Manual Lymphatic Drainage

The lymphatic system is often referred to as the secondary circulatory system and plays an essential role in immunity. I often refer to it as the great recycling system because it cleans out the body’s excess waste in the connective tissue that’s too big for the blood vessels to absorb. The lymphatic system runs like rivers throughout your body similar to your bloodstream. However, it doesn’t have a central pump, like the heart, to move the fluid. It depends on skeletal movement, diaphragmatic breathing, exercise and lymphatic massage to function. Lymphatic drainage increases the intrinsic contractions necessary to maximize micro-circulation of fluid into lymph nodes where an immune response gets activated. Lymph nodes are the hub where bacteria, viruses and pathogens are filtered out so that lymphatic fluid can return to the bloodstream toxin-free. You have hundreds of lymph nodes, a majority of which are clustered in the neck,  armpits, spleen, abdomen, top of the thigh, and behind the knees and elbows that contain disease fighting white blood cells, macrophages and lymphocytes that act as detectors signaling your immune system to destroy unwanted invaders.

When the lymph system becomes overwhelmed it can’t function optimally and may impede other bodily systems like your digestion, respiratory system, neurological system and more.

• Manual lymphatic drainage can help the lymphatic system clear stagnant fluid in your body which increases your immune response by defending your body against illness and disease

• Regular lymphatic treatments can lessen inflammation and bloating

• Lymphatic drainage can improve recovery time from surgeries and injury

• Lymphatic treatments can improve the appearance of the skin, acne, scar tissue and the appearance of cellulite

• Lymphatic drainage is a gentle, rhythmic, relaxing treatment can calm your nervous system, promote healing and feels rejuvenating

People come to see me for a couple of reasons. There are those who come because they heard that lymphatic massage and self-care should be a standard aspect of their health regimen. Others seek treatment because their stress, digestion, hormonal imbalances, surgical procedures or other symptoms cause inflammatory responses in their bodies. Many doctors recommend lymphatic drainage to their patients recovering from elective surgery, athletic injury, after a cancer diagnosis, menstrual discomfort, Covid rehabilitation, neurological issues and those seeking palliative care.