Fluid Retention, the Immune System and many more conditions related to the Lymphatic System
Lymph Drainage Therapy is a very gentle and effective massage technique that encourages stimulation of the lymphatic system (the body's plumbling system). It is a rhythmical and deeply relaxing massage where the skin is methodically stretched with a gentle circular pumping action to conform to the directions of the lymphatic flow.
Lymph Drainage Therapy is practised in various forms around the world. It is a very specific technique of manual body massage therapy that is being applied with increasing success to a number of medical conditions, the main one being lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema is a condition caused by trauma, surgical removal, radiation or impairment of lymph nodes or lymph capillaires and veins. It is an excess of body fluid called lymph that is retained in body tissue and results in swelling to limbs or other parts of the body.
Lymphoedema can lead to problems such as skin infections of the affected limb, depleted immune responses to viral and bacterical invasion and significant stress on the cardiovascular system.
The lymphatic system has a vital role in the body by regulating the immune system, which protects the body against infection and the development of cancer. It transports nutrients to cells and eliminates metabolic wastes, toxins and excess fluid from the body. Lymph Drainage Therapy helps keep the lymphatic system working efficiently.
Lymph drainage therapy is used to treat a wide range of medical and non-medical conditions such as:
The benefits of Lymph Drainage Therapy are considerable and particulary relevant in today's environment where pollution, diet, stress and deficient immune systems make many people susceptible to contagious diseases and viral infections.
The lymphatic system has a vital role in the body by regulating the immune system to fight infection. When the lymphatic system becomes blocked, lymphatic fluid builds up and stagnates causing the entire system to become toxic.
Lymph Drainage Therapy helps clear blockages, eliminate excess fluid, metabolic wastes and toxins from the body, transport nutrients to cells and increase metabolic efficiency. It enhances the overall perfomance of the lymphatic and immune systems for optimum function. It also has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps relieve stress and tension.
In addition, we are seeing an increase in the number of traumas to the major lymph nodes of the arms and legs through sporting and general accidents or the surgical removal of malignancies and radiation therapy. Lymph Drainage Therapy (and sometimes the incorporation of compression bandages or garments) is invaluable in these instances by assisting the body to remove the excess fluid, and also relieve the associated pain and discomfort.
The lymphatic system also pays a pivotal role in cholesterol clearance too. The longer toxins and metabolites linger in the lymph fluid, the more potential there is for inflammation, leading to a greater risk of atherosclerosis - the condition when fatty plague build-up in arteries impedes healthy bloodflow.
Carmel has studied Lymph Drainage Therapy with both Lymphatic Drainage International Training College (Sydney/London) and Professor Leduc's Lymphoedema Management School (Brussels/London). Comprehensive training was gained in Leduc's general technique itself and the treatment and management of lymphoedema including Multilayer Compression Bandaging and the use of Compression Garments were the main focus of Carmel's training.
