Crystal Nelson
Lymphatic massage is a stimulation of the skin with stimulation of the tissue fluid. It is extraordinarily effective. The therapy helps against lymphatic congestion but is also used in women after breast cancer surgery.
Blood isn’t the only thing that flows through our bodies. In addition to the veins, there is a second vascular system: the lymphatic channels, through which the lymphatic fluid moves sluggishly. It is important for detoxification and purification. However, since the lymph is not actively pumped by the heart like blood and only the larger lymphatic vessels have their own muscles, the lymph must be pushed forward – by external pressure, e.g. B. with the help of the leg muscles when walking.
What is lymph?
The lymph consists largely of tissue water containing dissolved protein substances, metabolic toxins, and waste products, and the remains of dead pathogens. Lymphatic channels flow into large veins so that the “interfering substances” can be disposed of via the bloodstream and the excretory organs (kidneys or intestines). If the lymph flow is disturbed or the channels are clogged, the fluid builds up and lymphatic edema occurs (Signs: tissue swelling). Causes can be congenital developmental disorders of the lymphatic system or diseases, such as inflammation (wounds) or tumors. Lymph also often accumulates after breast cancer operations, during which the lymph nodes in the armpits have to be removed. Here a special massage helps.
Who Invented Therapy?
Lymphatic massage with the hands (manual lymphatic drainage) was first described in 1834. At that time, people already knew about the existence of the lymph channels and called them suction veins because they e.g. “Suck” harmful residues from the tissue. The form of lymphatic drainage known today was first performed around 60 years ago by the Danish doctor Dr. Emil Vodder. He massaged the painfully swollen lymph nodes in the neck of patients with particularly stubborn colds – with that the swelling went down, the symptoms were alleviated and the healing was faster.
Who does the massage?
Today, lymphatic drainage is performed as a special form of massage by specially trained physiotherapists. The flow of lymph is gently stimulated with various movements (circular movements, pumping, and twisting movements) by pushing it further in its natural flow direction. This increases the flow of lymph into the veins from a normal 10 to 12 times to as many as 100 times per minute. In healthy people, about two liters of lymph are released into the blood in 24 hours. In sick people, the flow can be severely slowed down or come to an almost complete standstill.
How does it work on cancer?
Lymphatic drainage can be used preventively before tumor operations to prevent lymphatic congestion. It is more often done after the procedure when there has actually been a build-up of lymph. Important: At the beginning of the therapy, the affected tissue is not treated directly, but starts in adjacent areas. Background: Congested lymphatics should not be additionally loaded, but relieved. For example, after breast cancer surgery, therapy to combat lymphatic congestion in the armpit region often begins on the healthy arm. If the lymph flow is stimulated there, the therapist gradually works his way to the “congestion area”.
What else does it help with?
In addition, lymphatic drainage is used to support the treatment of the following diseases: migraines, other types of headaches, chronic intestinal inflammation, rheumatic diseases, arthrosis, gout, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), water accumulation in the tissue due to heart failure, nerve pain, and chronic respiratory diseases.
The massage is also used to generally strengthen the body’s defenses and self-healing powers. The lymph is significantly involved in the immune system, as it transports dangerous substances out of the body. The faster the lymph flows, the better the elimination works.
How does the defense work?
Lymph nodes along the lymphatic pathways snatch pathogens and harmful substances from the spaces between cells and swallow them. Inside the nodes, the troublemakers are rendered harmless by special killer cells (lymphocytes), broken down and transported away with the lymph. If there is a blockage in the lymph, these important immune centers can no longer develop their full activity. But the massages eliminate the congestion – the local defense works again.
Depending on the underlying disease, the treatments are carried out two to three times a week or daily. Compression bandages or stockings must be worn for the entire duration of the therapy, which prevents the lymph from flowing back due to pressure from the outside
Are there risks?
Before the lymphatic drainage, it must be ruled out that there is a previously undiscovered tumor that is the cause of the lymphatic congestion. Otherwise there is a risk that the cancer cells that have accumulated in the lymph nodes will spread throughout the body as a result of the massage and the formation of metastases will be promoted. Even after completing cancer therapy, as a precaution, consult your doctor before beginning lymphatic drainage.
