What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage & Should You Be Getting It?

The world of wellness is trending and everything health related is more popular than ever, including lymphatic drainage. Initially developed in the 1930s by the Danish physicians Emil and Estrid Vodder, it was mainly for the treatment of lymphedema - a condition caused by the buildup of lymph in the soft tissue of the body. If you’re curious as to what exactly lymph is and why you should drain it then continue reading:

Lymph is a naturally occurring fluid that transports nutrients, white blood cells, and oxygen throughout the body. During its journey through the body, it collects toxins which are then released through the lymph nodes. If you’re hospital prone, a doctor would definitely have inspected your lymph nodes before as the lymph system is part of the immune system meaning it fights infections.

Fun fact: you have around twice as many lymph vessels in your body as compared to blood vessels! A not so fun fact: your blood vessels are pumped around by your heart but unfortunately, the lymph system doesn’t have a pump or anything equivalent to a pump.

So, to maintain a healthy flow of lymph, and in turn a healthy immune system, lymphatic drainage is recommended. Also known as manual lymph drainage, the therapeutic massage treatment revolves around gentle, rhythmic strokes applied onto specific areas of the body. Note that as the treatment is to detox, some may feel exhausted after a lymphatic drainage whereas others may feel rejuvenated. 

Regardless of how you feel after, just remember that lymphatic drainage is known for these benefits:

• Fights infections and speeds up the recovery period from infections
• Reduces water retention
• Reduces swelling and even prevents swelling post injury or surgery
• Boosts weight loss by improving the metabolic rate 
• Post-exercise recovery

If you’re intrigued by lymphatic drainage but can’t decide if you need a treatment, then read through these symptoms:

• Frequent infections, like allergies or colds
• Puffy eyes, face, or limbs
• Swollen glands, breasts, or any type of bloating
• Constipation, indigestion or diarrhoea
• Muscle or joint soreness

Even if the symptoms don’t resonate and you’re just curious as to how it would compare to other types of massages then visit these locations:

In Malaysia

Ozmosis Health & Day Spa in Bangsar 

Be Urban Wellness in Damansara Heights 

Hammam Spas in various locations

In Singapore

LifeSpa in various locations 

Heal Spa in various locations 

Healing Touch Spa in various locations

In Hong Kong

The Oriental Spa in Central

Ayana Spa in Central

Plateau Spa in Wan Chai

Lymphatic drainage is not recommended in these cases:

• Congestive heart failure
• Inflammation or infection of the lymphatic vessels
• Increased risk of blood clotting
• Skin infection
• Post-surgery lymphedema marked by localized swelling

Alternatively, you can boost the functioning of your lymphatic system and detox naturally by:

• Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water to literally flush out the toxins
• Staying active physically as movement exerts positive pressure on the lymphatic vessels 
• Maintaining a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables, like pegaga 
• Reducing your intake of processed food