Massage: Lymphatic drainage

What is lymphatic drainage?

Lymphatic drainage massage is a therapeutic massage treatment. The massage uses very light pressure and long, gentle, rhythmic strokes to increase lymphatic flow, with the aim of getting rid of toxins in your body.

So, what is lymph?

The lymph system is part of your body's immune system; lymph helps fight infection and acts as a toxin filter. There are around twice as many lymph vessels as blood vessels in your body. However, unlike blood, which is pumped around your body by your heart, the lymph system has no pump. Lymph relies on the pressure from your blood vessels and movement from your muscles to carry white blood cells and antibodies around the lymph system.

Lymph itself is a clear, slightly yellow fluid which flows easily through your body. It transports nutrients and oxygen to cells, collecting toxins on the way and then flushing the toxins out through the lymph nodes.

Drinking alcohol, eating too much sugar, drinking too much tea and coffee, living stressed lives in polluted cities -- there are many reasons these days why our bodies are full of toxins.

What is lymphatic drainage good for?

Lymphatic drainage massage can have a beneficial effect on your general health. Because lymph is key to keeping your immune system working properly, improving the flow and drainage of lymph around the body is good for you in lots of ways. It can:

• reduce the chance of you suffering from minor colds and viruses; it helps your body fight off infection and speeds up healing and recovery from illness
• help reduce water retention; for instance, because the lymph system has no pump, if you sit for a long time without moving, the lymph can't flow easily -- this is why you may experience swollen feet or fingers
• boost weight loss, as improving the lymphatic system will improve your metabolic rate, which helps you burn calories more efficiently

Manual lymphatic drainage is also used in the treatment of lymphoedema.

Lymphatic drainage massage can improve your skin texture by:

• reducing swelling, puffiness and blotches
• giving you clean, healthy pores
• speeding up healing in scar tissue, so it may, for example, improve the appearance of stretch marks

Before you go

As with any spa treatment, you will get most benefit if you give yourself enough time to truly relax and enjoy your massage. Arrive soon enough to get ready and settle; try to avoid rushing off for an appointment straight afterwards. It's also a good idea to give yourself plenty of time either side of the massage, so that you don't feel rushed.

Precautions

You should always tell your therapist in advance if you:

• are, or think you might be, pregnant
• have any medical conditions or are receiving any treatment or medication - especially if you have cancer, major heart problems or thrombosis
• have recently had an injury or operation
• are allergic to anything, particularly skin allergies
• have any broken skin or sores on your scalp as this may affect the kind of treatment you receive.

Before any massage treatment, try not to schedule in a large meal or some alcohol. It's also a good idea to drink plenty of water, which will help your body to flush out the toxins from your body.

What to expect from lymphatic drainage massage

Lymphatic drainage massage usually takes place in a heated room; warmth is an important factor in increasing lymphatic flow. You are also likely to be more relaxed if you're not cold. Your therapist will usually carry out lymphatic drainage massage with you on a massage table, while you're draped in discreetly placed towels.

Your therapist will probably work her way up from your feet. Lymphatic drainage massage uses very light pressure, as well as long, gentle, rhythmic strokes and soft pumping movements in the direction of the lymph nodes. The main lymph nodes are in the neck, armpits, and groin.

A treatment usually lasts around 30 minutes for a localised session, or about an hour for a full-body treatment.

Hot tip!

Lymphatic drainage is about flushing out your system; you can do this every day by drinking plenty of water and staying active.

One of the best things you can do for your lymphatic system is to be more active. Even the most gentle activity will help encourage a healthy lymph flow, as movement of the muscles exerts pressure on the lymphatic vessels and keeps them moving.

Afterwards

Lymphatic drainage can leave you feeling exhausted. You may want to have a lie down, or at the very least, a very undemanding schedule for the rest of the day. You might like to treat yourself to a gentle swim or a sauna afterwards. Give your body time to ease back into activity.

Lymphatic drainage massage may also leave you really thirsty. We've seen people who are not usually water-drinkers reaching for bottles of San Pellegrino like it's free champagne!

---

Angel Escort Center : Shanghai Escort | Shanghai Escorts | Shanghai Massage| Hong Kong Escort | Beijing Escort