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Lymphatic Massage and What it Can Do For You
When you think about getting a massage, benefits like relaxation and muscle relief may come to mind. But what about a massage that may support a stronger immune system and more muscle tone? Well, those are some of the potential benefits of a lymphatic drainage massage.
Lymphatic massage has been popularized recently as a way to reduce bloat and flush out toxins, but it's actually been used as a medicinal practice for some time. And unlike some overhyped beauty and wellness treatments, there's actually a good amount of science behind lymphatic massage. To get the scoop, mbg tapped a few experts to learn about the technique, and if it's actually legitimate.
Heather Jeffcoat, DPT at Femina Physical Therapy, says manual lymphatic drainage consists of specialized strokes and pressure that are performed in a certain sequence to increase movement. "These specialized hand movements follow the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and should not be confused with a basic massage," she says.
So, what is a lymphatic massage?
Even though lymphatic massage is rising in popularity right now, the technique has been around for nearly 100 years. It was created in the 1930s by a man named Emil Vodder who lived in France. After some years, the massage became a go-to treatment for lymphedema, and then the technique made its way stateside in the 1970s.
What are the benefits of lymphatic massage?
The most common reason lymphatic drainage is used is for the treatment of lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling, often in the arms and legs. One study found that incorporating a lymphatic massage in addition to compression helped to decrease swelling in lymphedema patients. Additionally, there is some evidence that they can help with symptoms of insomnia, fibromyalgia, and orthopedic injuries.
To learn more about lymphatic massage, continue reading the full article here.
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