Lymphatic Drainage and Women’s Health

Our Therapist, Michell See explains that the lymphatic network is a network of vessels and organs that lie under your skin. It’s a crucial part of the immune system and works like a filter system for our body by getting rid of the waste that our body naturally produces, or other things that can invade our body, like bacteria. It’s what protects us from getting an infection.

Lymphatic drainage therapy is very gentle and uses specific techniques to move fluid around the body more effectively. The massage has a very light pressure because the lymphatic system is close to the surface of the skin.

There’s a specific sequence to lymphatic massage. In general, the massage is performed proximal to distal, starting in the central part of the body, then moving towards the extremities.

A clogged lymphatic system represents all sorts of health problems. Cells depend on lymphatic fluid which is full of disease-fighting white blood cells to transport substances, communicate with other cells, and help them carry out their duties. It means when your lymphatic system is doing well, your health is doing well too.

In regards to fat loss, lymphatic drainage definitely helps reduce water retention and bloating. It helps to improve circulation, regenerate the tissues, relax the muscles, improve the skin appearance like cellulitis, and overall tone the body. It is crucial to our youth and rejuvenation.

As an added bonus, lymphatic drainage boosts metabolism and improves digestion. It is even known to alleviate symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), promoting relaxation and decreasing the occurrences of menstrual cramps.

The primary drivers of lymphatic movement are activity and breathing. Exercise will move fluid in a similar manner. Other than lymphatic drainage therapy, I would recommend:

• Walking: Even a 30-minute walk daily does the trick as it involves all parts of your body. It helps your body shift fluid around and get rid of metabolic waste without overtaxing your system.

• Hit the pool. Swimming is excellent for lymphatic movement. The pressure of the water against the body provides a built-in ‘compression’ that also helps lymphatic circulation, plus there’s an increase in deep inhalations from the aerobic workout.

• Tap it out. Tapping your skin with a cupped hand above the collarbones to stimulate lymph capillaries below the skin.