Introduction to Lymphatic Therapy

What Is The Lymphatic System?

The Lymphatic or “lymph” system serves a vital body function and is often overlooked and misunderstood. It is commonly known as “the garbage disposal system” of the body. It is often referred to as the “second circulatory system” and flows throughout the entire body. 

Why Is It Important For Your Health To Maintain Your Lymphatic System?

There are between 500 – 600 lymph nodes in the body. The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to the body’s ability to detoxify and regenerate tissues, filter out toxins,  foreign substances, cancerous cells and maintain a healthy immune system. When your lymphatic system is blocked or clogged, this creates a condition of stagnation that promotes fatigue and ill health. Some of the common symptoms of a blocked or clogged lymphatic system include lumps, bumps, pain and swelling around the lymph nodes, but some of these symptoms can go unnoticed by the patient. Clients will often come into my office complaining about a plethora of issues ranging from allergies to underarm pain to achy joints. During our in-office consultation I will often find that their lymph nodes are swollen.

​How Does The Lymphatic System Become Clogged Or Blocked?

​The amount of lymphatic fluid circulating throughout our bodies is 4-5 times higher than the amount of blood! Unlike the blood circulatory system, the lymphatic system has no pump to keep fluid flowing. How does our lymphatic fluid move? Mainly through our normal daily movements, and especially during exercise. 

Some causes of a blocked lymph system are stress, viruses, lack of exercise, improper diet, and most importantly environmental pollution.

What is the difference between lymphatic therapy and massage?

Massage increases circulation by increasing the filtration rate of fluids out of arterial capillaries. It’s raising blood pressure. Lymphatic therapy increases circulation by increasing the reabsorption rate of fluids back to the heart. It decreases edema (harmful buildup of fluids in the body) and lowers blood pressure.

Experience

The lymphatic procedure is one of the most relaxing, satisfying and delicate detoxifying types of bodywork therapies. The client gets undressed and lies on the table face up in a warm comfortable room. It is recommended to have time to work on the whole body as well as focus on problem areas, usually between 75-90 minutes. This full body treatment combines hands-on techniques of acclaimed lymphatic drainage therapy pioneer Dr. Vodder, and with the use of the Lymph Star Pro Fusion therapeutic instrument. The Lymphstar Pro Fusion utilizes light to decongest trapped proteins and congestion within the lymph nodes and lymph system, allowing waste products and toxins to slowly erode and safely flow out through normal channels. Lymphatic drainage massage is made up of slow, gentle sweeping movements that mimic the body’s natural rhythmic pumping action of the lymphatic fluid through the body.  ​The removal of blockages and excess fluids from the lymphatic system improves overall health, emotional balance, skin elasticity and vitality, and relaxation. This is an important component to any healing process, detoxification or immunity boosting program, as well as reducing fluid retention and cellulite. The Lymphstar Pro Fusion uses pulsing low frequencies (under 1000 Hz range) with high harmonics which creates rhythmic pulsations that smooth across the skin. The client leaves relaxed and energized.

Recommendations

Please follow the recommendations below to ensure the best results:

• Make sure to adequately hydrate yourself before sessions. I recommend drinking a lemon water 2- 3 days before the session to ensure adequate detoxification process. *
• Please refrain from the use of scented products before sessions. There are significant health concerns arising from exposure to scented products.

*LEMON water recipe: squeeze half to a full lemon to taste in an 8-ounce glass of room temperature water. Feel free to add some honey or maple syrup to your drink.

I have observed that one session a week combined over several months produces the best results.

Who Can Benefit From Lymphatic Therapy?

Since our bodies are primarily made up of fluids, it’s not hard to see how improving lymphatic flow will produce numerous benefits for both health and beauty. Lymphatic therapy is both preventive and restorative as it enhances the body’s natural immune system, improves body circulation and oxygenation.