Lymphatic Drainage Massage

It’s clear to many that we have to keep our immune system healthy, especially in winter, but how can massage therapy help? Most people know that massage addresses muscle tissues, yet it also promotes strong immunity.

Your immune system is tied to the lymphatic system, involving several organs (thymus, tonsils, spleen, adenoids), hundreds of lymph nodes, and a network of vessels running throughout the body. The lymphatic system is similar to the circulatory system of arteries and veins, although it only flows one way and does not possess the benefit of valves in the vessels necessitating muscular contraction to function; if you have ever noticed swollen ankles with extended travel, lymph is pooling for this reason.

The clear fluid lymph allows passage of white blood (immune) cells and functions to absorb fluid, metabolic waste products, fats, proteins, dead cells, bacteria and viruses from body tissues. If over-taxed due to inactivity, stress, surgery, poor-diet or ill health, lymph circulation can get inefficiently sluggish with resulting swollen glands or edema (swelling).

Lymphatic drainage massage is extremely light, slow and gentle, addressing the superficial lymphatic vessels and nodes. This approach encourages drainage of the fluid & waste, reduces inflammation, decreases edema, stimulates production of immune-boosting white blood cells and minimizes scar tissue formation. This light treatment also decreases pain and stress while promoting increased vitality and general wellness.