Get in touch. Info thespascottsdale. What is lymphatic drainage? The lymphatic system is part of the immune system; it is a network of vessels, organs, and tissues that works together to move a fluid called lymph back into the circulatory system. It provides many functions, including ridding the body of waste and toxins, protecting against infections, and maintaining body fluid levels. However, this specialized massage is gaining popularity as it offers many benefits for everyone.
What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage? Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle, non-invasive type of massage that can have a tremendous effect on the body by stimulating the lymphatic system to encourage the movement of lymph fluids in the body. When the lymphatic system is disrupted, lymph collects in the arms and legs, causing painful swelling called lymphedema.
A massage therapist employs lymphatic drainage massage techniques to move lymph from tissues to the lymph nodes to reduce swelling. During a lymphatic drainage massage, the massage therapist will use light, rhythmic movements to stimulate the lymphatic system. These movements cause the lymph fluid to move easily. How Does it Work? There are two steps to lymphatic massage. The first step is called clearing and uses gentle pressure to flush the area and release lymphatic fluid from tissues.
Step two is reabsorption. At this stage, the lymphatic fluid is moved to the lymph nodes. Lymphatic drainage massage uses a sequence of different massage techniques, including sweeping, circular, gliding, cupping, compressing, and stretching. There are four types of lymphatic drainage massage commonly used. Each technique employs gentle movements to stretch the skin in the direction of lymph flow, and must begin at the part of the limb nearest to the body and move outward.
Vodder is the foundational technique of lymphatic drainage massage. It uses various sweeping hand motions on the area being treated. Foldi is an extension of Vodder that alternates between circling hand motions and moments of relaxation. The Casley-Smith method involves circular strokes using the side of the hand.
