Drink extra fluids, ideally 2–4 glasses of water, after each massage to help flush the body.
Expect to have an increased need to urinate.
The whole purpose of a manual lymphatic drainage massage is to help balance fluid and remove waste/toxins from the body, and how does that happen, through your urine. The increased need to urinate is actually a really really good thing.
Looking After Your Lymphatic System
Drink plenty of water – Dehydration is one of the most common causes of lymphatic congestion which can further exacerbate existing lymph problems. Drinking sufficient water throughout the day encourages healthy lymphatic function and reduces water retention.
The other important reason why we drink water is to flush out the toxins that have been released by your massage, or 'helping the process of lymphatic drainage'. The more tension that is released during the massage, the more metabolic waste is released into your system.
What happens if you don't drink water after a massage? The simple answer is you might experience pain, fatigue, and what is commonly called the DOMS, or Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, after your massage.
The lymph fluid carries the waste products and destroyed bacteria back into the bloodstream. The liver or kidneys then remove these from the blood. The body passes them out with other body waste, through bowel movements (poo) or urine (pee).
Choose a time that works for you
In the morning, lymphatic drainage is ideal for helping to reduce puffiness in the face after waking up. It also helps to prep your skin for your daytime skincare products, before you start the day.
Depending on the severity, most cases should begin to see results after 1-2 sessions. Frequency is dependent on the clients goals and how congested the lymph system is.
Results are noticeable are just one session, however for detoxing we recommend at least once a month. For pregnancy or post partum, we recommend once a week or every other week. For water retention, weight loss and cellulite, metabolism, circulation and digestion issues, it is recommended every week.
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.
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.
Manual lymphatic drainage improves your gastrointestinal health. The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) activity influences the Gastrointestinal functions. Studies have shown that the stimulation of the PNS through Manual Lymphatic Drainage provides constipation relief by: Increasing intestinal motility .
You might have MLD daily from Monday to Friday. Or you might have it 3 times a week, for about 3 weeks. The number of treatments you have depends on the type of MLD and what you need. Your specialist will also take into account the amount of swelling you have.
Lymph is a clear-to-white fluid made of: White blood cells, especially lymphocytes, the cells that attack bacteria in the blood and body tissues. Fluid from the intestines called chyle, which contains proteins and fats.
That means that you have to restock up on all of the water you lost during your massage. Best get to sippin'. Wondering how much to drink? One massage therapist recommends drinking half your body weight in ounces per day.
It's beneficial to drink water after your massage because as the massage therapist manipulates your muscles, substances are released. Drinking water post massage helps the body flush out any accumulated materials that were released during the massage.
By taking a shower immediately after your massage therapy session, you will wash off the massage oils. These massage oils are not yet completely absorbed by the skin cells.