- Written By: J. Beam
- Edited By: Bronwyn Harris
-
Copyright Protected:
2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
Lymphatic drainage is a holistic approach to promoting a healthy lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels and ducts that move fluid throughout the body and is responsible for moving toxins away from healthy cells and carrying germ-fighting materials to cells when they are under attack by viruses. Though fluid moves through the lymphatic system, it does not have its own pumping mechanism. Lymphatic drainage is a type of therapy that is intended to help the body produce a free-flowing lymphatic system.
This type of therapy consists of a manual massage, performed by a lymphatic drainage therapist. Such a massage primarily focuses on specific lymph nodes and points of the body, as well as the natural flow of the lymphatic system. To help lymph fluid move through the body, special rhythmic hand strokes are used, which many patients consider very relaxing. Proponents of lymphatic drainage believe that the process will reduce blockages of the lymphatic system, which in turn promotes a healthier body.
When the lymphatic system becomes blocked, lymph nodes may become swollen. Further, the system fails to remove the body's toxins and can even affect white blood cell counts. Lymphatic drainage is believed to reduce blockage, which promotes health in the lymphatic system as well as other bodily systems such as the circulatory, respiratory, muscular, and endocrine systems. It has been recommended for conditions like lymphederma, in which a blockage in the lymphatic system causes swelling in the arms or legs. Some therapists believe that lymphatic drainage therapy can also reduce allergies, menstrual cramps, and colds and other illnesses caused by viruses.
While lymphatic drainage is often about preventative health care and is considered safe, physical symptoms, such as swollen glands, can indicate a problem with the lymphatic system and should be evaluated by a physician. In addition to lymphatic drainage therapy, there is research that indicates there are additional measures people can take to promote a free-flowing lymphatic system. Some of these measures include things as simple as avoiding tight-fitting undergarments such as bras, underwear, and pantyhose, and other restrictive clothing. Reducing stress can also help promote a healthy lymphatic system, as well as regular exercise and a healthy diet.
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anon190833
Post 19 |
I'm extremly unhappy with my legs and this article as well as other research tells me I may have circulation and lymphatic problems. My thighs, mainly, are extremly wobbly, almost like there's a lot of water inside them, and I get cellulite very easly around my leg area if I squeeze it. Also I have terrible circulation because at night. When I sleep, my feet get extremely cold and I can't keep them warm unless I use a hot water bottle, sometimes even during hot summer nights. Could this be my lymph system not working correctly? Thanks, Joana |
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anon180862
Post 18 |
I have had a long progression tension headaches and was told that it was my lymphatic blockage. i am having lymphatic drainage massage which is really helping. has any one else had this? how long will it take? |
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anon164271
Post 17 |
My left nostril tends to block when i go to sleep at night especially after 1:00 a.m when I've slept for a while. What i do is to exercise by open and closing the nostril until the blockage is free but it tends to block again. Whenever i do finger exercised, i could feel circulation moving inside my body, especially in my stomach and intestine. Also i experience slight heat and stickiness on my left shoulder blade. could it be due to the blockage of my lymph nodes? |
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anon155945
Post 16 |
Regarding the person with a swollen leg after prostate cancer. Great that things are sounding better! Lymph drainage alone will unfortunately not solve your problem. It is an important component but you should really be doing complete decongestive therapy which comprises of manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging, compression stockings, exercise and skin care. It's a complete course - you should consult a certified lymphedema therapist. good luck! |
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anon143765
Post 15 |
my dad suffers from prostate cancer but it has been checked to minimal and his PSA has dropped from 50 in a few days of herbal treatment, i.e., after he had undergone surgery in india. right now his right leg is swollen and this causes much pain as he walks. on a daily basis i massage back the fluid from the sole of his feet up to his waist region. this helps him to move about but i wonder how long it will continue. i seek advice as i feel this is mainly as a result of his lymphatic drainage system. --scott from nigeria |
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anon95220
Post 14 |
by gentle movements of body and breathing, all areas are moved/stimulated and this improves lymph flow. |
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anon79750
Post 12 |
I have been waking up with swollen eyelids and bags under my eyes as well as swollen nasal passages and congestion for four months now. Could this be symptoms of lymphatic issues? My doctor says this is from allergies, and I have been on allergy shots for 2 1/2 months with no improvement. Any ideas? |
