What is Lymphatic Dysfunction

Lymphatic dysfunction means the lymphatic system is working poorly. The lymphatic system is made up of lymph nodes and lymph vessels that drain fluids from your body’s tissues.

The fluids carry toxins, immune cells, and waste products to your lymph nodes. Lymph vessels help maintain fluid balance in the body by returning filtered lymph fluid back to the bloodstream.

A poorly working lymphatic system causes tissues to become swollen with fluid. This is called lymphedema. It commonly results in swelling in your arms or legs. Other parts of the body can be affected too. You can also develop lymphedema from a disease complication or injury

 

Does it have any medical benefits?

Lymphatic drainage treatments accelerate the absorption and transportation of lymphatic fluids which contain toxins, bacteria, viruses, and proteins, This acceleration of the lymphatic system is an evidence game changer for people with lymphedema or other conditions involving the lymphatic system. It can even help to reduce swelling after surgery, the treatment is also helpful for conditions such as acne, eczema, and digestive disorders. Beauty bloggers and massage therapists alike often tout lymphatic drainage as a way to improve the appearance of the skin by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and eye bags.

How its done?

Technician will start by applying light pressure and gentle movements that range from tapping and stroking to rubbing and pushing. Next, using flat hands and all fingers, they’ll gently stretch your skin in the direction of the lymphatic flow to encourage drainage.

A lymphatic drainage facial works similarly, but may also include soft brushing movements on the face.

Bodily lymphatic drainage usually lasts up to an hour while the facial version is typically a little shorter. Deep breathing exercises, which promote better lymphatic circulation, tend to be combined with both.

What is Lymphatic Drainage?

Your lymphatic system helps eliminate your body’s waste. A healthy, active lymphatic system uses the natural movements of smooth muscle tissue to do this. Surgery, Medical conditions, treatments or other damage can cause fluids to build up in your lymph system and your lymph nodes, If you've ever had a surgery on or involving your lymph nodes, your doctor may have suggested lymphatic drainage massage, A lymphatic drainage massage helps drain your lymph nodes by working the surface level of the skin.

 

Clearing and Reabsorption

There are two stages of lymphatic massage: clearing and reabsorption. The purpose of clearing is to create a vacuum with gentle pressure so that the area is prepared to bring in more fluid, creating a flushing effect.

Clearing involves:

  • supraclavicular lymph area: located directly under the collarbone
  • axillary lymph area: located under the arms
  • inside of the elbows
  • lower part of the abdomen 

Also, drink water. Well-hydrated tissue helps moves out waste materials

 

The lymphatic system is a crucial part of your immune system. Through a network of hundreds of lymph nodes, it drains fluid called lymph to be transported back into your bloodstream. It also removes bodily waste and carries white blood cells that help prevent infection.

When there’s any kind of obstruction in your lymphatic system, fluid can start to build up. That’s where lymphatic drainage comes in.

Traditionally, it’s been used to treat lymphedema, a condition marked by chronic swelling that can occur after lymph node removal.

But in recent years, some have started incorporating facial lymphatic drainage into their beauty regimen as a weapon against puffy, dull complexion and skin irritation. Some have gone so far as to call it a nonsurgical facelift.