When you hear the word massage, you likely imagine deep relaxation, calming music, and soothing after-effects. While relaxation is a part of massage treatments, different massage modalities have additional benefits. Did you know that massage treatments can alleviate pain and discomfort and support your immune system?
One effective massage modality that boosts your immune system is manual lymphatic drainage. This treatment helps heal your lymphatic system, alleviates inflammation, and soothes pain. If you have never heard of lymphatic drainage, that is okay. We are sharing everything you need to know about this popular treatment.
What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
The human immune system is a complex network within our bodies. When our immune systems work properly, they provide a strong defence against illness and injury, keeping us healthy and active. But for many of us, our immune systems work overtime, causing various health issues, such as chronic inflammation. While there are several ways to manage inflammatory conditions, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage is a favourite for its gentle and effective treatment.
Lymphatic drainage uses a massage technique to relieve swelling and inflammation in the lymphatic system. Swelling and clogging of the lymph system can make you feel tired and achy, impact your digestion, and affect your skin. MLD helps drain the lymph system, improving circulation and helping to alleviate one of the root causes of your symptoms.
How the Lymphatic System Works
The lymphatic system is one of the body’s circulatory systems. It consists of a network of nodes containing lymph fluid, a clear fluid with white blood cells that fight germs, abnormal cells, and foreign substances. To summarise a complex process, your lymph picks up waste in your tissues and carries it to your lymph nodes. When these nodes clog, it is difficult for your lymphatic system to clear the waste and clean the lymph so it can cycle through the system again.
What Does Lymphatic Drainage Do?
MLD gently targets the lymphatic system with massage movements to loosen the system and stimulate drainage. When your registered massage therapist stimulates your lymph nodes, they are coaxing the nodes to drain. Once the nodes can drain, they can clean the lymph collected inside.
This process kickstarts the circulation of helpful lymph in your body. When lymph follows its natural flow, it can better target areas of inflammation. In turn, less inflammation often leads to less discomfort for you.
What to Expect During Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage uses subtle manual manoeuvres along the lymphatic system. The practitioner uses the flat of their hands and fingers to follow the flow of the lymph system and create wave-like movements to encourage drainage. Because the lymphatic system moves naturally through your body, the practitioner follows its flow and rhythm, assessing the best drainage pathway.
What Conditions Does Manual Lymphatic Drainage Benefit?
Many health conditions can cause inflammation. Here is a sample list of conditions that can benefit from MLD massage:
- Lymphedema
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Lipedema
- Chronic venous insufficiency
Other Treatments that Support Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is a non-invasive, relaxing treatment that pairs well with MLD massage. Exposure to low levels of red light can help with muscle tension, inflammation, joint pain, anxiety, and stress. You may also notice skin benefits and reduced signs of ageing.
At Urban Massage & Wellness, we use a medical-grade LightCareRx machine to provide safe, rejuvenating red light treatments. You will be treating inflammation and supporting lymphatic drainage while also supporting your immune system.
Infrared Sauna
A relaxing way to finish your lymphatic drainage massage is with a session in our infrared sauna. The heat helps stimulate circulation, promotes sweating, and helps purify your skin. Our saunas include colour therapy options so you can personalise your session to fit your mood.
Frequently Asked Questions About MLD
How long is a manual lymphatic drainage treatment?
The length of your appointment depends on your needs and the practitioner. Sessions typically range from 30 to 90 minutes. Many clients pair MLD with red light therapy or an infrared sauna.
What are the symptoms of poor lymphatic drainage?
Swelling that comes and goes near areas of your lymph system is common. You might feel discomfort, skin tightness, or notice clothes fitting differently. Inflammation, tiredness, and general discomfort are also symptoms.
What do I need to know before lymphatic drainage?
Drink water before your appointment. Arriving hydrated supports circulation in the lymphatic system and helps you relax during the session.
What not to do after lymphatic drainage?
Wear loose-fitting clothing to encourage circulation and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours and consider reducing caffeine, as both can negatively affect the lymph system.
Is manual lymphatic drainage painful?
No. MLD is a gentle, soothing technique applied with the practitioner’s palms and light hand movements.
Do I have to undress for lymphatic drainage?
MLD can be done while fully clothed, but a level of undress helps access areas of concern. If you remain clothed, wear loose garments that do not constrict lymph areas. Loose clothing and/or bare skin also make it easier for practitioners to apply the treatment.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage in St. Albert
Are you experiencing discomfort or pain due to inflammation? Book an MLD massage treatment with one of our registered massage therapists in St. Albert. Our practitioners are experienced in MLD and are proud to provide relief from inflammation and discomfort. Have more questions about MLD? Give our clinic a call and we will be happy to help.
