After the Session
You will notice feeling better by about 50 percent, then hours after the massage, 90 percent better. You will also likely feel incredibly rejuvenated, which will last even for days after your session.
How to know whether it is working? Those who use lymphatic drainage massages may notice that their swelling reduces. At the very least, swelling should not worsen. People who have lymphedema should continue using compression socks or sleeves to prevent swelling.
The benefits of manual lymphatic drainage typically last up to six hours, Hammad says. How often you may need to get a lymphatic drainage massage depends on the severity of your swelling and what stage of recovery you're in.
A lymphatic drainage massage is a two-step process: Clearing: This step releases lymphatic fluid in your tissues. Reabsorption: This step moves your lymphatic fluid to your lymph nodes.
Lymphatic drainage also improves circulation, relaxes the body and combats localized fat. Many clients report a slimmer waist and loss of excess water weight after their massage.
Having a massage has a similar effect on our body akin to light to moderate exercise. And just like after exercise, you can become dehydrated after a massage. Dehydration can cause you to feel light headed, dizzy, nauseated, and even cause a headache. Drinking water will re-hydrate you and help reduce these symptoms.
Massages can be dehydrating, so it's best to replenish your body with water. Drink 2-4 glasses of water after your massage to help properly flush out your lymphatic system. Drinking water helps flush your kidneys which are responsible for getting rid of toxins.
Get a good night's rest – It's possible you may feel a little tired after receiving a lymphatic drainage massage. That's completely normal as your body's energy is concentrated on the detoxification process its undergoing.
Possible side effects of lymphatic drainage massage can include: Increased urination/bowel movements: after the massage, the lymph waste will need to be removed from the body. This leads to an increase in urination and bowel movements, as these are the methods the body uses to eliminate lymph waste from the body.
When you receive a lymphatic drainage massage, the flow and circulation of the lymph is encouraged. This means they are able to circulate throughout the body more freely, collecting more toxins as they go. The end result is a decreased number of toxins in your body, and therefore a body that is fully cleansed.
Many have reported that they feel a feeling of tingling or flow of fluid under the skin, much like a small stream. Others report the feeling of being able to breathe deeply for the first time in a while because of the lymphatic flow in the sinuses. Other people feel rejuvenated, and others feel a deep relaxation.
How often should I get a lymphatic drainage massage? It is recommended that you get the series of lymphatic drainage session every three months.
After Care:
Be gentle with yourself after lymphatic drainage. Drink lots of water to help your body flush out the toxins and to prevent dehydration. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours afterwards and avoid hot baths, showers, or sauna's immediately after treatment.
After a 60 minute lymphatic massage your lymphatic system speeds up by 100x. This can increase the feeling of thirst, so listen to your body and replenish the fluids. Don't worry, the water you drink does not go to your legs. In fact, drinking water actually helps speed up lymphatic drainage.
Stay hydrated.
And at least for those first few hours after a massage, avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are dehydrating.
A lymphatic drainage treatment (otherwise known as lymphatic massage) can help with fat burning as well as overall health. Lymphatic drainage therapy can help increase lymph flow, help the body shed excess weight, and offer a fresher look with less clogged pores and less puffy skin.
Lymphatic drainage can:
boost weight loss, as improving the lymphatic system will improve your metabolic rate, which helps you burn calories more efficiently.
In addition to eliminating excess fluids, reducing bloating due to liquid retention, lymphatic drainage has other benefits for your health. It boosts immunity and helps the body process and eliminate fat, reducing the appearance of cellulite.
The lymph system is made up of:
Lymphatic fluid collects and takes metabolic cellular waste, dead cells, and toxins towards the subclavian veins at the base of the neck to be event ually eliminated through sweat, urine, and through the bowels.