Lymphatic Drainage Massage Guide: Improve Your Lymphatic Health

What is Lymphatic Massage?

Lymphatic massage, also called lymphatic drainage massage or manual lymph drainage, is a gentle massage technique that can be beneficial for people with certain health conditions.

What Does A Lymphatic Drainage Massage Do?

A lymphatic drainage massage may help to move lymph fluid from areas where the lymphatic system is disrupted to areas where the lymph vessels are healthy. This helps to clear lymph fluid from the body’s tissues and relieve lymphedema (swelling due to collection of lymph fluid). 

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Why Is It Used?

Lymphedema

Lymphatic massage is used to treat lymphedema. There are two types of lymphedema:

Primary lymphedema is an inherited condition that runs in families. A faulty gene causes the lymphatic system to not develop properly, leading to the accumulation of excess lymph fluid in the body’s tissues. 

Secondary lymphedema develops due to damage to the lymphatic system, for example, from:

• Cancer surgery, including breast cancer surgery and surgery for lymphoma, gynecological, genitourinary, and head and neck cancers, among others. 

• Radiation therapy, which can destroy healthy lymphatic tissue.

• Severe infections such as cellulitis.

• A parasitic disease called filariasis, in which adult worms live in lymph vessels and block lymphatic drainage.

• Inflammatory conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

• Venous diseases such as varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where the lymphatic system can get overwhelmed due to dysfunctioning veins.

• Other causes such as obesity, trauma, injuries, and immobility.

Other Conditions That May Benefit From Lymphatic Drainage Massages

• Chronic venous insufficiency 

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Fibromyalgia

• Lipedema

Additional Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massages

A lymphatic drainage massage can help to:

• Reduce water retention, puffiness, and bloating.

• Break down cellulite and fat cells.

• Optimize facial blood flow and give your skin a glow.

• Optimize results after cosmetic procedures such as liposuction.

• Rehabilitate muscles post-injury.

• Ease muscle tension and stress.

Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage Worth It?

More research is needed to say whether lymphatic drainage massage is effective or worth it. Some studies show people benefit from lymphatic drainage massages, especially when performed by massage therapists who are trained in lymphedema massage techniques. 

For example, during breast cancer surgery, nearby lymph nodes from the armpits are removed, which can lead to lymphoedema. Research shows that patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery and have lymphedema as a result can benefit from manual lymph drainage. Lymphatic drainage is helpful in decreasing swelling and discomfort, reducing the risk of infection (cellulitis), and improving the quality of life in these individuals.

Performing Lymphatic Drainage Massages

How Do I Know If I Need Lymphatic Drainage?

You may benefit from lymphatic drainage massages if you have symptoms of lymphedema. Lymphedema is a swelling in your arm or leg or another part of your body. Having lymphedema can make it difficult for you to fit into clothes. In addition, your rings and watches can feel tight. 

Swelling from lymphedema can come and go. It may be soft and easy to dent initially but can progress to more severe symptoms. Other symptoms of lymphedema which may benefit from lymphatic massage therapy include:

• A feeling of heaviness or achiness.

• Limited range of motion.

• Hardened, tightened, or thickened skin.

• Frequent skin infections.

• Development of skin folds or wart-like growths in the skin.

• Leakage of fluid through skin.

• Problems with speech or swallowing if lymphedema involves the face or neck.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage Techniques

Professional Lymphatic Drainage Massages

A certified lymphedema therapist (usually a physical therapist with lymphedema training) can offer various types of manual lymphatic drainage. These include the Foldi, Leduc, Casley-Smith, and Vodder technique.

In general, manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle form of massage that promotes the movement of lymphatic fluid out of a body part with swelling. This is achieved through the application of light pressure on the arms, legs, or other body parts. 

Lymphatic drainage massage is different from traditional massage techniques because the gentle movements are focused on the lymph vessels. The goal is to increase blood flow and reduce swelling. The massage therapy is applied to unaffected areas first to give the lymph fluid a place to move out of the affected areas. 

Alongside lymphatic drainage, physical therapists trained in manual lymphatic massage also encourage a deep breathing exercise called diaphragmatic breathing that helps to move fluid toward the heart.

