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A Healthy Lymphatic System Keeps You From Getting Sick By Shannon Nettles LMT, Certified Lymphatic Drainage Therapist Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy also known as Lymphatic Massage is a light-touch therapy that feels more like a skin stretch with rhythmic pump-like motions and not like a traditional massage. Most of the lymph nodes are close to the surface of the skin, so heavy pressure isn't necessary and can often contribute to more inflammation, resulting in more edema or swelling, which would be the opposite of what we are trying to do. The Lymphatic system is vital to keeping us healthy. Sometimes it can become sluggish or impaired by diet, lifestyle factors, chronic stress, autoimmune disorders, injuries, or surgery. Symptoms of [...]

What is the mind-body connection? Your mind and body are powerful allies. How you think can affect how you feel. And how you feel can affect your thinking. An example of this mind-body connection is how your body responds to stress. Constant worry and stress over jobs, finances or other problems can cause tense muscles, pain, headaches, and stomach problems. It may also lead to high blood pressure or other serious problems. On the other hand, constant pain or a health problem like heart disease can affect your emotions. You might become depressed, anxious, and stressed, affecting how well you treat, manage, or cope with your illness. But your mind can have a positive effect on your health, too. [...]

UNDERSTANDING THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM/IMMUNE SYSTEM The Lymphatic System may be one of the less understood systems in our body. Many of us have heard of it in reference to being sick (swollen lymph glands in the neck, armpits, or groin) and how we need a healthy immune system to ward off colds, infections, diseases, etc, but do you know its many other functions throughout our entire body? WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT? The Lymphatic System is a complex system made up primarily of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. The lymph is a colorless fluid that is the waste disposal system of the tissues and the lymph nodes are the battlefields in the body where most infections are fought. It [...]

When it comes to the symptoms of menopause—both physical (hot flashes, chills, sleep changes) and mental (anxiety, irritability, depression)—finding relief can be as urgent as it is complicated. Because every person going through menopause will have differing levels of severity when it comes to their symptoms, the same goes for what will help with the issues. For some, making changes to their diet may help, while others may find aid in the form of acupuncture. But how about the alternative medicine called energy healing, also known as Reiki? As the practice becomes increasingly popular, we wondered if the centuries-old Japanese technique might also help those who are going through menopause. What is Reiki? Reiki is, in the simplest terms, “universal [...]

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 [...]

What is Craniosacral Therapy (CST)? Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle hands-on treatment that may provide relief from a variety of symptoms including headaches, neck pain, and side effects of cancer treatment among many others. CST uses a light touch to relieve tension in the central nervous system promoting a feeling of well-being by eliminating pain and boosting health and immunity. The focus of CST is a gentle placement of hands to assist the release of the body’s connective tissue, or “fascia.” Fascia (Latin word for “band”) is a covering found throughout the body including organs, glands, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, brain, and spinal cord. This covering forms a body-wide connective network. CST is based on the idea that [...]

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 [...]

August 30, 2021 / Wellness What is Reiki, and Does it Really Work? Reiki is an energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety through gentle touch. Reiki practitioners use their hands to deliver energy to your body, improving the flow and balance of your energy to support healing. Mikao Usui developed reiki in the early 1900s, deriving the term from the Japanese words rei, meaning “universal,” and ki, which refers to the vital life force energy that flows through all living things. Now, reiki is used all over the world, including in hospitals and hospices, to complement other forms of health treatments. The health benefits of reiki Reiki promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and symptom relief to improve overall health and well-being. It [...]