The Lymphatic System is the fluid system in our bodies. It maintains our fluid balance through an extensive network of vessels that pass through almost all of our tissue to allow for the movement of fluid called lymph. The Lymphatic System is responsible for filtering and removing the toxins from our blood; it circulates our hormones throughout our bodies. The Lymphatic System also plays an essential role in our immune system. a feeling people commonly get when they start to get sick, is pressure, and congestion on either side of their neck. Some may say that their “glands” are swollen; however, these are your lymph nodes. This feeling is your lymphatic system working hard to fight off infection.

You also have large lymph node gatherings in your armpits and groin area. About 600 lymph nodes in the body surround your internal organs and aid in the filtration of the lymphatic fluid process. These nodes can swell in response to infection, injury, or other organisms and immune system cells. The natural lymphatic flow can also become impaired if lymph nodes are removed, around scar tissue, and following surgical procedures.



Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM) is a gentle, rhythmic massage technique focusing directly on the lymphatic system. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump or pulse that continually circulates the fluid. In fact, the only way to get lymphatic fluid moving is through exercise, walking, body movement, and manually through LDM. The lymphatic system has a superficial interstitial fluid that is located about 2/3 of a centimeter under the skin and filters to the deeper lymph nodes. The superficial layer requires very gentle pressure to move manually towards the lymph nodes. While receiving an LDM, clients can experience deep relaxation with this light and rhythmic pressure.

LDM is performed in a particular pattern following the exact flow of the lymphatic fluid to move out unwanted, stagnant, and excess fluid. This technique is beneficial in an array of conditions.

Reduction of inflammation post-procedural and surgery to rapidly reduce fluid and decrease overall healing time.

Puffiness under eyes

Allergies

Sinus congestion

Detoxifying the entire body

Increase metabolism

Lower blood pressure

Insomnia

Stress

Fatigue


Post-surgery (of any kind) LDM can remove overall swelling and even help to push out anesthesia that hangs hang out in your lymphatic system, causing prolonged fatigue and grogginess. 


Women who have undergone breast cancer surgery may have had lymph nodes removed. When this happens, the flow of the fluid is significantly disrupted. The lymph fluid doesn’t know where to flow to return to its pathway. This can cause a backup of fluid that affects the entire arm, and side of the body and can even cause swelling up into the face. The Lymphatic fluid is accustomed to flowing on a particular pathway. When the lymph nodes are removed or disrupted, it can become extremely uncomfortable and can decrease movement and range of motion. LDM moves this fluid and pushes it to filter out of the body naturally. When receiving LDM regularly, your body may create a type of memory in the lymphatic system, which can aid in relearning pathways to filter out the fluid on its own! Clients report feeling lighter, moving better, and seeing a visual difference. LDM post-breast cancer is a game-changer!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!