lymphatic drainage therapy (pre and post surgery)
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is a powerful, yet gentle modality used for detoxification, to reduce edema and swelling, to support the pre- and post surgical process, and to boost the overall immune system.
The lymphatic system is designed to support the immune system while nourishing and cleansing cells. If your lymphatic system becomes compromised, so will your health. Many factors can impact your lymphatic system including poor diet, lack of exercise, toxins, viruses, autoimmune conditions, surgeries, medications, and chronic stress. The good news is, lymphatic drainage can help to signficantly reduce inflammation in the body, while improving your overall health.
If you sit at a desk all day or lead an inactive lifestyle, lymphatic drainage could benefit you. If you have recently had surgery or are preparing for surgery, lymphatic drainage could benefit you. If you are having gut issues, chronic headaches, sluggishness, sinus issues, or experiencing edema, lymphatic drainage can benefit you.
The lymph system doesn’t circulate like blood or other bodily fluids, which means it relies on physical activity to properly move lymph fluid throughout the body. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage is one way to do that.
Our bodies lymphatic system is the ultimate cleaner and detoxifier. When our lymph is flowing freely, our digestion is efficient, our skin is clear, our mood is improved, our organs are able to properly detox while we sleep, we don’t have aches or pains, we have more energy, we aren’t holding on to water weight and we generally feel our best! When we are dehydrated or burdening our bodies with unnecessary chemicals (knowingly or not) our lymphatic system has to go into overdrive just to try to compensate. Our lymph becomes sluggish and stagnant and our bodies begin to retain water, which in turn affects our overall health and immune system function.
General health benefits
- Relieves swelling from edema or medical treatment
- Has detoxifying effect on body from medications, drugs or alcohol
- Increases energy levels and improved circulation
- Improves immune function
- Improves allergies and sinus symptoms
- Improves skin
- Reduces symptoms from surgery (pre and post)
- Re-routes lymph fluid to better pathways after surgical procedures where lymphatic pathways have been compromised
Conditions it may support
- pre surgery preparation and post surgery swelling
- fibrotic tissue prevention after liposuction or breast surgery
- lymphedema
- auto immune disorders (Lymes disease, Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus)
- chronic fatigue
- fibromyalgia
- neuropathy
- chronic pain
- dental pain and post surgery
- edema due to pregnancy, digestive stress, sedentary lifestyle, medications
- nervous system stress, anxiety
- general detox
Absolute contraindications
- acute inflammation – caused by bacteria, viruses and poisons are contraindicated. Tissues will be red, hot, and painful with congestion accompanied by fever. Lymphatic drainage will push these substances into the lymph channels before the body has a chance to eliminate them. This way one can spread the toxic substances throughout the body. It is best to wait a few days until the condition is not acute and the body has had a chance to clean up the area.
- malignant tumours – there is a fear of spreading the cancer.
- thrombosis – can lead to free floating blood clots in the circulatory system.
- major heart problems – if the heart is not fully functioning, oedema can be lymphodynamic due to a lack of venous return. Pumping more fluid in the heart it may stress it more than the actual condition.
Relative indications or precautions
- kidney problems – check with the physician before treating.
- bronchial asthma – this can stimulate the vagus nerve bringing on an attack.
- thyroid problems – no treatment around the throat.
- medications – fear of increasing the dosage by draining the interstitial spaces.
- chemotherapy – fear of increasing the dosage by draining the interstitial spaces.
- course of pregnancy
- removed spleen – recommended shorter session for this
- menstruation – MLD can increase the flow.