Lymphatic System Massage helps to stimulate and drain the lymphatic system. Lymphatic Massage is great for general issues such as bloating & swelling, gut issues, fatigue, boosting immunity after illness, detox & improving cellulite.
Decongestive drainage is better for oedema, lymphoedema, node removal or damage, drainage after surgery such as liposuction, cesarean or joint replacement. Sometimes we combine both, and you can read more about each type below.
Teale describes the beneficial effects of lymphatic drainage for her fatigue and gut issues.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is an essential system for strong immune function and consists of a network of delicate tubes, vessels and nodes. The lymphatic system collects waste produced by cells, along with bacteria and viruses. These substances pass through the lymphatic system and nodal areas where special cells called lymphocytes attack and kill viruses, bacteria and cancer cells.
Eventually the lymph is emptied back into the bloodstream via the thoracic duct under the collarbone area. It is then filtered by elimination organs such as liver, spleen and kidneys.
Why have Lymphatic Massage?
Due to various factors sometimes the lymphatic system struggles to drain fluid from the tissues properly. This can result in tissues appearing swollen and puffy. Short term swelling is called oedema. Swelling that lasts for 3 months or more is called Lymphoedema.
The lymphatic system can also become damaged due to surgery, accident, illness or infection. Other factors such as lifestyle choices, diet and exercise can also affect the functioning of this important system.
The Lymphatic System has many functions
managing the fluid levels in the body
Responding to bacteria and viruses
Eliminating cancer cells
Removing cell by products that could confuse the body and create disease including inflammation
absorbing some of the fats in our diet from the intestine
What conditions are Lymphatic Drainage Massage for?
Short term fluid retention (oedema)
As an aid to detox
Cellulite reducer – to improve the appearance of cellulite & tone the skin
Longer term fluid retention – lymphoedema
Lipedema
Lymph node removal
As part of surgery recovery
To support the immune system after illness
What is involved in a Treatment?
Lymphatic Massage (LM) can be a general all over massage or specific areas can be focussed on depending on your goals. LM is excellent if you have had a period of illness, are feeling generally fatigued or stressed, want to boost your overall health or as part of a detox program. It is also beneficial during pregnancy especially in the later stages when oedema may be present. Oedema can cause you to feel sluggish, limbs can feel heavy and ache.
Lymphatic Massage is quite different from Remedial Massage. It is a light massage as the majority of lymph sits just under the surface of the skin. Diaphragmatic breathing is used to pump the lymph and the therapist stimulates the nodes to encourage drainage and then works close to the nodal area, moving away gradually so space is made for fluid to drain into. The treatment is gentle and relaxing and we use corn flour to create glide rather than oil. You will be gently wiped down with warm towels at the end of treatment.
How Many Treatments Should I Have?
General LDM can be a one off treatment but it is more effective if you have a series of 3 treatments reasonably close together. So over one week to 10 days is ideal. There are also steps you can take in between appointments to make the lymphatic drainage massage most effective. Please read these steps so you get the most out of your appointments.
Meet Our Lymphatic Massage Team
Brisbane Lymphatic Drainage Reviews
Relaxing with great aftercare
I have never had a lymphatic massage before but I was very pleased with the process and felt very relaxed all through it. Everything was explained to ne and the aftercare was explained as well. Great service and treatment. Thank you.- Janet W.
I felt amazing!
I saw Gregor for Lymphatic Drainage massage and he’s awesome. Very intune with what’s going on in the body. I felt amazing after all three sessions and will continue to see him.– Jamila P.
Professional Service
First time having a lymphatic massage so I was a little nervous however, Claire made the process very easy and was very professional. I left feeling so much better and very relaxed – Thank you!
– Kristen K.
Feel lighter and happier!
I’ve been going to Anna for almost three years for lymphatic massages and she is one of the best, hands down. She genuinely cares about her clients and listens to my needs whenever I see her. I always feel lighter and happier after a session with Anna, she has ‘Midas touch’ as I always tell her.
– Regina C.
Preparing for treatment & what to do between
Lymphatic Treatments
To get the most out of your treatments please do the following
- Arrive at your appointment well hydrated. Dehydration will severely impair your ability to detoxify and may make you feel unwell.
- You will always undress to your level of comfort, we do ask if you are comfortable to remove all clothing as tight underwear and underwire bras restrict lymph flow and the effectiveness of treatment. You will always be draped appropriately and your privacy respected. If you want to keep any clothing on, please ensure it is as loose as possible.
- Drainage may be performed in the abdominal area so eat a few hours beforehand and try to eat lightly.
- Don’t apply moisturiser on the day of treatment. It’s best to have clean dry skin so we get the best stretch response, this is an essential part of LDM.
- Your liver will be responsible for detoxifying a lot what the lymphatic system collects so please support it before your session by abstaining from alcohol. You can also drink lemon juice in warm water for a few days before hand to give your liver a boost.
- LDM massage moves lymph into the bloodstream so toxins and waste can be eliminated, so it is best to have a period of gentle movement after your treatment. A gentle walk or light yoga class or swim are great options.
- Once you have had your treatment and some gentle movement plan for a period of rest. Your body will be doing some housekeeping and the best way to support it is to rest and eat lightly. Prepare some food such as soup before treatment so you can come home and relax.
FAQ
The benefits of Lymphatic Massage and Lymphatic Drainage include:
- Boost Immune system
- Detox
- Boost Energy Levels
- relieves aching muscles
- improves blood circulation
- assisting to reduce cellulite
- reduces bloating
Lymphatic massage is useful to reduce feelings of:
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Fluid Renton
For the best outcomes after liposuction – it is advisable to book in for a full Lymphatic Drainage consultation. This ensures that the hardness has gone and only oedema is left. It is recommended to wait approximately 9 weeks after the procedure before your Lymphatic Drainage Massage treatment to reduce the bruising and numbness.
