Lymphatic Drainage Massage   Lymphatic drainage massage aids in the flow of lymph, a fluid in the body responsible for boosting the immune system and promoting general health. Lymphatic massage can perform a number of services on your body, such as reduction in swelling, boosting your immune system and producing white blood cells. Therefore, there are certain benefits to receiving lymphatic massages during certain times or for certain conditions. Lymphatic massage (also known as manual lymphatic drainage or lymph drainage therapy) helps the body with the flow of lymph, a fluid within the body that is vital the immune system because it aids in flushing out toxins and other foreign substances, such as viruses. It accomplishes this by traveling all over the body through the lymphatic system. As it detects toxins of foreign substances in your body, it produces white blood cells to help fight off the infections. Over time, the lymphatic system can become blocked or sluggish, and since it does not have a central portion of the system that promotes the flow of lymph, such as the heart does for the circulatory system, a lymphatic massage can help jump start the lymphatic system when it becomes sluggish. Your lymph system is like your sewage system. LDM is very light, rhythmic, & soothing. If you're use to deep tissue, you will have a hard time adjusting to LDM. It's light, but powerful. Advantages of Lymphatic Massage: • Lymphatic massage aids in the removal of blockages in your lymphatic system by reducing swelling. This enables lymph easier access to flow through your body. • Lymphatic massage also helps remove toxins and other foreign substances from your body by stimulating the fluids in your body that help flush these toxins from your system. • Lymphatic massage stimulates the immune system and encourages the production of additional white blood cells whenever infection or sickness is detected. • Lymphatic massage enhances skin quality by allowing skin cells an adequate flow of lymph to give them a healthy glow. • Repeated lymphatic massages during an injury can speed up the recovery process by keeping tissue healthy. • Lymphatic massage reduces scarring by promoting healthy circulation and immunity. Disadvantages of Lymphatic Massages: • Lymphatic massage can help spread infection if one is given while the patient has an infection. • Tumors should not be directly massaged. Physician approval is required. • For those with clotting or heart condition, a lymphatic massage could make those conditions worse. For these reasons, it’s always important to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a lymphatic massage with your health care professional. Flu Season: Since a lymphatic massage helps to increase the flow of lymph, it helps your body pick up toxins and wastes. When lymph detects a virus or infection, it produces white blood cells to help fight off the infection. Getting a lymphatic massage prior to flu season can help give your immune system a boost to keep you healthy. Surgery: Used before a surgery, a lymphatic massage can ensure that the lymphatic system is cleared of blockages or swelling. Lymphatic massages can also help after surgery as well, by reducing swelling that occurs. During Pregnancy: Breast lymphatic massage can help reduce the aches & pains due to changes of the breast tissue that occurs during pregnancy. Nursing mothers, as well, can benefit from this aspect of a lymphatic massage. Lymphedema: Lymphedema is a condition of the lymph nodes that can occur after surgery or in the presence of cancer. It is often a problem for women who have had a mastectomy although this is not the only case that can cause it. This condition can be quite painful, but lymphatic massage has been known to ease it. Enhances Skin Quality: When skin cells receive a proper amount of lymph, it gives them a healthy glow. Lymphatic massage is often given as part of a facial to give your face a healthy glow. Sports Injuries: Lymphatic massage helps clear out debris and reduce swelling that occurs from a deep tissue massage. In addition, by receiving multiple lymphatic massages over your recovery, it can speed up the recovery process by keeping tissue at its healthiest. Reduction of Scar Tissue: Lymphatic massages can reduce your scarring by increasing lymph flow to the scarred area. More lymph flow means more healing and less toxins. Fibromylgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Lymphatic massage is light and gentle and comfortable for people with chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia. Since better lymph flow encourages stronger health, lymphatic massage can ease patients with these conditions. Other Conditions that Lymphatic Massage Can Help: • Swelling • Inflammation • Sinus conditions