Lymph Drainage Therapy
By Pam Hauser, RN, LMBT
History of Lymph
Historically speaking, the presence of milky fluid has been known about since ancient times. Hippocrates (460-377BC,
What does our lymphatic system do for us?
- The superficial lymphatic circulation which is just under the epidermis. This accounts for about 70% of all lymph flow in the limbs, and is not directly stimulated by exercise. (Lymph Drainage Therapy helps here.)
- The deep circulation of the muscles, which is stimulated by exercise.
Some of the factors related to promoting the flow of lymphatic fluid are:
- Respiration: The movements of the diaphragm during inhalation and exhalation, as well as the thoracic cage and the negative pressure in the chest have a strong influence on the flow of lymph in the thoracic duct. A “respiratory pump” exists that is influenced by the depth of inspiration and the overall breathing rate. Laughter can stimulate lymph drainage.
- Skeletal muscle contractions: Exercise promotes lymph flow.
- Peristalsis of the visceral smooth muscles: Movement of waste products through the colon promotes lymph flow while constipation slows it down.
- Contractions of adjacent arteries
- External compression: External pressure used in LDT or the pressure of water during swimming or the external counter pressure exerted by bandages, all promote lymph flow.
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Superficial lymph circulation of the head |
Superficial lymph circulation of the torso |
Some of the things that can negatively affect lymph flow are:
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Lack of physical activity
- Emotional shock
- Cold temperatures
- Infections
- Substantial swelling
- Age
- Chemical
- Food allergies
What are some of the positive results that can be achieved using LDT?
- Stimulation of fluid circulation to improve edemas (swelling) of numerous origins
- Absorption of toxins and deep cleaning of the body to promote detoxification, regeneration of tissues from burns and scars (pre- and post-surgical), rejuvenation, anti-aging effects, reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia and alleviation of wrinkles
- Stimulation of the immune system for preventive health maintenance as well as relief of chronic and subacute inflammations and conditions such as sinusitis, acne ,eczema and allergies
- Absorption of fat molecules to alleviate adiposis and cellulite
- Deep relaxation and rhythmic effects to help in cases of insomnia, stress, depression, loss of vitality and loss of memory (sympatholytic effects)
- Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system to relive chronic pain
- Antispastic actions (spasm relief) for conditions such as muscle hypertonus or constipation
What is an LDT session like?
- First of all, the first session is never longer than 30 minutes.
- Be sure to arrive well hydrated and eat lightly the day of the session.
- The work is done very gently, with no more pressure than the weight of a dime.
- You may remain fully clothed if only the face and neck are to be worked on.
- The work is extremely relaxing and often clients leave the session in an altered state. Please allow enough time for you to fully return to your body before getting on the road!
- Talking is discouraged during the session to allow the therapist to concentrate on feeling the direction of the flow of lymphatic fluid.
- “Healing reactions” can occur. This is a result of an immune system which is functioning at a higher level and is actually a good sign. Initially, this toxin release can look like sluggishness, muscle aches, tiredness, more frequent urination due to the fluid moved out of the tissues and into the blood circulation, sleepiness or it may even feel like a cold or a rash or a brief increase in whatever your symptoms were before the session.
- If your face will be worked on, please wear little or no makeup.
- Your session may result in your feeling very refreshed, alert and energized!
Contraindications to LDT:
- Acute infectious/inflammatory illness in development. What makes you feel badly when you have an acute infection are the death viruses/bacteria in your system. Since LDT boosts the immune system, killing off more of the offending agent, you will feel worse before you feel better! On the plus side, the duration of your illness may shorten.
- Bacterial infections
- Influenza
- Fever
- Removal of any lymph nodes. Once you have had lymph nodes removed, the flow of the lymph changes. You absolutely would benefit from LDT, but you need to see a more experienced therapist than either Stephanie or I.
- Serious circulatory problems
- Thrombosis
- Venous obstruction
- Major cardiac problems
- Acute angina
- Coronary thrombosis (heart attack)
- Hemorrhage (bleeding)
- Acute anuresis (absence of urination): Because the blood volume increases after LDT, more blood circulates through the kidneys resulting in an increased urinary output.
- Active cancer
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Lymphedema. Again, you would absolutely benefit from LDT, but lymphedema is beyond the scope of our practice.
Relative Contraindications:
o Thyroid problems
o Carotid stenosis/carotid thrombosis
o Asthma or allergies (during the acute state)
o Burns, fresh scars, skin hypersensitivity, bruises, eczema, moles, etc.
o Abdominal surgery, aortic aneurysm, abdominal radiation, tumor, bleeding or pain of undetermined origin
o Removed spleen
o Major kidney problems
o Menstruation
o Gynecological infections, cysts, IUD
o Known pregnancy
o Chronic infection/inflammation
o Medication, chemotherapy

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