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anon75929
Post 10 |
i have lymphedema in my left foot /leg and I'm recently getting a pain in my inner hip. can anyone help? |
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anon74148
Post 9 |
Lymph nodes become swollen when they are involved in actively fighting an infection. The fluid is moved by our body motions, and has done so for thousands of years without trouble, or needing extra help. Toxins are dealt with by the liver and then filtered from the blood by the kidneys. |
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anon73736
Post 8 |
I have had lymphoma. should I have a lymphatic drainage done? |
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anon73595
Post 7 |
i have bags under my eyes. i had plastic surgery to lift the skin around my eyes, but it did not help. are there lymph glands in this area? thank you |
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anon63308
Post 6 |
dear fatima: it is indeed possible that your sore legs are attributable to a congested lymphatic system. other causes could indeed be indicated but if we consider that the lymphatic system is responsible for waste disposal from the tissues, and if it is blocked then it is like an overflowing waste bin or sewer system with gunk and junk sitting around for long periods of time, that could possibly be setting up a low grade form of inflammation or irritation within the tissues. you would perhaps be able to test this theory by palpating your lymph nodes, especially the ones in the groin or inguinal region, which are located in the region where the leg joins the hip, there in the anatomical crease or fold you will find a series of lumps or nodes. If they are rock hard, or even tender or swollen then that is indicative of impaired function of the lymphatic system in your lower body. i would guess that you do little exercise or activities that use your legs such as walking, riding, jogging or even things such as yoga or pilates. doing such exercises actually stimulates the musculoskeletal pump which is the actual mechanism whereby lymphatic flow is facilitated by the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the skeletal muscles, which kind of functions as a pump to milk the fluid through the lymphatic vessels. also i would suggest you need to increase your fluid intake, and avoid alcohol or caffeine containing beverages as they will further dehydrate your body, thereby leading to a thick and gunky lymphatic system. of course lymphatic drainage massage would be well indicated as a beneficial therapy for you. hope this helps.:) |
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anon45415
Post 5 |
i have heavy legs and they are so sore to the touch. i was told that its my lymphatic system that isn't functioning. please let me know if im on the right path. Thanks, Fatima. |
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anon30844
Post 4 |
Most often qigong routines are preformed by practitioners to build personal qi for health or martial arts development. Medical qigong refers to routines designed to target health conditions, but may also refer to qi healing (similar to reiki or healing touch therapy). There are several subcategories of qi when spoken of in Chinese medicine (of which qigong is considered an element of). There is: Da (great) qi - the air/atmosphere/universal energy that is the motivating factor of all manifestations of existence. Gu qi - the energy derived from food and drink. Yuan qi - the original energy derived from ones parents Wei Qi - the resistive to disease function of ones immune system Ying qi - which is the nutritive aspect of qi which relates to blood Each organ has a form of qi (i.e. liver qi, heart qi, etc...) Qi is said to be the motivating factor of blood and jin (fluids i.e. lymph, mucus, etc.), therefore controlling qi can facilitate the proper movement of those systems. Qiqong (Chi Kung) literally translates as Qi (internal energy, life force, air, etc...) skill. Skill in qi means that you have, through exercise, diet (including medicinal herbs), meditation or spiritual act improved or increase the quantity, functionality, and efficiency of qi internally (inside your body). Acupuncture/Acupressure can also direct qi inside the body. Internal examples include developing qi to withstand blunt trauma to the body, a feat often demonstrated by qigong "masters"; or using qi to balance, restore and facilitate the various bodily systems in yourself or others through qi transmission, called fa qi. Qi may also be cultivated externally (in the environment around you), through art, music and design. For example arranging your furniture in such a way as to allow positive qi flow (unobstructed) through an area, commonly referred to as feng shui (wind/water). Can qigong help, *yes*, but get the right stuff, I suggest trying an oriental medical college for a good referral. |
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anon24326
Post 3 |
Qi Gong helps lymphatic drainage through the slow movement while performing the Qi Gong exercises (looks a lot like Tai Chi Martial Art). the movement of the body promotes the pumping of lymph fluids and therefore stimulates proper drainage. |
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anon18074
Post 2 |
Has anyone use lymphatic drainage to treat Auto-immune EAR disease with good results? Miguel |
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knittingpro
Post 1 |
Qi gong also claims to help with lymphatic draining, but I am not entirely sure how that would work, does anyone know? |
