Lymph

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

By Jackie Waters If you suffer from chronic pain, you’re well aware of that before an official diagnosis. But something about being diagnosed with a chronic pain condition can trigger an extra bit of fear and stress. If you’ve recently been told you have a condition, you’ve also been told that it could be something you live with for quite some time. You may be asking yourself where in the world do I start? Here are some tips for how to begin to cope. Don’t be afraid of exercise The stronger your muscles and the more flexible your joints, the less your chronic pain will affect you. Good ol’ fashioned exercise is the only tried and true way to achieve [...]

Massage therapists versed in lymph drainage massage are in a position to assist the growing population of women who have received breast cancer treatment. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be over 252,000 new cases of breast cancer in 2017, the most common type of cancer in the U.S., accounting for almost 155 of all new cancers. It’s the most prevalent type of cancer, and the risk of developing it increases with age. Incidence of Breast Cancer The National Cancer Institute statistics review states that fewer than five percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. are younger than 40. Rates begin to increase after age 40 and are highest in women over age 70. Further, the median [...]

The word “sciatica” can sound scary if you don’t know exactly what it is. I know from personal experience, having suffered from it during pregnancy. If you’ve landed on this page it’s probably because you are suffering from, or are worried you might have sciatica. First let me say, you are not alone. Your pain can likely be managed and sciatica does not have to be as scary as it seems. While sciatica is painful to deal with, it’s rarely a permanent condition and can almost always be treated non-invasively. Only severe cases require more in-depth treatment options. The best news I have is that you likely already have common tools within your own home that can help relieve your [...]

Often forgotten in conversations regarding overall health, the value of the lymphatic system has been bolstered by recent scientific breakthroughs. This research, which changes how we look at the lymphatic system and the circulation of cerebral spinal fluid, is causing gradual shifts in massage therapy. The January/February 2016 Massage & Bodywork cover story by Bruno Chikly, MD, DO, and Alaya Chikly looks briefly at the historical journey of our ongoing understanding of fluid dynamics, unveils some of the newest and most exciting discoveries concerning the circulation of lymph and cerebrospinal fluid, and offers some effective manual therapy techniques for lymph drainage that can help facilitate the natural exchanges between these fluids.