SOCIAL LEADER:  Remember the lymphatic system? No. Well, not to worry. Check out the link below on what the lymphatic system is and how massage can help it. ___________________________________________________________________________

Many of us have heard of the lymphatic system – at least in high school anatomy class. But it is likely that we haven’t thought about it much since then unless we have needed to for a medical reason.

Let’s take a refresher course on what it is and how incorporating lymphatic massage can be incredibly beneficial.

WHAT IS THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM?

The lymphatic system is the structure within your body that helps move toxins and waste out. Utilizing the powerful white blood cells in a fluid called lymph, the lymphatic system rids the body of unwanted substances. The primary contributors to the system are tissues, organs, and lymph nodes.

A commonly known component in the lymphatic system is the tonsils. When someone comes down with strep throat and their tonsils are inflamed, this is an indicator of the lymphatic system doing its job – scratchy throat and all!

In short, the lymphatic system is like the water treatment plant of your body. It takes in fluid, filters out the bad, and recycles the good back into the system.

WHAT IS A LYMPHATIC MASSAGE?

The focus of the lymphatic massage is to help the body move lymph fluids more efficiently around and out of the body. Utilizing a specific, gentle approach in an intentional order, a massage therapist can help the body to move lymph fluid out of tissues and direct them to the lymph nodes. It is here that the lymph nodes can then process out any infections or other bi-products unwanted in a healthy body.

Unlike some other massages that focus primarily on muscles, a lymphatic massage concentrates more on the entire lymphatic system that is closer to the surface of the skin – such as under the arms or behind the knees – with lighter pressure.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO A LYMPHATIC MASSAGE?

The utilization of a lymphatic massage can offer many benefits. For starters, a lymphatic drainage session can help strengthen the immune system. Assisting the body to process toxins in a more efficient manner will inherently help the immune system to perform at a more optimal level.

This approach can be especially beneficial for your immune system after experiences such surgery, infection, or trauma to enhance the healing process. Because the system has been “interrupted” by these events or conditions, the resetting of the system by a lymphatic massage can help get it back into proper working order in a quicker fashion than without this specific massage approach.

Lymphatic massage can further assist post-surgery by improving results while decreasing swelling. This decrease in swelling can relieve pressure on the incision areas allowing for better healing and surgery results. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) helps to rid the body of excess swelling, helping the body heal faster. Those wishing to use lymphatic massage post-surgery can look forward to starting as soon as the day after surgery.

In addition, lymphatic drainage massage can be especially beneficial to those who are experiencing fibromyalgia, edema, arthritis, digestive problems, or migraine episodes.

Other added benefits to a lymphatic massage are the potential for an improvement in:

• digestion
• circulation
• insomnia symptoms
• the appearance of the skin
• swelling in concentrated areas such as the legs

One benefit that is causing an increase in popularity is the perception of weight loss. While a massage of this type can help with temporary bloating and water weight, remember that fat cells are not dissolved in the process therefore no long-term weight loss occurs from an individual session. Longer weight loss goals can be achieved with the incorporation of lymphatic massage into a healthy eating and fitness lifestyle.

Even with the many benefits, this type of massage offers so many, it isn’t always for everyone. Those that have kidney or liver problems, congestive heart failure, or a history of blood clots should consider talking about utilizing the lymphatic massage approach with their medical provider first.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF A LYMPHATIC MASSAGE

When approaching the use of lymphatic massage, you have to consider the frequency at which is needed to get optimal results. This specialized type of massage does give you benefits from the first session but will give you many longer-lasting results if used more frequently to start. It is like doing physical therapy sessions with your lymphatic system. One time is great, but more than one will give you a more sustainable outcome.

Each individual is different and the number of times and frequency will vary – especially on the situation. A general approach to lymphatic massage is to incorporate two to four sessions a month for three months consecutively followed by two to four sessions a month, every three to four months a year. This gives the system the chance to get back on track and be maintained when needed throughout the year.

For those that are utilizing Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) for post-op plastic surgery, two to three sessions per week is the best approach. If you are being seen for other post-op reasons, then a modified schedule could be utilized.

To get the most out of your lymphatic drainage massage sessions, drink plenty of water, stay physically active, incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet and limit the number of processed foods. All of these not only help support your massage session but ultimately support your lymph and immune systems – giving them more nutrients and cleaner fuel to operate on.

Interested in learning more or booking a lymphatic massage session? Would love to help!

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The post Lymphatic Massage: A Systematic Approach appeared first on Healing Hands.

We are beyond fortunate to work with some of the best in the industry and Victoria Qualls is no exception. Take a look at how she found her path in massage therapy and what she would do with endless funds! 

A Bit About Victoria Qualls:

Pregnancy can be rough and Victoria knew it. She sought out ways to help her enjoy her pregnancy more and found massage therapy. After seeing the personal benefits, she was reinforced in her beliefs of massage therapy when she saw how it provided her mother with relief as well. A long time dental hygienist with severe back pain, her mom soon found an improved quality of life with massage therapy as well. 

Victoria soon saw that her personal benefit become a professional passion when she began studying Massage Therapy at Fayetteville Technical Community College ultimately receiving her license in 2019. 

She specializes in lymphatics and relaxation and is sought out for her full body approach with focused relaxation.

Fun Facts About Victoria: 

Victoria is originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, and is the proud mama to a little boy. While she is still chasing sleep most days, Victoria also:

• Loves camping in the mountains to get a mental retreat with an epic view. 
• Would build a soundproof room to sleep in all day if funds were no issue.
• Is a fan of the color black because it matches everything.
• Wears sports boots and grandma type sweaters in her preferred fall/winter season – sans the snow.

The post Hey There! I Would Like You To Meet… Victoria Qualls appeared first on Healing Hands.