Why is Lymphatic Drainage Important 

Lymph drainage therapy was initially developed in Europe. A 1930s hospital study of 20,000 patients showed its effectiveness as a safe and gentle approach to cleansing the tissues of the body, especially after surgery. Since that time, documented scientific research has supported this finding. Lymph therapy is routinely prescribed in Europe for over 60 conditions and is rapidly gaining popularity in the US and Canada.

While the lymphatic system is technically a part of the circulatory system, the primary role of the lymphatic system is to provide a pathway for waste products from cell metabolism such as proteins, cell debris and extra fluid. The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is essential to good health.

The lymphatic system, unlike the circulatory system, does not have its own pump. Lymph moves by the action of muscular contraction and manual methods like massage. Manual therapy is a very gentle and effective way to stimulate the lymph flow and enhance the immune system. Therefore, manual lymph drainage is very beneficial during convalescence when regular exercise is difficult. 

 
Benefits

Sometimes a light sensation says it all. The intense motion of deep massage has its place, but in order to function and protect itself the human body also craves the light, gentle rhythm of lymphatic drainage massage. The lymphatic system is essential as the body's drainage system for cleansing and filtering out of bacteria and toxins. Congested lymph pathways can cause soreness, aches, pains and flu-like symptoms.

Lymphatic massage helps to unclog the lymph system. Beginning in a clockwise motion on the body, the lymph system is manually cleansed. Best performed in a series of six, or as part of a full detoxification program, this form of massage helps the body to heal itself from many common maladies. As with most massage, it is vital to drink lots of water after a lymphatic massage.

Many cases of disharmony of the body and mind are due to an exhausted lymph system. This helps to clear the "passage-ways". Excellent after surgery.

Cancer Massage Therapy 

For decades, many people who were undergoing cancer treatment or who had survived cancer and its aftermath, avoided massage believing that massage spread the cancer cells to other sites in the body.  In fact, many massage schools still teach students to never touch a person who has been treated for cancer. 

But now, new research has shown that the development and spread of cancer cells inside the body has much more to do with genetic causes and not as much with the movement of blood and lymph within the body. With that in mind, a specially trained massage therapist can work with almost any client who is being treated for cancer, or who is recovering from cancer.

I've taken it upon myself to get additional training in giving massage to cancer patients and survivors. Although massage can help reawaken a body that has struggled to survive, it can be detrimental if performed too deeply or without regard to the treatment that a patient or survivor has gone through.

Anyone who wishes to schedule this specific type of massage must get permission from his/her physician, and additional medical history must be provided. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions about this type of massage.