A lymphatic massage is a form of massage that helps the body’s lymph system remove toxins, excess fluid, and waste. A professional can perform lymphatic massage in spa settings or at home. It may feel slightly uncomfortable at first, but once you get used to it, you can experience many benefits. Read on to know more about lymphatic massage and what it does.
What Is Lymphatic Massage?
Lymphatic massage is a type of massage that can help with lymphatic drainage, which is the removal of bodily toxins, fluids, and waste. Lymph nodes are located in the body’s soft tissues, like the breasts, scalp, armpits, and groin, as well as the tonsils, bladder, and spleen. The lymph system is a network of vessels that remove fluid and waste around the body’s cells. By performing or getting a lymphatic massage, you’re helping the body naturally remove waste and toxins that could be causing or aggravating health issues.
How Does Lymphatic Massage Work?
When you massage your lymph nodes, it helps them increase the flow of lymphatic fluid. As the lymphatic fluid travels through the body, it pushes toxins and fluids towards the thoracic duct, a one-way vessel that leads this fluid back to the circulatory system. Like massage, lymphatic massage can calm the central nervous system and release endorphins and serotonin, which help reduce stress and regulate hormones. It can also be a self-help treatment for people with conditions like edema, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and more.
Lymphatic Massage Benefits
Lymphatic massage can help you with many health concerns, including improving your immune system and reducing cellulite and wrinkles. Health benefits of lymphatic massage include:
- •Improved immune system – Lymph nodes are part of the immune system, so when you massage them, you increase the flow of lymph fluid, decreasing the risk of infection and disease.
- Improvement to the skin – When you have a healthy flow of lymph fluid, your skin is better hydrated and can even look younger since it’s less wrinkled.
- Improved circulation – The increased flow of lymph fluid can also help improve circulation, which can also help reduce cellulite.
- Weight loss – When you reduce edema and other water retention issues, you can also reduce bloating and water weight, leading to weight loss.
- Mood boost – The release of serotonin and endorphins during a lymphatic massage can also boost your mood and reduce stress.
Things to Know Before Getting a Lymphatic Massage
If you’re going to get a lymphatic massage, make sure you tell the massage therapist that you want a lymphatic massage. Not all massage therapists know how to perform it, so ask beforehand if they know how to do it. Lymphatic massage can cause a small amount of light bruising and soreness. If you’re getting a lymphatic massage for the first time and experience a lot of pain, it’s best to go see a doctor. You should give your body at least a day of rest between lymphatic massages. You should also make sure to hydrate yourself when getting a lymphatic massage by drinking lots of water after the massage to flush the toxins out of your system.
You can get a lymphatic massage every few weeks as a part of your skincare routine to reduce water retention and improve your skin and immune system.
Lymphatic massage is a great way to improve your health, especially when dealing with issues like cellulite or edema. Massaging the lymph nodes can increase the flow of lymphatic fluid and help get rid of toxins in the body. If you’re dealing with any of the issues listed above or just want to keep your body healthy, make sure to add a lymphatic massage to your skincare routine. If you want to try out a lymphatic massage, ask your massage therapist if they know how to perform it. A lymphatic massage is a great option if you want to clear your skin, reduce swelling, or just keep your body healthy.
