Massage is the manipulation of the body’s soft tissues. Massage techniques are commonly applied using hands on techniques with hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, feet, or a massage equipment. The word comes from the French massage “friction of kneading,” which, in turn, comes from the Arabic word مَسَّ massa meaning “to touch, feel.” 

Massage has been known to have many benefits for the human body. The action of effleurage (circular continuous gliding over skin), petrissage (kneading of the soft tissues) and tapotement (gentle striking of soft tissues) not only relaxes tense muscles, it improves blood circulation which then increases relaxation and reduces stress levels. Of its many benefits, it has been shown to boost our immune system by flushing toxins through our lymphatic system, thus getting rid of unwanted waste. This keeps our body healthy and free of excess toxins that can be detrimental to our health.

What is Lymphatic System?

Our lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels and organs that work together to move a colorless, watery fluid called lymph back into the circulatory system. Lymph is filtered to remove waste and excess materials in lymph nodes located throughout the body.

Lymph nodes are small lumps of tissue that contain white blood cells, which fight infection. They are part of the body’s immune system and filter lymph, which is composed of fluid and waste products from body tissues. Lymph nodes are located in many parts of the body, including the neck, armpit, chest, abdomen (belly), and groin. 

The lymphatic system is responsible for a number of important bodily functions.

1) Maintains fluid levels in your body: As just described, the lymphatic system collects excess fluid that drains from cells and tissue throughout the body and returns it to the bloodstream, which is then recirculated through the body.

2) Absorbs fats from the digestive tract: Lymph includes fluids from the intestines that contain fats and proteins and transports it back to the bloodstream.

3) Protects your body against foreign invaders: The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It produces and releases lymphocytes (white blood cells) and other immune cells that monitor and then destroy the foreign invaders — such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi — that enter the body.

4) Transports and removes waste products and abnormal cells from the lymph.

By stimulating the lymphatic system through massage, it helps to remove blockages in the passageways and aids in the transportation of nutrients to the rest of the body. Thus, improving and boosting our immunity so that we are much less likely to fall ill. 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a technique developed by the Vodders (Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife, Estrid) in 1936 in Paris for treatment of swollen lymph nodes. is a gentle non-invasive massage that aims to promote the movement of lymphatic fluid so as to reduce congestion and ensuring proper flow into the correct intended channels. 

Lymphatic Drainage is highly recommended for:

– Treatment of venous and lymphedema (tissue swelling, fluid accumulation)

– Poor immune system: prone to sore throat, colds, flu, infection, illness

– Physically inactive

– Chronic fatigue or general tiredness

– Poor circulation

– Pregnancy

– Stress

– Cancer, especially breast cancer.

So, if you’re feeling a bit sluggish, experiencing mild to moderate swelling, recovering from a sports injury, or interested in optimizing your lymph system for stronger immunity, check with our massage therapist about lymphatic massage. It can have a powerful impact on your body’s ability to heal.

References:

Lymphatic drainage – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21199-lymphatic-system 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage – https://www.physio-pedia.com/Manual_Lymphatic_Drainage

The Effect of Manual Lymphatic Drainage on the Muscle Tone, Pain, and Depression in Patient with Breast Cancer https://www.koreascience.or.kr/article/JAKO202111037332479.page

Lymph nodes and cancer – https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-basics/lymph-nodes-and-cancer.html

Lymph nodes – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/lymph-nodes