All you need to know about: Lymphatic drain massage

Some social media timelines, more recently, have been flooded with messages and reels promoting lymphatic drainage massage as a wellness and lifestyle option. Glowing tributes to the wonders of getting such a massage from healthy influencers ring a warning bell as non-medical specialists once again try to hijack a therapy as a purely casual lifestyle, aesthetics and weight loss hack. While doctors say facial lymphatic drainage may increase blood circulation and reduce puffiness in the face and give skin a glow, it certainly does not give the body a detox, flushing out toxins, or cause weight loss. 

What is the lymphatic system? 

The lymphatic system performs a drainage function. As per the National Cancer Institute’s definition, lymph is a “clear, watery fluid that comes from plasma (the liquid part of the blood) that has leaked through the blood capillary walls into the spaces around cells.” Lymph carries white blood cells, nutrients, and other substances throughout the body in lymph vessels. As lymph flows through the lymph vessels, it collects extra fluids, cellular debris, and harmful substances from the tissues and is filtered by lymph nodes. The filtered lymph returns to the bloodstream to help maintain fluid balance in the body and immune health. When this process is disrupted then, lymph fluid collects in your arms, legs, ankles or other parts of your body, making them swell. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle form of massage used to relieve inflammation related to lymphoedema,” which is a swelling of the lymph nodes that could occur as a common side effect of many health conditions. It is also said to be pretty common among people recovering from some cancer treatments, including breast cancer surgery, because several lymph nodes may have to be removed during the process. Other surgical interventions that warrant removal of lymph nodes might also cause inflammation, and there on, requiring lymphatic drainage. 

Those suffering from such oedema are often referred to a therapeutic masseur who will use the lymphatic drainage technique to move lymph fluid from the tissues into the lymph nodes, thus easing the swelling. 

When does one require the massage 

Apart from post-therapeutic or surgical sessions, the following health conditions may also cause lymphoedema - chronic venous insufficiency, fibromyalgia, injury, lipoedema and rheumatoid arthritis. A congested lymph system may be gleaned from the following symptoms, according to the Cleveland clinic: bloating, brain fog, chronic sinus infections, fatigue, headaches, puffy, swollen ankles or hands, skin conditions such as acne, dryness or rashes, or a more tell-tale swollen lymph nodes in the neck. 

A cosmetic facial massage is done primarily to restore glow to the skin.  

How is a lymphatic drainage performed? 

While recommending the services of a health care provider, the Cleveland clinic describes the massage as using light pressure and strategic massage techniques to prepare and clear the blocks in the lymphatic system. It begins with a massage to stimulate the areas of your body that house lymph nodes – armpits, neck, groin. Following this, the professional will attempt to coax the excess lymph fluid from your swollen tissues toward your lymph nodes, where the lymph can reabsorb it and send it back to the heart. 

What are the benefits and risks? 

A properly-done lymphatic massage could, over sessions, possibly reduce swelling and clear up clogs in the lymphatic drainage and reactivate absorption by the nodes. As such, it can provide relief and improve immune activity. While the risks from a lymph massage are few, therapists usually avoid doing it for people who have blood clots, or deep vein thrombosis, heart disease, and cellulitis. They also are advised to avoid massaging areas over cancerous tissues or skin that has been damaged during radiation. Some people might also suffer from fatigue, headaches and nausea, the Cleveland Clinic advisory points out, but a healthcare provider may be able to suggest measures to relieve that.  

However, the Clinic also adds that while the benefits of a lymphatic drain massage could be valuable, “it’s not right for everyone” adding that it would be best to speak to a health care provider first.