Love Your Lymphatic System
Did you know that there are 600 to 800 lymph nodes in your body with approximately 200 concentrated in the face and neck? Lymphatic drainage is manual manipulation that assists in moving fluid out of your tissues into lymph nodes where bacteria, viruses and other harmful microorganisms are quarantined or destroyed. The lymphatic system irrigates our tissue, it acts as a sewer system, freeing space for the flow of lymph and eliminating waste produced by other working cells and carrying to organs that dispose of it.
When lymph flow is obstructed or slows down, the lymphatic system can’t work effectively. Poor lymphatic circulation lowers our defence. Sluggish or stagnant lymph creates inflammation and leads to the deterioration in our skin's health and can cause acne, rosacea, pigmentation, puffiness, dark circles and other sensitivities.
Manual lymphatic drainage cleanses the lymph, reduces swelling in the mucous membranes and consequently many skincare problems are resolved.
Manual lymphatic drainage therapy can help to:
Clearing acne and breakouts
Reducing puffiness
Brightening dark circles
Reducing redness and rosacea
Softening of fine lines and wrinkles
Minimising sagging skin
Easing headaches
Diminishing hyperpigmentation
Relieving tension/TMJ
Relieving sinus congestion
They are a myriad of ways this gentle therapy can have a powerful impact on the body too, from:
Reducing inflammation
Alleviating pain
Pain relief, post op.
Excellent for expediting the healing process after surgery and reducing swelling
Improving digestion and bloating
Reducing swelling (oedema)
Calming the central nervous system. Turn off sympathetic. Turn on parasympathetic
Increasing sports performance and recovery
Combating physical stress
Relieving tired and stiff joints and arthritis
Rejuvenating and repairing
Relieving symptoms of fibromyalgia
Calming symptoms of restless leg syndrome
Brain benefits:
Washes the brain. Clears waste
Improved focus and mental clarity
Optimising the flow of cerebrospinal fluid
There are also a a host of overall benefits:
Calms stress and anxiety
Filter and irrigating of tissue
Flushing excess fluids
Eliminating debris and waste
Aiding in absorption of nutrients
Cardiovascular health, filtering blood
Activating immune response
Accelerating cellular repair and regeneration
Serving as a defence against infection
Professional therapists can provide full body and facial treatments depending on the clients needs. I use lymphatic brushes in my treatments which have a unique bristle pattern and density combination that grip the skin in a precise way targeting the superficial lymph. They provide immediate and long term results. I encourage my clients to use the brushes at home to maintain a healthy lymphatic system. Healthy skin is reducing inflammation and creating movement to support the healthy exchange of nutrients and wastes within the tissue.
Before embarking on a lymphatic drainage journey or beginning any self care please do check with a specialist. The benefits are huge but there are some contraindications.
Be cautious with:
Menstruation as it can make a period heavier
Low blood pressure. Be careful of over use. Do shorter sessions
Hyperactive thyroid. Do not work on the thyroid directly
Work around raised moles
Bronchitis. Don’t work directly over the sternum.
Do not use if you have:
Active cancer
Deep vein thrombosis
Congestive heart failure
Acute infection or inflammation
You are in your first trimester of pregnancy
As I always tell my clients the body is best prepared for lymphatic drainage by deep breathing which acts like a pump that helps move fluid through the vessels and lymph nodes.
Place both hands on your ribs. Take slow deep breaths. Slowly blow the air through your mouth. Rest between the breaths and repeat a few times. Drink plenty of water before and after this wonderfully beneficial therapy.
“ The lymph system is the origin of life. Youth, life and death are dependent on lymph and its renewal. We live in lymph; our tissues are washed in lymph. It supplies us with the life giving nutrients necessary for body development “