Lymphatic Drainage massage stimulates the flow of lymph through the body, improving circulation & metabolism. Specific massage techniques are used to target the lymphatic system, a beautiful and complex geography of rivers connecting to every one of our bodily systems encouraging the natural flow of lymph through the body. Opening passageways that are otherwise blocked or impeded by debris and toxins, lymphatic drainage massage increases blood flow, removes toxins, and flushes out waste.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a technique developed in 1936 by the Vodders (Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife, Estrid) in Paris for treatment of swollen lymph nodes and Lymphedema. This method uses a light, skin-stretching technique with rhythmic movements and acts at the skin level where most of the lymph vessels are located. The lymph is moved towards the closest lymph nodes and gentle pressure is applied. This makes the treatment, light and extremely relaxing. It should not be confused with a traditional massage; MLD specifically focuses only on the lymph vessels. Manual Lymphatic Drainage boosts immune defences, detoxifies the body, reduces bloating and water retention, may reduce anxiety and stress, improve sleep, reduce swelling and inflammation and stimulate the parasymphatetic nervous system, a network of nerves that relaxes your body after periods of stress, bringing a state of calmness and wellbeing. This treatment improves the efficiency of the lymphatic system. As excess water weight is removed from the body, toxins and debris are flushed out, and inflammation is reduced.
How It Works
Stress, low quality sleep, poor diet, alcohol, lack of exercise and environmental toxins lead to a sluggish and congested Lymphatic system. The Lymphatic system doesn't have an internal pump to encourage the flow of lymph, so it needs the stimulation to remove toxins, excess water retention, fight off illness, and boost the immune system. Lymphatic Drainage Massage targets specific points on the body to provide the most benefit to the lymphatic system.
Think of this treatment as "clearing the pipes". When your sink isn't draining properly, it needs some assistance. The same rule applies to your lymphatic drainage. There is so much waste going through, that it's important to make sure we are clearing any build up.
When it comes to inflammation, it's important to focus on the root cause. Each person has different inflammation levels, and with lymphatic drainage we are opening the passageways to encourage movement, reducing inflammation.
Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Massage
The Brazilian method blends traditional lymphatic drainage massage techniques with sculpting/contouring techniques and fascial release to instantly target bloating, puffiness, and water retention helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite. This technique uses deeper, more vigorous techniques, providing all the benefits of traditional Lymphatic Drainage Massage as well as reducing excess fluid retention while accentuating the contours of the body. When our lymphatic system is working efficiently we start to feel lighter and more energized. It is essential to partake in healthy everyday habits to ensure the continuous flow of lymph and proper detoxification.
Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage targets the fascia and water retention in your body, not fat. It isn't fat that causes dimpling but rather the pull of fascia beneath the skin, creating that unique texture we know as cellulite. We often appear swollen, inflamed and dimply due to water weight and distorted fascia which can be from stored emotions, processed food, and our environment. This treatment works best on those with a healthy lifestyle as it is a treatment that assists the natural processes of the body and can also be an ideal step during a health ‘reset’ period.
As with traditional Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Massage is unique as all the movements are different than traditional massage and targeted to specifically end at each lymph node drainage point. With Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Massage, excess water is drained from the body, the muscles become more prominent and the skin feels and looks tighter. This treatment is great to do a day or two before an event, as it will help you shed the water weight that is stored in your body. Results can take up to 40 hours, as the body flushes out all toxins, stored water, and other debris. This is a temporary effect, and it’s important to remember that the health benefits are most important. With repeat sessions to clean the lymphatic system and keep the body free of toxins, longer lasting results are noticed especially when paired with proper nutrition, exercise, water intake, and mental wellness.
For best results, I recommend coming in for this treatment at least twice per month. Ideally, I recommend booking a session per week for 3 weeks, until the symptoms of fluid retention and swelling have improved. After that point, I suggest coming in every 4 - 8 weeks for maintenance.
