A massage that leaves the body’s frame noticeably sculpted after 60 minutes? It’s no wonder why many are signing up needing little to no convincing — especially those who experience stubborn fluid retention, bloating, heaviness, and are seeking to feel better about the mirror’s reflection. However, beyond the surface of appearances, treatment techniques and tending to the lymphatic system pose many benefits, such as:
• Boosting our body’s innate detoxification mechanisms
• Increasing nutrient absorption
• Relieving bloating + strain on the organs
• Aiding edema
• Postoperative care including c-section
Detoxification
The lymphatic system plays a key role in detoxifying waste and abnormal cells, immune health, and micronutrient absorption which also aids blood quality. This system can become weak or backed up and call for a little TLC (tender loving care). Lymphatic drainage massage supports these innate mechanisms and detoxification, which is why some experience flu-like symptoms post-treatment as the body detoxifies.
Bloating + Strain on the Organs
Bloating is simply uncomfortable, whether it stems from a weak digestive system and food sensitivities, fluid retention and a stagnated lymphatic system, or a backup in the gi tract a.k.a constipation. Chronic bloating, fluid retention, and/or constipation can also strain the organs. With proper techniques, lymphatic drainage massage significantly reduces bloating and, for some, can relieve constipation by promoting relaxation and overall fluid balance. Acupuncture, as an integrative treatment, is highly recognized for relieving bloating and digestive issues by targeting organ systems that govern digestion and relieving strain.
Edema
Edema can leave the body feeling weighed down, sometimes includes pain, and is the body communicating that there’s a deeper imbalance. Lymphatic drainage massage can offer instant relief, both visually and symptomatically, while acupuncture tends to the deeper imbalance. Acupuncture for edema often includes painlessly heating the needles using various techniques, aiding functions in the body that are in charge of fluid metabolism that become weak or damaged. Gua sha techniques reinforce the treatment and are especially used for facial edema cases.
Postoperative Care
Lymphatic drainage massage and electroacupuncture for postoperative care, including c-section, can aid adequate healing, reduce swelling and raised appearance at the site of operation, plus release pulling sensations or tightness caused by scarring. Scars that heal incorrectly can lead to issues in other areas of the body by disrupting fascia and muscle connections, harming the nerves leading to numbness or nerve pain, and, at times, can leave adhesions on organs. Electrostimulation, which is under the skin and into the tissue, targets scar tissue in the deeper layers while lymphatic massage further offers scar management and promotes proper healing. Licensed practitioners often tailor treatments based on the current state of health and each individual’s case.
Who Should Avoid Receiving the Massage
Those who have an existing infection are advised to avoid receiving the massage. As explained by toronto-based RMT and former Doula, Jessica Rutherford, lymphatic drainage massage risks spreading an infection by moving bacteria or viruses from their current location to other areas of the body.
Tips for Boosting Lymphatic Circulation
Avoid Cold: Warmth encourages circulation while cold is a hindrance. Avoiding cold foods and drinks and opting for warmth aids circulation and is gentler on digestion and metabolism. Keeping the body warm such as the feet, abdomen, and low back further aid metabolism, lymphatic circulation, and digestion.
Rebounding + Movement: Movement aids circulation, especially rebounding which involves gently jumping up and down, preferably on a trampoline or mini-trampoline. This is a simple practice that is not too strenuous or too much of a chore as only 5 minutes, twice a day, can be adequate enough to boost lymphatic circulation. Consistency is key; rebounding paired with proper lifestyle choices will sculpt the body’s frame and move stagnated fluids.
Tapping Lymph Node Clusters: Clusters of lymph nodes on the neck, upper chest under the collarbone, armpits, stomach, groin, hips, and behind the knees can become blocked. Using the tips of your fingers, a gentle fist, or the palm of your hand, massage, tap, and/or pump these drains. Again, consistency is key and adding this practice into your self-care routine can support smooth flow through the lymphatic pathways.
Beyond appearances and aesthetics, our body continuously works to operate at its best and in balance. Bloating, fluid retention, and a stagnated lymphatic system are ways our body communicates there is a deeper issue and where it could use support for optimal life quality.
— Rebecca Jivcoff, R. Ac
