Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic drainage is a therapeutic massage treatment. This specific technique uses very light pressure and long, gentle, rhythmic strokes to increase the flow of lymph and help your body to reduce toxins via excretion.

The lymph system is part of your body’s immune system and helps fight infection. Lymph itself is a clear, slightly yellow fluid. It transports nutrients and oxygen to cells, collecting toxins on the way and flushing them out through the lymph nodes. You have around twice as many lymph vessels as blood vessels in your body. However, unlike blood, which is pumped around by your heart, the lymph system has no pump. The pressure from your blood vessels and movement from your muscles push the lymphatic fluid around.

Lymphatic drainage massage can have a beneficial effect on your general health. Because lymph is key to keeping your immune system working properly, improving the flow and drainage of lymph around the body is good for you in lots of ways.

Lymphatic drainage massage uses very light pressure, as well as long, gentle, rhythmic strokes and soft pumping movements in the direction of the lymph nodes. The main lymph nodes are in the neck, armpits, and groin.

Lymphatic drainage can leave you feeling exhausted. You may want to lay down, or at the very least, a very undemanding schedule for the rest of the day. Give your body time to ease back into activity. Lymphatic drainage massage may also leave you very thirsty. We’ve seen people who are not usually water-drinkers reaching for bottles of San Pellegrino like it’s free champagne!

Lymphatic drainage is about flushing out your system; you can aid this every day by drinking plenty of water.

One of the best things you can do for your lymphatic system is to be more active. Even the most gentle activity will help encourage a healthy lymph flow, as movement of the muscles exerts pressure on the lymphatic vessels and keeps them moving. Request an appointment from Performance Refinery in Del Mar, CA to start your lymphatic drainage program. For more information, contact our physical therapists today!