Lymphatic Drainage, What's That?

I get many clients that would benefit from Lymphatic Drainage Massage. There are very few people who know what this technique is and what it can do for them. Many doctors and primary care physicians also do not know what Lymphatic Drainage is (LDM). The reason it is so important for care providers to be educated in LDM is because many of their patients would likely benefit from this massage technique. Lymphatic Drainage by: Leandra Jackson, LDMT What is the Lymphatic system and what does it do? The lymph system consists of lymph vessels, nodes, nodules, tonsils, lymph tissue, lymphocytes, lymph fluid the spleen and thymus. It is connected to and dependent on the blood circulation system although distinctly different systems. The lymph system, is a network throughout the body to channel fluid out of tissues, nodes and large lymph vessels which connect with the cardiovascular system to channel fluid into the blood. Two levels of lymph are superficial and deep. The superficial level drain the skin and lining of the digestive and respiratory tracts. The deep flow drain muscles and internal organs. The lymphatic system is designed to destroy microorganisms that may be dangerous to the body. More potential exposure to these dangers are in the respiratory and digestive tracts. Immune reactions can occur anywhere in the body, but the lymph nodes and the spleen(the node of the blood) are where most action takes place. The lymph fluid consists of water, electrolytes, and proteins. By bathing the interstitial fluids throughout the body the lymph fluid carries out toxins and cellular waste to keep us healthy. The fluid moves with contraction similar to the abdominal peristalsis, and is the most important factor to lymph flow. Lymph circulation depends on muscular contraction, movement, pressure changes, spontaneous contraction of lymph vessels, and such external factors as massage and gravity. Edema is a sign that lymph circulation has decreased or stopped in that area. The lymphatic system has several important functions. Helping balance fluids, distribute immune cells to maintain health and defend against disease. It also rids tissues of excess proteins and toxins and carries digested fat from the intestines to blood vessels. Repairing damaged and injured tissues and can regenerate and even develop new nodes in areas of chronic infection. Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM) is a gentle, rhythmic style of massage that mimics the action of the lymphatic system. Using precise rhythm and pressure to increase the lymph flow by up to 30 times.. By increasing the flow with a relaxing, rhythmic lymph massage you increase the benefits of the lymph system. Also the areas of dysfunctional nodes or vessels can be healed and revived leaving the body healthier then it was before. Do not receive LDM if there is an infection in the body so not to spread it. If there is a diagnosis of Lymphodema consult your physician before LDM. Some other benefits are helping with sinus conditions, digestion problems and a sluggish immune system, to name just a few.