CLEANSESÂ THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
Manual Lymph Drainage cleanses The Lymphatic System — the body’s waste pumping apparatus. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body and regenerating aging tissues. It works in conjunction with the circulatory system to filter and pump out toxins and maintain a healthy immune system. Tiny muscular units called lymphangions contract to propel proteins, toxins, hormones, fatty acids, and immune cells to the lymph nodes for processing. Fatigue, stress, emotional shock, infection, cold temperatures, chemical toxins, inactivity, and inflammation impede lymph circulation, contributing to the development of chronic illness and accelerating the aging process.
This hands-on technique, Manual Lymph Drainage, activates and cleanses the body’s lymph nodes and reestablishes fluid circulation; it also positively affects the parasympathetic nervous system.
Conditions which may benefit from this manual therapy include: lymphedema, detoxification, regeneration of tissue from burns, scars, wrinkles and stretch marks, relief of chronic and subacute inflammation such as sinusitis, otitis, bronchitis, acne and allergies. Some cases of fibromyalgia and CFS, insomnia, stress, memory loss, low vitality, constipation, muscle hypertonus; adiposis and cellulite may also improve.
LYMPHATIC MASSAGE SPEEDS POST-SURGICAL HEALING.
You will feel an extremely light touch equivalent to the weight of a nickel (5 grams) to gently massage the lymphatic system. Generally, a series of sessions is recommended. This gentle healing modality can help enormously in reducing edema following surgeries such as a lumpectomy with lymph node dissection to treat breast cancer.
Your session will last approximately one hour. Afterwards, you will feel very relaxed and might want to sleep for 9-12 hours. As after any therapeutic treatment, be sure to drink plenty of water.
MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE RECOMMENDED READING:
American Cancer Society.  Lymphedema: Understanding and Managing Lymphedema after Cancer Treatment.
American Cancer Society website
Burt, Jeannie. A Breast Cancer Patient’s Guide to Prevention and Healing. Alameda, CA: Hunter House Publications, 2005.
Chikly MD, Bruno. Silent Waves: Theory and Practice of Lymph Drainage Therapy with Applications for Lymphedema, Chronic Pain and Inflammation, 2nd ed. (Scottsdale: I.H.H. Publishing, 2004).
Laird, LMT, Eileen, “Lymphatic Self Care: Boosting Your Body’s Ability to Heal Itself” in Massage Today September 2, 2020.Â
McMahon, Elizabeth.  Overcoming the Emotional Challenges of Lymphedema.
ICON Health Publications. Lymphedema. A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References.
Swirsky, RN Joan and Sackett Nannery, Diane. Coping with Lymphedema. Sound, helpful information for those who must deal with the problems associated with lymphedema. Garden City Park, NY: Avery, 1998.