boost the detoxification process in your body. MLD involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to help promote lymph movement, enhancing the detoxification process.

Lymphatic drainage massage is usually a full body treatment and is very gentle. To move lymphatic fluid, the therapist needs to warm and move the skin without impacting deep tissue using gentle upward and circular or pumping strokes to encourage the fluid to move in the right direction. These techniques result in a treatment that is extremely soothing and deeply relaxing.

It is important to visit a therapist who is fully qualified in this treatment as it requires knowledge about the correct techniques and the direction of flow of the lymphatic system. Done incorrectly it can move lymphatic fluid away from the correct nodes and glands.

Are there any Precautions to Receiving MLD?

Generally speaking, lymphatic drainage massage is a safe treatment to increase lymph movement and to relieve lymphedema. There are some conditions and circumstances where lymphatic drainage massage is NOT recommended:

You have a heart condition.
You have kidney failure.
You have blood clots.
You have an infection.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned your physical health might be affected by lymphatic drainage massage.

Are there any Side Effects from MLD?

Few people have negative reactions to lymphatic drainage massage. Some people, however, complain of headaches, nausea and fatigue. These may be the effects of the detoxification process and should pass within a few days. If you experience these side effects, you should ask your healthcare provider about managing them.

Who Benefits from MLD?

If you have been feeling tired and sluggish or wake up feeling unrefreshed from a good night’s sleep it might be down to your lymphatic system being a little on the weary side! If you’ve been getting repeated colds or just can’t seem to get rid of one, you may benefit from MLD massage.

MLD is often used to relieve lymphedema following breast cancer or other surgeries where lymph nodes have been removed. Other conditions that benefit from lymphatic drainage massages are:

Rheumatoid arthritis: This is ongoing arthritis in your joints causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
Fibromyalgia: This condition causes chronic muscle and joint pain.
Chronic venous insufficiency: This happens when your leg veins aren’t working effectively, making it hard for your blood to return to your heart from your legs.
Lipedema: This happens when excess fat accumulates in your lower body, blocking your lymphatic pathway and causing lymphedema.

Is MLD Right for You?

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and live in the Grand Junction, Colorado area, give me a call for a free consultation. If it is agreed that a Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage may benefit you, I’ll get you on my schedule as soon as possible!