Body+Soul
Everything you need to know about lymphatic drainage
Unlike traditional massage treatments, lymphatic drainage is a gentler practice with a host of benefits including enhanced detoxification and relief from some chronic conditions.
“The lymphatic system is the detoxifying system of your body, it’s the one in charge of getting rid of toxins and waste your body is consistently processing,” explains Biotyspa founder and skin expert, Deborah Levy.
“A healthy lymphatic system will be able to manage the elimination of toxins and waste out of the body, whereas a congested lymphatic system will have difficulty eliminating them, which is why lymphatic drainage is essential to activate it.”
What are the benefits of lymphatic drainage?
Through gentle, rhythmic strokes and targeted pressure, a therapist can encourage stagnant lymph fluid to drain more efficiently, helping the body to debloat. This leads to a myriad of benefits including:
Detoxification
By facilitating the removal of waste and toxins, lymphatic drainage can detoxify the body, promoting overall health and vitality.
Reduction of swelling
Whether due to injury, surgery, or a chronic condition like lymphedema, swelling can impede healing and cause discomfort. Lymphatic drainage helps reduce swelling by encouraging the removal of excess fluid from tissues, promoting faster recovery and improved mobility.
Immune support
A healthy lymphatic system is vital for robust immune function. By promoting lymph flow, lymphatic drainage can enhance the body's ability to fend off infections and illnesses.
Alleviation of chronic conditions
From fibromyalgia to rheumatoid arthritis, lymphatic drainage has shown promise in alleviating symptoms associated with various chronic conditions. By reducing inflammation and promoting circulation, it can provide much-needed relief for those living with chronic pain.
Enhanced relaxation
Like other forms of massage therapy, lymphatic drainage can induce a state of deep relaxation, reducing stress levels and promoting overall wellbeing.
What happens during a lymphatic drainage massage?
Unlike traditional Swedish or deep tissue massage, which may involve firmer pressure and kneading techniques, lymphatic drainage employs gentle, rhythmic strokes and light pressure to stimulate lymphatic flow.
“Lymphatic drainage is very popular in France, your GP would prescribe it to you and you would have it done by a physiotherapist,” explains Levy, who is now based in Sydney.
“It’s very different to a treatment you’d have in a spa, but it’s part of our culture and lifestyle to have it done regularly.”
There are a range of different techniques to perform lymphatic drainage but the most effective one performed in France involves soft, light pressure, and repetitive movements.
“The French version must include effleurage (manual skin brushing strokes) to move fluid towards the lymphatic nodes where we will perform pompage (pumping) strokes to assist the body with the detoxification.”
During a lymphatic drainage session, the therapist may target specific areas of the body known to have a high concentration of lymph nodes, such as the neck, armpits, and groin.
So is lymphatic drainage worth it?
If you’re working with a specific health issue (or you’re just firmly in your self-care era), lymphatic drainage can certainly be a beneficial tool.
Not only will you help support the body's natural detoxification processes, reducing swelling, and bolstering immune function, but it’s also pretty damn relaxing.
Can't get to a spa? Try giving it a whirl yourself with Biotyspa's Body Sculpt Kit, which has everything you need to do a DIY treatment at home.
Body+Soul