What is Lymphatic Drainage?
A lymphatic drain is a form of massage that manually stretches the connective tissue of the body – intending to encourage the natural circulation of the “lymph” – the liquid that flows through the lymphatic system of the body, and carries around the healthy cells that are essential to fighting diseases and infections in the body.
Also known as lymphatic fluid, this liquid is thought to build up in the lymphatic system, causing bloating and toxin retention if not regularly drained.
Fortunately, seeking out and locating an appointment in which one can undertake manual lymphatic drainage in Melbourne is easy!
Many professional skin treatment centres, beauty salons, and boutiques around the city offer this type of service, making the treatment easily accessible for patients wanting to either try out manual lymphatic drainage for the first time or even make regular appointments to have their lymph fluid drained through specialised massage and manual manipulation techniques.
Why is Lymphatic Drainage Considered to Be Good For You?
Manual lymphatic drainage massages are thought of as a great way to eliminate unwanted toxins from the body, reduce bloating and lower water retention.
They may also improve the appearance of the skin, as well as the shape and contours of the body while assisting the body with its ability to rejuvenate itself.
Lymphatic draining massage and manual manipulation of the body are also essential to promoting healing of the body, as this treatment encourages and stimulates the body’s lymph fluids to enable them to better transport and carry essential nutrients, healthy cells, and nourishment to the parts of the body that need them most.
Lymphatic drainage massages have also been considered a way to assist sufferers of lymphedema, a rare disease where the lymph nodes cannot effectively drain the lymphatic fluid from areas of the body, resulting in a build-up of toxic liquid which can be dangerous if not managed properly through medical treatment and services such as lymphatic draining.
Lymphatic Drainage & Mood
As well as aiding in detoxifying the body, manual lymphatic drainage massage can also assist with relaxation and stress management, as well as providing an uplifting, energising, invigorating, and stimulating experience for the recipient of the treatment.
Importantly, the process of manual lymphatic drainage involves such a vigorous massage that many patients who experience this type of physical manipulation can also see a positive lift and increase in energy levels, as well as experience a heightened mood and sense of happiness and relaxation.
The positive results of lymphatic draining massage on mental health and emotional wellbeing can include the patient experiencing a great deal of stress release, lessened levels of anxiety, and in some cases, a noticeable and measurable increase in serotonin levels, which can aid with curbing feelings of depression – following lymphatic drainage treatment.
In this sense, the positive effects of lymphatic draining massage are not only physical – but it is also a holistic treatment and can help patients suffering from mental illness, deficits in energy levels, or chronically low moods.
How is Lymphatic Drainage Performed?
Manual lymphatic draining massage and manipulation involve several steps to be properly and effectively performed and executed on a patient.
Before a lymphatic drainage massage can be performed, first, the body must be prepared for treatment.
Preparing the Body for Manual Lymphatic Drainage
The first step in preparing the body for manual lymphatic drainage is to ensure that the patient’s body is properly oxygenated.
This can be achieved by asking the patient to perform deep breathing, which is essential as the flow of air through the body acts like a pump to assist with moving the lymph fluid through the lymph nodes and around the lymphatic system.
This also helps to prepare the lymphatic system for the high level of stimulation it is about to experience through manual manipulation of the body during the lymphatic drainage massage.
Performing the Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Manual Manipulation
To achieve the best results for patients of lymphatic drainage massage, firm touch, strong pressure, and expert manipulation of the body are required.
Importantly, adequate pressure must be applied to the body using the palms of the hands to ensure the manipulation is effective.
This, in turn, ensures that the maximum amount of lymphatic fluid can be drained from the body and that the majority of unwanted, unhealthy toxins are eliminated from the lymphatic system.
Needless to say, lymphatic drainage massage professionals require considerable training and education to perform this type of treatment.
It is also advisable for patients to do their research on reputable salon practices and treatment centres at which to receive treatment.