Lymphatic massages have become increasingly popular due to the myriad of potential health benefits they provide. This specialized type of massage takes a singular approach by focusing on your body’s lymphatic system in order to help restore or maintain proper body fluid and drainage balance, blood circulation, and immune functions.

What is the Lymphatic System?

Your lymphatic system plays a vital role in your overall health. The system is comprised of nodes and vessels containing a combination of water, proteins, immune system elements, and waste products. Your body’s lymph nodes are responsible for filtering this debris.

Lymph nodes can be found throughout your body, but the largest nodes are located in the groin, armpits, and neck. Together, all of the nodes work to ensure clean, debris-free lymph is carried back into your blood toward your heart.

How Does a Lymphatic Massage Work?

If your body’s lymphatic system becomes compromised and is no longer able to properly filter and drain debris, a lymphatic massage performed by a trained professional will certainly help keep things circulating. Using a particular sequence of massaging techniques, including compressing, stretching, cupping, and gliding motions, a lymph massage therapist will help promote proper lymphatic system function and better overall health.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a medical condition involving swelling of the arms or legs. This swelling is the result of lymph fluid that has built up in the body’s soft tissue due to improper draining. Lymphedema occurs for a variety of reasons, but it is often caused by genetic disorders, cancer treatment, infection, injury, or surgery.

Some common symptoms of lymphedema include pain, tissue swelling, skin discoloration, recurring infections, and heaviness in the limbs. Lymphatic massage helps treat these symptoms by promoting proper lymph drainage and flow.

Treating Other Health Conditions

In addition to helping treat lymphedema, a lymphatic massage can also help with several other health problems. While a massage can benefit some conditions more than others, research has found lymphatic massages may also help relieve issues related to conditions such as lipedema, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). If you’re suffering from any of these conditions, a lymphatic massage may be worth thinking about as a way to help.

Several studies and years of evidence have proven lymphatic massages to be beneficial in restoring and maintaining proper body fluid balance, blood circulation, and immune function, resulting in improved overall health. Whether you’re undergoing cancer treatment, suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, or just want to feel better in general, a lymphatic massage can definitely help.