Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle form of massage that can help move fluid through the body. It has a history of providing many benefits, including (but not limited to):

  • Managing chronic pain
  • Boost the immune system
  • Reducing swelling after surgery

As of late, there is also some evidence to suggest it may help with stress management and anxiety. In this blog post, we’ll be outlining four of the most compelling reasons why you should consider giving manual lymph drainage a try.

Reason 1: If You Experience Chronic Pain

Manual lymphatic drainage helps to move fluid through the lymphatic system. This system is a network of vessels and nodes that helps to remove toxins, waste, and bacteria from the body.

When it’s working properly, it helps to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. But when it’s not, it can lead to a build-up of toxins and bacteria.

Many chronic pain states are thought to be caused by this imbalance. Using manual lymphatic drainage to manually kickstart the lymphatic system can help to reduce this build-up and improve overall functioning.

Due to the gentle nature of this massage modality, manual lymphatic drainage is a safe and effective way to reduce chronic pain and improve quality of life. If you are suffering from chronic pain, consider adding this type of massage to your self-care routine.

Reason 2: If You Recently Had Surgery

Surgery puts a lot of stress on a person’s body. For many, the healing process can be short. But for others, it can take a long time and the journey can feel neverending. Whether your body heals quickly or it needs more time, a lymphatic drainage massage can help in that healing process.

This type of massage therapy can assist in the body’s natural work of moving and extracting the extra fluid caused by the trauma of surgery. This makes manual lymph drainage a holistic way to release pain, discomfort, inflammation, and toxins they may be held in their body post-surgery. It can assist the healing process and provide the patient with other benefits too.

In addition to this, manual lymphatic drainage is uniquely suited for people who have undergone plastic surgery. The affected area may retain extra fluid build-up after the procedure and require a long period of time to heal.

By opting for routine massages during this healing period, patients can often:

  • Feel relief in symptoms
  • Have a quicker recovery time
  • And experience better outcomes long term

Reason 3: If You’re Experiencing Stress or Anxiety

Did you know that there are many emotional benefits of massage therapy? It’s known to have a profound effect on mental health and can actually induce a physiological relaxation response.

Studies have shown that massage can:

  • Reduce cortisol – this hormone contributes to anxiety and depression.
  • Increase serotonin – this chemical affects mood, sleep, digestion, and much more.
  • Increase dopamine – this neurotransmitter plays a role in learning, motivation, mood, attention, sleep, and many other functions.

In addition to this, new evidence suggests that the use of manual lymphatic drainage along with other types of massage can help clear stress and anxiety from the body. This is exciting news because as more evidence of the emotional benefits of massage therapy comes out, more and more people will be able to benefit.

Reason 4: If You Want to Improve Your General Wellness

When people think about manual lymphatic drainage, they typically think of it as a detoxifying massage. They associate it with people experiencing chronic pain or those who already have swelling in their bodies. But this type of massage is actually extremely beneficial for clients who aren’t experiencing any specific health struggles.

If you’re feeling any of the following symptoms, manual lymph drainage could help alleviate them:

  • Slow digestion
  • Sluggishness or lethargy
  • A heavy feeling of tiredness

Doing a series of manual lymph drainage massages 3-5 times a week for a period of time can be a useful way to get your system moving again. It can boost your body’s ability to heal itself and is ideal for those interested in preventative care. It is very effective in promoting the body’s natural healing process.

Ready to experience the benefit of manual lymph drainage for yourself? Schedule an appointment with Vinings Massage & Wellness today!