Feeling bloated? Brain fogged? Tired and headachy? Then you may find that your lymphatic system isn’t working as well as it should.

 

Unlike most massages, lymphatic drainage has a much lighter approach, using small strokes to encourage the lymph fluid to circulate.  It is a whole body massage designed to relax the nervous system and encourage the flow of the lymph.  Long, light, rhythmic strokes are used to target the lymph vessels and nodes to reduce swelling and it can be a very relaxing treatment.  A treatment varies in how long it lasts, but generally it will be between 30 minutes to an hour.

 

The lymphatic system is incredibly important for overall good health as it is responsible for helping the body to detoxify and remove any waste, bacteria or toxins.  It helps your body fight infection, can boost weight loss by improving your metabolic rate; increases energy levels and helps with swelling and water retention.

 

The lymph itself is a fluid which flows around your body transporting nutrients and oxygen to the cells.  It collects toxins too and then flushes the toxins out through the lymph nodes.  When the lymphatic system becomes blocked the lymph nodes may become swollen, the system’s function will be compromised and toxins can build up.  When these toxins start to accumulate they have to be stored somewhere and may lodge themselves in the glands, tissues, muscles and cells.

 

The lymphatic system can be damaged in a number of ways, most notably through eating too much sugar and processed foods, consuming too much caffeine or alcohol, pollution and through the stressful lives we lead.

 

A healthy lymph will boost the other systems of the body, so it is fantastic for overall health and detoxification and will help the liver to function more effectively too.

 

It’s a good idea to drink plenty of water afterwards as this will help flush toxins out (drinking at least 2 litres of water each day will automatically help the lymph to work more effectively).  You’ll probably find yourself feeling more thirsty than usual anyway.

 

Another helpful tip in encouraging a healthy lymphatic system is to be more active.  Even very gentle activities will increase the movement of the muscles which in turn exerts pressure on the lymphatic vessels and keeps it all flowing.  The lymph glands (found, for example, in the neck, armpits and groin) are inter-connected by a broad network of vessels but the system has no ‘pump’ to keep it moving; instead it relies on the pressure from the blood vessels and the movement of the muscles to keep flowing.