The lymphatic system plays a key role in our body fighting off infection and disease. Lymphatic drainage massage is one of the best things you can do to help your body help itself.
Why is Lymphatic Massage Important to Health?
The lymphatic system is made up of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymph (the interstitial fluid drained through the vessels), and lymphocytes (specialized immune cells). The tonsils, adenoids, spleen, and thymus are all part of the lymph system.
Soft, small internal structures located in the armpits, groin, and neck, as well as in the center of the chest and abdomen, lymph nodes produce immune cells that fight infection while filtering lymph fluid to remove foreign material. When bacteria or other immune threats are present in lymph, lymph nodes increase production of infection-fighting white blood cells, which can cause the nodes to swell.
The lymphatic system has no “pump” of its own to move lymph through the system, as the circulatory system has the heart. Rather, bodily movement and breathing function to move liquid lymph through the vessels and filters of the lymph nodes. For people who get too little exercise and eat too much processed food, the lymphatic system can easily be overtaxed – resulting in a body that is susceptible to infection and disease.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage is an easy home remedy with profound effects, increasing the volume of lymph flow by as much as 20 times, vastly increasing the system’s ability to remove toxins and infectious materials.
If you’re generally healthy you can safely perform lymphatic drainage massage on the lymph nodes around your neck, ears, and throat, on the abdomen, and on the legs. Using very gentle pressure, first perform lymph drainage for the ears on the neck area, then lymphatic breathing for the abdomen, and finally, self-lymphatic drainage on the legs. Starting in the region of the neck helps clear the system for the lymph that is pumped to the lymph nodes as you work on the abdomen and legs.
Staying Safe
The lymph nodes in the neck are very near the surface, as are some veins in the legs. It’s important to use a very light touch when doing lymphatic drainage. This very gentle massage can have very profound effects on the body.
You can also hire a professional to give you lymph drainage massage. If you choose a knowledgeable practitioner, the result will be a relaxing massage that’s precisely targeted for your needs. If you suffer from long-term lymphedema, or localized swelling related to lymph system blockage, ask a professional’s help first.
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