What Is Lymphatic Massage and How It Helps

For years my left leg has swollen more than the right. I thought it was some sort of weird allergic reaction. Doctor even told me it’s just how I was made, no big deal. I was seeing a Physical Therapist for a knee injury when she noticed the swelling. She began my instruction into Lymphatic Massage.

Your lymphatic system is an intricate connection of lymph nodes organs, lymph vessels, cells, and nodes that works alongside your circulatory system. It is designed to provide a variety of detoxification functions, acting like your body’s garbage collector, removing waste, debris, and disease components such as viruses, bacteria, toxic matter, and even potentially cancer cells.

As part of the immune system your lymphatic system fights infection by producing white blood cells, our internal protection against foreign invaders. When lymph is not flowing well, you may end up with an accumulation of waste and toxins that compromises the body’s ability to maintain a healthy state.

Lymph nodes are concentrated in the groin, neck, and armpits, and around the heart, lungs, and intestines. Maybe you’ve felt your lymph nodes swell on your throat when it’s sore. Nodes swell in size to accommodate the amount of white blood cells needed to fight off infection.

Unlike blood circulation, which is actively moving because of the heart’s pumping action, lymphatic drainage is part of your body’s passive drainage system. The lymphatic system drains all the excess fluid or lymph that leaks out of your blood vessels into your tissues. Most of the lymph flows up, against gravity, towards the neck, so the lymphatic system must rely primarily on the body’s movement and muscle contractions to circulate. Yet another reason sedentary folks need to move frequently.

Signs of Lymphatic Congestion

• Fatigue
• Swollen glands
• Puffiness in eyes or face
• Swelling in the fingers or ankles
• Bloating or holding on to water
• Headaches
• Sinus infections
• Skin issues, such as dry or itchy skin
• Soreness or stiffness upon waking
• Constipation
• Weight gain and extra belly fat
• Breast swelling or tenderness
• A sense of fogginess in the brain
• Worsened allergies
• Food sensitivities
• Increased colds or flu

I had about all the symptoms. Why was I just hearing about this from the physical therapist? I was confused, frustrated and mad. Honestly, I have fat shoes for when my feet swell too much. Socks I choose not to wear because of the painful indentation where they hit me. So I did my research to find out if lymphatic massage was good for me. I encourage you to do the same. There are You Tube videos on how to do self-massage for your lymph system.

I was instructed to begin my self massage gently since most of the lymph system is close to the skin. Massage up from your legs, encouraging drainage to flow up toward your abdomen. Focus on the groin area a bit since there are so many lymph nodes in that area. Massage your abdomen in a circular fashion. On your sides and focus on again moving the lymph up especially in the armpit areas. Massage your arms around and up each arm. You can gently massage your face, behind the ears, and neck down. It works great for puffy eyes and face.

Since I’m not a massage therapist or medical professional, I’d encourage you to do more research on the methods. I know it works. I know with all my sensitivities any chemical exposure will cause congestion in my lymphatic system. I can flush, have swollen lymph nodes, low-grade fevers, and have lingering swelling in my face and extremities just from going to the grocery store. But I have learned to help myself.

I learned from my Physical Therapist a few tips I’ll warn you about. The massage can be a very powerful tool. If you are very congested you can make yourself nauseas or dizzy. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just toxins moving around and trying to leave. You will also notice the need to urinate frequently following the massage. It can make a huge difference. It has for me.

Once you get the lymph flowing, you need to keep it flowing to feel your best. Any activity where you are moving arms and legs will facilitate the movement of lymph. Taking a walk will get things moving, Bouncing on a small trampoline you can pick up for next to nothing is one of the very best ways to see results quickly.

You can also use a technique called dry brushing to encourage your lymphatic system. Using a natural bristled brush, brush your skin gently before you shower. The lymphatic system will get to flowing and make a difference in how you feel.

It’s important to take care of ourselves and ask But Is It Good For Me? when we expose our overworked body to things like smoke, pesticides, chemicals, harsh cleaning products, exhaust and all the things that tend to stress our bodies and our natural detoxing system.

Lymph massage, brushing and movement are certainly good for you. Detoxing, stimulating your immune system and allowing your body to do what it is intended to do. So get moving, brushing and massaging!