“…At pH we take your health seriously so we like to get to the root cause of ailments instead of just treating the symptoms. The body is a complex being made up of many pathways, organs and systems. The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body….”What exactly is the lymphatic system and why is it important?
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body.
The lymphatic system is extremely important as it helps to maintain homeostasis in the body.
What Exactly Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a treatment used to drain lymph from areas of the body where there is excess, helping the system function more effectively. The system does not have a strong pump of its own, your muscles help to move it around, so if there is an issue or imbalance the body needs a little extra support to keep it in balance. Very light, slow, rhythmical movements are applied so as well as being therapeutic, it is also very relaxing. Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be tolerated well by people who may find other forms of massage too painful.
What Specifically Can Lymphatic Drainage Help With?
- Fluid retention
- Sinusitis (must be infection free)
- Stress (activates a parasympathetic response)
- Skin conditions: eczema, acne, psoriasis
- Constipation
- Swelling/bruising from sprains/traumatic injuries
- Poor immunity
- Headaches or migraines
- Surgery – aids recovery/swelling/bruising from medical, dental and cosmetic surgery
- Cauliflower ears
- Burns recovery
- Epicondylitis, carpal/cubital tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis
- Recovery from respiratory conditions, e.g. bronchitis. pneumonia (must be infection free), support the body while giving up smoking
- Vertigo
- Fibromyalgia
- Hormonal imbalances
What To Expect Post Treatment
If you feel the effects of the treatment elsewhere in the body it could be because Manual Lymphatic Drainage has a whole system/body effect. Even if we’ve not worked a specific area you may feel the effects somewhere else if there is another issue/injury in the body. For example, treating Achilles tendonitis but feeling the effects after the treatment in the knee. This could be due to an old injury and more clearing work being required in the knee/leg prior to treating the Achilles.
The process ‘loads’ the lymphatic system causing it to function more effectively overall. As well as potentially feeling the effects in different parts of the body you may also continue to feel the effects for days after the treatment. This is because it gets your lymphatic system working more effectively.
How long you’ll feel the effects for will depend on what we’re treating and the severity of the issue. After discussing your needs we’ll set out an initial treatment plan and work together from there. We’d generally always look at 2 x treatments in close succession to get things moving and then start to space out from there depending on how well/quickly your body responds.
Lymphatic Drainage And Detoxification
Manual Lymphatic Drainage indirectly supports detoxification. Although it does not directly eliminate toxins, it supports the liver/kidneys/lungs and colon to eliminate unwanted build up by getting the body into a parasympathetic state and transporting those stubborn toxins into the bloodstream. The lymphatic system is a filtering system and supports homeostasis in the body, the sympatholytic effect, any minor fluid retention, and the immune response.
Lymphatic Drainage For Injury
As it is such a gentle treatment it can be applied immediately after the trauma, in fact, the sooner the better. Excess fluid in the connective tissues impacts the function (in this case the healing process). Maintaining an optimal environment for cells means they’ll be able to function better (waste removal, nutrient supply, immune system etc). Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps to remove the excess fluid from the area and therefore helps maintain homeostasis in the body, thus speeding up the healing process.
Lymphatic Massage vs Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic Massage is not the same as Manual Lymphatic Drainage. While both will have an immediate effect you should see much better and longer lasting results from Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Why? Because Manual Lymphatic Drainage has a systemic effect. Think of it as turning on a vacuum cleaner – it’s more effective and lasts longer (days, not just during/immediately after the treatment). Think of lymphatic massage as the toothpaste effect – you’re just emptying the system rather than activating it.
