Benefits of Lymph Drainage Massage
The lymphatic system plays the vital role of defending the body against infection and disease. It can be viewed as the second circulatory system of the body and comprises of the lymph nodes, the lymphatic vessels, the lymph fluid and the lymphocytes. Other parts which form the lymph system include the spleen, adenoids and the tonsils. Since the lymphatic system helps in flushing toxins out of the body, one of the best ways to ensure it functions well is through lymphatic drainage massage (Romano, 2013). The function of this massage is to drain excess fluid from the tissues. Lymphatic drainage massage helps in boosting the flow of lymph around one’s body and therefore refreshes the immune system, resulting in a detoxifying effect.
Primarily, it ensures that lymphatic vessels function optimally by facilitating the removal of excess water, metabolic wastes, bacteria, toxins, large protein molecules and other foreign substances (Sports Massage Clinic, 2013). At the same time, lymphatic drainage has a relaxation effect on the sympathetic nervous system and reduces pain. In the process, the immune system’s activity is enhanced. As such, it becomes effective in treating a number of problems which include skin disorders, sinus congestion, headache, edema, stress, sprains and aches, and digestive disorders. Lymphatic drainage can also be performed on a patient before and after surgery to aid in removing tissue congestion and minimizing the formation of scars. According to Maclin (2012), lymphatic drainage increases the ability of the system to remove infectious materials and toxins and thus is considered to be very beneficial as a type of physical therapy in the treatment of problems that are lymphoedema-related. In addition, it promotes healing, relaxes, minimizes stretch marks, relieves fluid congestion and enhances a person’s well being.
References
Maclin, E. (2012, December 01) Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Take Your Health Into Your Own Hands. Natural News, 2012. Retrieved on 14 Dec 2013 from http://www.naturalnews.com/038162_massage_lymph_drainage_health.html
Romano, L. (2013) Lymphatic Massage. PhysioHealth Studios, 2013. Retrieved on 14 Dec 2013 from http://physiohealthstudios.com/services/lymphatic-massage/
Sports Massage Clinic. (2013) Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage. Retrieved on 14 Dec 2013 from http://www.sportsmassageclinic.net/Pages/ManualLymphaticDrainage.aspx
