Why lymphatic drainage can be good for you

Although scary sounding, lymphatic drainage is simply a kind of gentle, non-surgical therapeutic massage to help your body release toxins. But how is it done? What does it involve? Here's a brief overview to help you understand.

You may be hearing more about lymphatic drainage these days, but still don't understand what it is. Does it involve scalpels, tubing and stitches? Not at all!

• Lymphatic drainage is simply a gentle kind of therapeutic massage that stimulates the lymphatic system and helps the body release toxins.

But first of all, what is the lymphatic system and why does it need to be stimulated?

In short, the lymphatic system is one of the human body’s waste disposal systems.

• It consists of a network of lymph capillaries, vessels and nodes, which exists alongside the veins (except in the brain).
• A colourless liquid called lymph circulates in the lymphatics, and always flows in one direction.
• Its role is to drain the body’s cells of excess fluids, toxins and cellular debris.
• This debris is filtered by the lymph nodes that are located along the lymphatic vessels, at the sides of the neck, armpits, and groin.

People may seek out lymphatic drainage because they’re feeling tired and sluggish all the time.

• If the lymph isn’t circulating efficiently, the body’s cells can become overburdened with toxins and weaken.
• Unlike the cardiovascular system, which is driven by the heart, lymph circulation is stimulated by large muscle movements and the contractions of the smooth-muscled walls of the lymphatic vessels.
• Lymphatic drainage is designed to accelerate this flow and filtration.

In essence, lymphatic drainage treatments detoxify the body and strengthen the immune system. Other benefits include:

• Less water retention and relief for heavy legs syndrome.
• Reduced swelling (edema) and accelerated recovery time for sprains, strains and fractures.
• Improvements in the appearance of the skin (reduced cellulite, varicose veins, stretch marks, scars, rashes and bags under the eyes).
• Relief from stress, headaches, insomnia, indigestion and concentration problems.
• An improved sense of well-being and ability to relax.

Lymphatic drainage is done manually, using the fingers and palms of the hands. The technique’s trademark is its slow and rhythmic pattern.

• During a treatment, the therapist applies very gentle pressure and uses a flowing wave-like movement along the skin, in the direction of lymph flow.
• Manual lymphatic drainage is most often done by the Vodder or the Leduc method.
• The length of a session and the number of treatments required to obtain concrete results vary from one patient to another.
• Before making an appointment, be sure to ask the therapist about the method that suits you best as well as any contraindications.