Lymphatic drainage is an alternative medicine approach that supports a healthy lymphatic system. The lymphatic system contains ducts that facilitate fluid movement within the entire body to remove toxins and carry germ fighters to cells that may be under viral attack. Even though this fluid travels within the lymph system, it lacks its own mechanism that does the pumping. Lymphatic drainage assists the body to have a free-flowing lymphatic system.
Know the Basics
Lymphatic drainage procedures are a type of manual massage done by a therapist who is trained in lymphatic drainage. This type of massage focuses on very specific lymph nodes and definite point areas of the body, as well as the flow of the lymphatic system, which may decrease the amount of blockages.
Message for Lymph Health
Manual lymphatic drainage therapy originated during the 1930s in Europe and was initially used to help rid the body of waste. Today, this therapy is used to unblock any type of obstructed lymph glands and vessels, allowing free-flowing transportation of waste products from the body.
Performing Therapy Pressure Correctly
When this type of treatment is performed, applying correct pressure is key. Using pressure that is deep enough (lightly sliding over the skin) will produce optimum results. Therapists who have been taught deep-tissue or Swedish message need to be careful not to apply too much pressure with this type of therapy; this is a very light type of touch therapy . A guideline to remember is that the skin is being worked on and that too much pressure will the collapse of the lymphatics.
Use Compression Garments As Prescribed
Specialized elasticized compression garments may be prescribed for those people who develop lymphedema on an affected extremity after undergoing lymphatic drainage therapy to help maintain the overall reduction of edema. These garments can be bought through a medical supply store or can be custom made and are used everyday to keep swelling at a minimum and an adjunct to the overall therapy procedure and technique.
Pumping Lymphatic Fluid Pneumatically
Sequential Gradient Pump Therapy uses a pneumatic sleeve to move lymphatic fluid gently. Additionally, it is a therapy that is approved by most insurance plans, including Medicare. Treatment with this specialized pump is usually set at 15-minute intervals prior to a scheduled manual lymphatic drainage treatment and help to loosen and break up any type of hard (fibrotic) tissue.
Tags: lymphatic system, lymphatic drainage, drainage therapy, Lymphatic drainage, lymphatic drainage therapy, much pressure, this type