LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE GENTLY TARGETS THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM JUST UNDER YOUR SKIN

London Dermatology | 8 September 2024

Lymphatic drainage has become a popular form of massage due to its potential health benefits. This type of massage is very mild and targets the immune system’s lymphatic system. The organs, tubes, and tissues that make up your lymph system transfer or drain lymph, a fluid that resembles water, from other areas of your body into your bloodstream.

Massage using lymphatic drainage is particularly beneficial if you suffer from lymphoedema, a condition in which lymph fluid remains in other areas of your body instead of returning to your blood. Most typically, lymphoedema affects the arms or legs.

Many things can cause lymphedema, including:

• Genetic disorders
• Injury
• Infection
• Cancer treatment
• Surgery

Massage is a way to help move the lymph fluid and make the swelling it causes go away. If you’re otherwise healthy, lymphatic drainage massage may feel relaxing. But it isn’t likely to improve your health a lot.

Light movements stimulate your lymphatic system without pressing hard on your vessels. They make the lymph fluid move easily through your nodes and tissues, making sure the fluid doesn’t get trapped anywhere.

Lymphatic drainage has two steps. They are:

1. Clearing. 

During this step, your tissues will release lymph fluid.

2. Reabsorption. 

Your lymph fluid moves into your lymph nodes.