How Do I Drain My Lymphatic Myself?

You can learn to do your own lymphatic massage. The general idea is to apply light pressure near the affected area to drain the build-up of fluid and push it back toward your heart. This can be accomplished by moving your fingers in a C shape to gently massage the surrounding areas that are not swollen. 

Here are some tips on doing a manual lymphatic massage at home:

• Avoid using oils or lotions.

• Learn a deep breathing exercise called diaphragmatic breathing, which helps promote lymphatic drainage.

• Get regular exercise, which is necessary to move fluid throughout the body. Walking, jogging, and swimming are all good ways to get lymph fluid moving.

• Try dry brushing, a technique that involves moving a brush in circular motions from the extremities toward the center of your body. Dry brushing not only keeps your lymphatic system healthy but also exfoliates your skin. 

• Lightly tap the area just above your collarbones to activate lymph vessels. 

Risks and Side Effects

Potential Risks and Adverse Reactions

Some people develop side effects such as headache, nausea, joint pain, and fatigue after a lymphatic drainage massage. Talk to your doctor if you develop a symptom that is severe or persistent.

Who Should Avoid Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

People who have pre-existing health conditions, especially heart problems, kidney disease, blood clots, or an infection such as cellulitis, should consult their healthcare provider before receiving lymphatic drainage massage, and especially before self-attempt at home. 

People with a diagnosis of lymphedema can benefit from learning the correct techniques from a certified lymphedema therapist to reap all the benefits of this technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lymphatic Drainage the Same as Massage?

Lymphatic drainage massage is not the same as traditional massage. The decongestive hand motions used during lymphatic massage are specific sweeping motions and cupping motions. They are performed with gentle pressure to improve circulation and stimulate the movement of lymph fluid and toxins out of an area of swelling. Another difference is that while traditional massage may be done on the whole body, lymphatic drainage massage is typically done on a specific area affected by lymphedema, such as the upper or lower body.

How Quickly Can Manual Lymphatic Massage Reduce Swelling? 

Manual lymphatic massage does not give instant results. You may need several sessions with a professional massage therapist before you notice an improvement in the swelling. Studies show that maximum benefits from the treatment are obtained with at least 2 weeks of manual lymphatic drainage or at least 20 sessions. Also, one lymphatic drainage technique may work better for you than others, so you may have to try different ones.

How Often Should You Do Lymphatic Massage? 

How often you should do lymphatic massage depends on the goal of the treatments. Again, check with your doctor before starting a lymphatic drainage massage, especially if you have underlying health conditions. 

• For general wellness, overall health, and relaxation: Once every 1-3 months.

• To treat lymphedema: 2-3 times a week until the swelling goes down.

• For athletes and those with an active lifestyle: Weekly treatments to aid muscle recovery.

Further Reading: Lymphatic System, Lymph Nodes, Lymph Vessels, and Lymphatic Fluid

The lymphatic system is an important component of the body’s immune system. It also plays a role in maintaining fluid balance in the body. 

The lymphatic system consists of lymph nodes and lymph vessels through which lymphatic fluid (a colorless, watery fluid) moves. Organs of the lymphatic system include the bone marrow, thymus, spleen, tonsils and adenoids, and lymphatic tissue in other parts of the body.

The heart sends oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the body’s tissues through arteries. About 20 liters of plasma (the liquid part of the blood) flows out of tiny blood vessels called capillaries to deliver these nutrients to the body’s tissues every day. Of this, about 17 liters of plasma containing waste materials is returned to the bloodstream through reabsorption into the capillaries and veins. However, about 3 liters remain in the body’s tissues. This becomes lymphatic fluid or lymph and is returned to the bloodstream through lymphatic vessels. Lymph has a high concentration of white blood cells that fight infections.

Therefore, the lymphatic system has three main functions—to collect extra fluid from the body’s tissues and return it to the bloodstream, help the body absorb fat, and protect the body against germs.

If there is disruption or damage to the lymphatic system, it can cause lymph fluid to collect in the tissues and cause swelling—this is called lymphedema, and it can benefit from manual lymphatic drainage.