Your body’s immune system includes the lymphatic system that circulates lymph fluid for infection-fighting purposes. Lymphatic drainage massage can be used to treat lymphedema, a lymph-related health issue that causes bodily swelling, or edema. Learn more about the condition here, including how manual lymphatic drainage helps. 

What Is Lymphedema?

Also referred to as lymphatic obstruction, lymphedema is a chronic condition where lymph fluid accumulates in fatty tissues directly under the skin. It causes swelling and typically targets the arms and legs, though edema can also occur in the face, neck, and abdomen. Genetic mutations can cause this condition, as can infections and inflammatory diseases like heart disease and arthritis. 

Common symptoms include bodily swelling, skin tightening, redness, texture changes, and decreased joint mobility. The affected areas can feel numb, tingly, heavy, full, or aching, and wearing clothes and jewelry can become problematic. 

How Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage Help? 

There are numerous management techniques for lymphedema that prevent the condition from worsening, including lymphatic drainage massage. Developed in 1936 by a French doctor and his wife, the technique uses skin-stretching strokes to redirect lymph from the affected area into the lymph nodes where it can drain. 

Several different strokes make up the procedure, including stationary circles where the hand or the palm surfaces of the fingers are used to make oval-shaped marks on the skin that encourage drainage. Other strokes include the pump technique where the palms and upper phalanges create circular shapes on the skin, and the scoop technique where spiral-like moves are used on lower body parts. 

Lymphatic drainage massage uses lighter strokes compared to other massage techniques. In addition to helping lymph fluid drain efficiently, the technique is believed to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces stress hormone activity.

If lymphatic drainage massage is right for your health needs, make an appointment with True Massage & Bodywork. Serving Tallahassee, Quincy, and Midway, FL, this mobile spa comes to you and features a staff with manual lymphatic drainage certifications. Call (850) 509-1755 today to make an appointment or visit the website for lymphatic service details.