Glad you asked! General Lymphatic Massage can be used for oedema caused by all sorts of issues from poor diet, lack of movement, surgery etc. It can be a one off massage or a series of treatments that tackle oedema causes. It can also be used for Lymphoedema if you are just requiring a general drain. For example, you may have some Lymphoedema due to node removal and need a drain every now and again when lymph builds up.
Decongestive is for more complicated Lymphoedema issues and can involve compression bandaging, compression garments and a series of treatments. It is used for a more chronic situation that may not have been treated or managed and needs some more intensive treatment to get the size of limbs down and the lymphatic system functioning well again. It may involve taking measurements, before and after photos and a series of treatments. You may also be encouraged to get fitted for a compression garment to help the issue on a day to day basis.
If you have had nodes removed you will probably have Lymphoedema. However it depends on the severity, what you want to gain from a treatment and how you are managing it. We can provide one off treatments that will provide some benefit in the short term, over the long term it helps to have a regular treatment. You may benefit more from a Decongestive Lymphatic Drainage series if the condition is chronic and has not been managed before.
Lymphatic massage Brisbane is a gentle massage style designed to stimulate the movement of lymphatic fluid through the body. The pressure must be very light to interact with the lymphatic ducts. Lymphatic massage helps the lymph system to maintain fluid balance (reduces swelling), improves blood circulation and has been scientifically proven to boost the immune system.
Lymphatic massage is a branch off remedial massage therapy. The best practitioners are extensively trained in advanced lymphatic techniques. Knead Massage Brisbane has several Expert Lymphatic Massage Therapists including Senior Lymphatic Therapist – Anna Dawson.
Absolutely! By stimulating the circulation of the blood and enhances flow throughout the body tissues. Lymphatic massage gets rid of the waste, excess fluid and fat through excretion.
No – Lymphatic massage is the gentlest form of massage there is. The purpose of lymphatic massage is to help stimulate the lymphatic system and flush the waste to the kidney and liver, which then leaves the body via excretion or through the nasal cavities. In order for Lymphatic massage to work the pressure has to be very light.
Anna Dawson at Knead Massage Brisbane is a Senior Lymphatic massage specialist. All of our Lymphatic Massage practitioners are trained and have performed hundreds of lymphatic massage treatments.
Lymphatic massage is only contra-indicated if you are presently suffering from cancer, a bacterial infection, or recovering from a new tattoo (at least 4-6 weeks is needed after the application of ink).
Lymphatic massage has been proven to:
- Boost the immune system
- Assist in detoxification
- Boost Energy Levels (stimulate the adrenal system)
- Relieve aching muscles (removes inflammatory substances and by products of exercise)
- Help with circulation
- Helps with cellulite
- Helps with bloating
A Lymphatic drainage treatment (different to lymphatic massage) is a more appropriate first treatment after liposuction. Lymphatic Drainage Massage uses wraps and pumping actions to shift the hardness and swelling in the tissue that occurs after Lipo more efficiently then basic lymphatic massage can in the early stages of recovery.
A Lymphatic drainage treatment (different to lymphatic massage) is a more appropriate first treatment after liposuction. Lymphatic Drainage Massage uses wraps and pumping actions to shift the hardness and swelling in the tissue that occurs after Lipo more efficiently then basic lymphatic massage can in the early stages of recovery.
The benefits of Lymphatic Massage and Lymphatic Drainage include:
- Boost Immune system
- Detox
- Boost Energy Levels
- relieves aching muscles
- improves blood circulation
- assisting to reduce cellulite
- Helps with bloating
An expert Lymphatic Massage practitioner has a deep understanding of the anatomy – especially the lymphatic network and is moving the lymph fluid strategically to the lymph nodes and ultimately into the excretory pathways. Lymphatic massage uses very gentle circulating and scooping hand movements that stimulate the lymphatic system to flush waste through the kidney and liver. Waste then leaves the body via excretion or through the nasal cavities.
For the best outcomes after Lipo – it is advisable to book in for a full Lymphatic Drainage consultation. This ensures that the hardness has gone and only oedema is left. It is recommended to wait approximately 9 weeks after the procedure before your Lymphatic Drainage Massage treatment to reduce the bruising and numbness.
Knead Massage Brisbane has a number of Expert Lymphatic Massage Therpaists – including Senior Lymphatic Therapist – Anna Dawson.
Areas that can be treated with Lymphatic Massage include:
- face/scalp
- neck
- shoulders
- Back
- glutes
- legs/feet
- near their pelvis(closer to the hips and just above pelvic bone)
- chest/around breasts
- arms/hands
- abdomen
Lymphatic Massage will assist to move fluid through the kidneys and liver (and then out of the body). Weight would be reduced when excessive fluid has been excreted.
It is unlikely that you will feel sick if you follow the recommendations of your therapist. It is possible to feel sick after receiving lymph massage. One of the functions of the lymphatic system is the removal of toxins and wastes created from food, pollution and cellular waste of the body. You should consult with a GP if you are on medication for kidney failure before considering Lymphatic Massage or Lymphatic Drainage. if you’re fighting off a cold or flu avoid a lymphatic massage during the first 24-48 hours as it is likely you will feel worse.
Absolutely! By stimulating the circulation of the blood and enhances flow throughout the body tissues. Lymphatic massage gets rid of the waste, excess fluid and fat through excretion.
It is possible to get mild diarrhea as your body after an initial Lymphatic Massage as the body is expelling toxins and waste into the kidneys and liver. This is especially true if you have IBS. It is not common, but not a cause for alarm.