April 1, 2019
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You’ve probably heard about many common massages like a Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, aromatherapy massage, or trigger point massage, but have you ever heard of a lymphatic drainage massage? This is a massage that has been developed to stimulate the lymphatic system to cleanse and remove toxins from the body, reduce inflammation, and improve immunity. This massage is common for individuals who have undergone an aesthetic procedure like facelift or liposuction or those who suffer from impaired lymphatic circulation. In the human body, waste products are carried through ducts and lymphatic stations along the ducts to the cardiovascular system and is a very crucial part of our health, especially for those who suffer from common infections. The lymphatic system is basically a network of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes throughout the body that affect the immune system; the lymphatic system is connected to the blood system.
What Does a Lymphatic Drainage Massage Do?
The painless massage treatment was actually called manual lymph drainage (usually referred to as MLD) and was created in the 1930s in France by Danish physical therapist Emil Vodder and his wife, Astrid, a naturopath. The “magical” massage is a potent detoxification method that helps deliver the cellular waste bacteria in your body, which may cause cellulite, all the way to the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are these filter-like masses, which are found from head-to-toe, and they deliver the waste material to the liver, kidneys, and lungs. To make this process more effective and potent, the lymphatic drainage massage delivers very gentle, rhythmic strokes and whispery soft movements to counterbalance bacterial buildup. It is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during a massage. This technique is very light compared to traditional massages, which explains why it is recommended for reducing post-surgery inflammation.
What to Expect During a Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic drainage massages can be performed on different areas of the body. The massage is light, and you may need it if you’ve been experiencing sinus infections or an increasing number of colds. This massage may even be right for you if you’re just feeling foggy overall. Lymphatic drainage massage is very common for women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer to reduce swelling of the arm, which can be a common complication.
Some common reasons to choose a lymphatic drainage massage include:
- Enhances the immune system
- Lowers inflammation
- Relieves fatigue
- Removes waste
It is not uncommon to feel a little sluggish the day after your massage because your body is doing the hard work of releasing its toxins. It is important to drink plenty of water so that your body can fully detox!
Additional aesthetic benefits of choosing a lymphatic facial massage:
- Reduces puffiness
- Promotes a youthful appearance
Additional ways to keep your lymphatic system moving and to regularly flush toxins out in between your sessions with our staff include, exercise, deep breathing, dry brushing of the body, maintaining a healthy diet, and wearing more loose-fitting clothing to improve circulation. Our experienced staff at Park Avenue Medical Spa can assist you with this technique as this kind of massage should only be practiced by trained personnel to assist with the proper circulation of the lymphatic system. Several sessions may be required to achieve the best results*, and the improvement of bodily function and the benefits that accompany each session are well worth each session. You can have a full body lymphatic drainage massage or just a facial massage to reduce facial and neck swelling and to improve the results of other therapies that you may have undergone.
Lymphatic drainage massages are performed by trained staff at Park Avenue Medical Spa in Armonk, led by Dr. Anca Tchelebi-Moscatello, M.D., our medical aesthetics professional. Massage pricing is affordable. Call 914-676-8013 to learn about current pricing. We proudly serve the greater Armonk, Greenwich, and Westchester areas. Schedule a free lymphatic drainage massage consultation to learn more!
*Results and experiences may vary and are expected but not guaranteed. Patients must consult with their doctor before starting any treatments, including massage treatments.