• Signs You Need Lymphatic Drainage Massage The following conditions may seem innocuous, but if you experience some or many of them altogether chronically, it could be a sign that your body is suffering from toxin overload and you may therefore need a lymphatic drainage massage. Allergies and/or food sensitivities Bloating Brain fog Chronic lethargy (persistent tiredness) Constipation Depression Digestive problems Swollen lymph nodes Excess weight Increased susceptibility to colds and flu Sinus infections Skin problems/dry and or itchy skin Swelling in your fingers/rings fitting more tightly Conditions That Benefit from Lymphatic Drainage Massage There have been numerous studies that indicate the beneficial effects of lymphatic drainage massage in the treatment of a number of health problems, particularly: Lymphedema Lymphedema is [...]

  • How surgery affects your body Surgery will cause a shock to your body in short to medium term. During your post-op, you have to deal with side effects. It’s essential for you to know that when your body is exposed to a significant trauma (surgery, liposuction, etc.), it will respond with side symptoms (side effects). Remember they are normal and are part of the healing process. But in order to get rid of them fast and have better outcomes, you should start your manual lymphatic drainage sessions as soon as you are allowed by your surgeon. Some of these side effects are: Pain in the area for some time Fatigue In some cases, loss of appetite Swelling Numbness Bruising [...]

  • Aftercare advice for Manual Lymphatic Drainage Loosen tight clothing to encourage the lymph flow Increase your water intake over the next few days after your treatment Reduce your caffeine intake Avoid hot baths, saunas, etc, for at least a couple of hours Avoid alcohol for 24 hours try to reduce smoking (if you smoke) Make time to relax and rest - this allows for the blood pressure to return to normal if it has dropped during a treatment Diet is important; a light diet of raw foods is recommended so that the body does not need to concentrate on a sluggish digestion. ​Try full body dry brushing daily just before your shower or bath is best with a soft body brush specifically meant for [...]

  • What Is Cupping Therapy? Posted on February 19, 2019, by Henry Ford Health Staff Share Cupping has become a hot topic in recent years with news of models, movie stars, and Olympic athletes using cups to ease aches and pains and enhance health and well-being. But cupping isn’t just for celebrities. “It can be beneficial for almost anyone,” says Ruth Lehmann, an acupuncturist at Henry Ford Health. “Instead of using medication to achieve a certain outcome, we use cupping to help trigger the body’s own healing mechanisms.” FAQ: Cupping Cupping is a form of therapy that originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. It has been used in the West for decades to encourage healing. We asked Lehmann [...]

  • Why Do I Need Lymphatic Drainage Massage? Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, relieves swelling that happens when medical treatment or illness blocks your lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to help lymph move to an area with working lymph vessels. What is a lymphatic drainage massage used for? Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, is a gentle form of massage used to relieve painful swelling in your arms and legs caused by lymphedema. Lymphedema often affects people recovering from breast cancer surgery. Lymphedema happens when your tissues retain fluid left behind after your cardiovascular system sends blood to your tissues and organs. The remaining fluid is called [...]

  • Author: Anita Shannon, L.M.T. Photo Courtesy of Anita Shannon Cupping therapy, or vacuum therapy, can be used for a variety of applications, from head to toe. One special focus is the head, neck and face, as these are often areas of pain and dysfunction. Headaches, sinusitis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, lymphatic issues, chronic inflammation, and surgical preparation and recovery are common concerns for many people who come to see massage therapists. Massage to Facilitate Drainage Many traditional and effective massage techniques gently traction the neck and necessitate upward movement to the occipital ridge. Integrating downward movements into massage of the head, neck and face can enable the drainage of cranial lymph and add an enormous benefit to soft tissue [...]

  • Among all the benefits of cupping therapy and the many ailments it can heal, the most interesting is possibly using cupping therapy to promote weight loss. Excess weight is based on many factors such as a sluggish metabolism, stress, hormone imbalances, excessive intake of unhealthy food with low nutritional value and inadequate exercise. All of which can be caused by stagnate qi, or energy, within the body. Cupping and its Targets Cupping therapy can cause the free movement of the qi in the patient’s body by creating suction on specific points where the qi might stagnate, thus promoting weight loss. The cupping therapist might apply suction using cups of different sizes on 20 to 30 points on the front of [...]

  • BY JUSTIN MITCHELL The most shocking part of Michael Phelps’ performances at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio De Janiero had nothing to do with his swimming. It had nothing to do with his technique or hair color (looking at you, Ryan Lochte). More than anything, people were freaking out over the giant purple marks on the swimmer’s back and shoulders. “What in the world is all over Michael Phelps?” said everyone on Facebook and Twitter. Not to worry, the internet came in for the save. Media outlets were quick to explain large circular bruises are a skin souvenir from cupping, an ancient Chinese therapy that uses heated glass or plastic cups placed on the skin to draw out toxins [...]

  • RIO DE JANEIRO -- Alex Naddour has tried massages, a hot tub for recovery and gotten cortisone shots before a competition. The relief they offer from the wear-and-tear his body has taken from gymnastics is often only temporary. But he’s found a $15 solution on Amazon. Like many on the American men’s team, Naddour has found cupping provides relief from the soreness and pounding that come from gymnastics. “That’s been the secret that I have had through this year that keeps me healthy,” Naddour said. “It’s been better than any money I’ve spent on anything else.” The technique uses suction in cups to pull the skin away from the body and promote blood flow. It can be done with heat [...]

  • The use of suction is commonplace throughout the history of the Olympic Games for maintenance, pre and post event injuries, detoxification and recovery. Besides Cupping for injuries and recovery, Olympic Trainers use suction to draw toxins from the swimmers that have been absorbed from the pools that they are in for many hours every day. Dead cellular debris, poisons, stagnation and excess fluids drawn to the surface sometimes leave deposits under the skin, which, short of cutting the skin and pulling it out, is the best place for the lymphatic system to drain it away. Cumulative Cupping treatments increase muscle endurance, circulation, lung capacity, lymphatic drainage and health maintenance during strenuous activities. Many professional athletes incorporate it into their training to [...]