Lymphatic Massage

A lymphatic drainage massage uses very light pressure and long, rhythmic strokes that help the lymph fluid move and direct toxins to your larger organs to remove the waste. 

We use specific techniques, such as light stroking across the lymph nodes, to re-stimulate the natural contractions of your lymphatic system.

It’s nothing like a deep tissue massage and instead uses soothing and relaxing strokes and light pressure that help to support your body’s natural drainage processes. 

 Your lymphatic system is a network of tissues that is ultimately the recycling system for your body. This system should be constantly moving, and if things become stagnant you may notice swelling and excess fluid build-up. 

As this relaxing, gentle massage doesn’t require much pressure to move the fluids it is a great massage for all ages. Lymphatic drainage is not considered a painful treatment, however, there may be some level of discomfort when receiving this massage as it targets areas of the body that may be painful or sensitive to touch. This technique is used post operation to drain excess fluds from areas of treatment.

The benefits definitely do outweigh the discomfort though, with lymphatic drainage massage treating many different areas of the body, including: 

• Improves cellulite, skin swelling, scar tissue, acne, and stretch marks

Due to the lymphatic system directly impacting how our skin looks and feels, the improvement of skin problems is a great benefit from a lymphatic drainage massage. For those that have problems with facial or body acne, this type of massage is great as it uses gentle strokes, reducing inflammation on the skin as well as draining lymph fluid away from areas of infection. 

• Reduces water retention and aids digestion 

Water retention reduction and improved digestion is achieved by fluid being drained from your gut and reabsorbed by the large lymphatic system. This can, in turn, help weight loss and help to heal any gut-related problems that have caused weight gain. 

• Promotes weight loss
• Fights off infection
• Speeds up healing and recovery from the cold and flu
• Helps with post-operation recovery

A lymphatic drainage massage boosts your immune system, allowing for better recovery from illness and fighting off future infection. As the lymphatic system is the first defence against infection within the body, draining lymph fluid for it to reabsorb allows for the body to fight back quicker.  This is the same with post-operative recovery, which allows the body to heal and to recover quicker.

• Reduce stress and fatigue

Other benefits include reducing stress and fatigue which is also achieved by the lymphatic system revitalizing your immune system. Through this, the body is able to relax and de-stress, and your body is able to re-energies.

• Lymphedema 
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Lipedema

There are many reasons to get a massage, but for those with specific chronic health conditions, a lymphatic drainage massage may be the best type for pain management or general lymphatic system rejuvenation. 

There are two main types of lymphatic drainage massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)  and Simple Lymphatic Drainage (SLD).

MLD involves a trained therapist using specialised strokes, pressure and movement to clear blockages and support the healthy flow of your lymphatic system.

SLD on the other hand, can be performed by a carer or even the patient themselves. SLD involves using a simplified version of the MLD techniques, with gentler strokes and a set sequence of hand movements. 

Both of these types of lymphatic drainage massage can be used to treat a number of different conditions such as Lymphedema or general lymphatic pain, but SLD is on a smaller scale as it is a more simplified treatment type. 

There are four types of lymphatic drainage massage techniques commonly used by massage therapists, physical therapists, and doctors. These include.

1. Vodder: Using sweeping motions around the area your therapist is aiming to treat, this is a foundational technique for a lymphatic drainage massage. Vodder can specifically target and help treat fibrosis.  
2. Foldi: Foldi is an extension of the vodder technique and requires the massage therapist to alternate between circular hand motions and moments of relaxation. Foldi is a great technique for the management of edema. 
3. Casley-Smith: This technique also involves using circular hand motions, but focuses on using the side and palms of the hands to increase pressure. 
4. Leduc: Using technical hand motions to collect lymph fluid, this type of movement redirects lymph fluid for proper reabsorption into the larger lymphatic system. 

Prices start from £85 per session depending on the area to be treated