Info & Tips for your Lymph Drainage Therapy Sessions
Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body.
The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from the bodily tissues.
Some health conditions can cause lymph fluid to build up, leading to oedema/swelling and inflammation.
Lymphatic drainage massages can benefit people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, and other conditions where swelling and inflammation may be present.
Helpful Massage Tips, once you’ve scheduled your first appointment or integrated massage session and are probably curious and eager to see what it’s all about.
Here are some massage tips you need to know to make your Lymph session as effective and enjoyable as possible:
Remember, you are about to stimulate your body’s most powerful system of detoxification. If you do not follow the recommended instructions given below, you may feel sick after receiving lymph massage. The lymphatic system is responsible for handling and neutralising toxins and wastes created from food, pollution and our own body’s daily cellular activities. It is also responsible for housing and transporting immune cells.
Because of this, a 30 minute Lymph Drainage Session is recommended to begin with so that your body does not attempt to cleanse more quickly than it is capable of at this time.
Your first appointment will include history taking, assessment, remedial massage & lymphatic massage.
If you are integrating Lymph Drainage into your massage session, your therapist may start with 10-15 minutes of Lymph to see how you respond before increasing the ratio of Lymph Drainage to massage therapy.
Before & After Lymphatic Treatment:
- If you are working with another medical professional verify with them the ideal time to receive this work for optimum results (guided detox, surgery, illness). You may choose to increase certain nutrients (antioxidants such as Vitamin C to bind toxins) or temporarily add supportive herbs to support the liver and kidneys detoxification processes prior to and after your lymph massage sessions. For more recommendation on herbal tea blend speak to Catherine.
- Please note that Lymph Drainage Therapy will metabolise certain drugs out of your system more quickly along with most types of toxins, thus, if you are on pain medication or fresh off a surgical procedure, you may need to adjust your medications. Please discuss this with your medical practitioners.
- Arrive at your appointment well hydrated. Dehydration will severely impair your ability to detoxify and rebuild and may make you feel ill.
- Expect to undress to your level of comfort but know that direct contact with the skin is always best. Tight clothing and underwear will make it difficult to get lymph moving.
- If you choose to wear clothing during your session, wear cotton underwear and pants with no buckles, zippers, or pockets – such as yoga pants or yoga shorts. Wear a v-neck t-shirt or tank top so the neck and collar bones can be accessed by your therapist.
- Arrive with an empty stomach or eat a light snack prior. Drainage will be performed in the deep abdomen and organs.
- Do NOT apply lotion to your skin prior to treatment. Dry skin contact is more effective for stimulating the stretch response needed by your lymph vessels.
- Do NOT drink alcohol or consume recreational drugs the night before or immediately after your session. Your liver will be responsible for detoxifying much of what the lymphatic system collects so please don’t burden it before your session or you may feel quite sick afterwards.
- Plan and allow for a period of MOVEMENT immediately after your session. Your lymph collects toxins and places them into the blood stream for removal. 10 to 15 minutes of gentle movement and breathing is recommended such as a short walk before getting into your car after the session, walking your dog, gentle exercise or a restorative / yin yoga class is one of the most critical massage tips to follow.
- Plan and allow for a period of REST after treatment and movement if needed. Your body’s resources and nutrients will go toward “cleaning up shop” and this may include an immune response to cleanse any bacteria or foreign cells that don’t belong. Rest will allow the body to regenerate and heal.
- If you are already sick, fighting an illness, or recovering from illness, consider shortening your session or contact your therapist to identify the best time to receive lymph work. The first acute 24-48 hours of illness is NOT the appropriate time to receive lymph massage. Be prepared for your immune system’s increased response listed above! This may include a temporary increase in mucous, coughing, or nasal drip and nose blowing!
- Use the toilet prior to getting on the table. No one likes to “hold it in” or run to the restroom in the middle of a relaxing Lymph Drainage session!
- If you don’t need to urinate immediately after your session you are likely dehydrated. Consider drinking more clear filtered water prior to your next visit!
- And please ask questions- it’s your treatment after all.