What is lymphatic drainage?

Lymphatic drainage is one of the most demanded health and beauty treatments in spas and health resorts in Spain

This body treatment is used to combat cellulite, varicose veins, acne, scars, and tissue pooling, among other things, in addition to preventing and relieving tired, swollen, and edematous legs.

Lymphatic drainage is a massage or set of massages whose objective is to stimulate the natural drainage of the lymph that circulates through our body, which helps our body to eliminate toxins, regulate its fluids and recover its balance, which in turn can contribute to put an end to orange peel skin and lumps in our legs.

To learn more about lymphatic drainage, a technique generally associated with the Vodder method, and to decide if this treatment might be of interest to you personally, read on

To speak of "drainage" is to speak of outputting fluids that are no longer needed where they are.

In the case of "drainage or lymphatic massage", the term usually refers to "manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)", that is, to a massage technique that is applied with the handson legs, buttocks, abdomen or other parts of the body based on regular and slow, relatively gentle circular movements(without much pressure), in the direction of the lymphatic vessels.

However, some people use the term "lymphatic drainage" to refer to pressotherapy, another technique that often uses large machines or mechanical massagers that apply pressure to the skin with air to pursue objectives similar to manual lymphatic drainage

Be aware, although there are people who use it interchangeably and have elements in common, "lymphatic drainage or massage" and "pressotherapy" are not the same or equivalent techniques.

Remember that "manual lymphatic drainage or massage" is always done with the hands, hence the "manual"

What is lymphatic massage used for?

Lymphatic massage is mainly used to combat cellulite, varicose veins, acne, scars, and tissue engorgement.

It is also one of the most commonly used treatments to prevent and relieve tired, swollen, and edematous legs.

But DLM has many more applications, both in the world of beauty and medicine.

As the magazine "Portales Médicos" points out, lymphatic massage can be useful to prevent eating disorders such as anorexia and to favor the natural immunity of our bodies, as well as in cases of gastralgias and chronic hepatitis.

It is also used in sports medicine to avoid fatigue, myositis, and tendonitis and, in general, "in any case in which the classic massage is contraindicated", that is, in areas, paths and/or varicose ulcers, bone calluses, accumulations of swollen lymph nodes, and peripheral vascular and nerve paths.

The director of the Innova Physiotherapy Clinic, Susana Villalba Reñones gives even more details.

According to her experience, manual lymphatic drainage is indicated in the treatment of lymphedema, lipedema and cellulite, but also in disorders of the digestive system such as chronic constipation and heavy digestions; fibromyalgia; anxiety and stress; chronic inflammations of the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis and tonsillitis; and other rheumatic ailments, such as arthritis and osteoarthritis, and extra-articular, such as bursitis, capsulitis and periarthritis.

And, of course, and always according to this physician, DLM is recommended in practically every type of edema imaginable (in extensive lymphatic edema, secondary edema after mastectomy, secondary edema due to interruption of the lymphatic vessels, primary edema, edema of the head and/or face, local edema of traumatic origin - hematomas, contusions, Sudeck's dystrophies, dislocations and fractures-, local edemas post-surgical and to accelerate healing - orthopedic operations, aesthetic, dental extractions-, local edemas of the central and peripheral nervous system -cephaleas, migraines, vertigo, paralysis, Down syndrome-, edemas due to circulatory alterations -varicose veins, tired legs or venous edema, venous ulcers or pressure ulcers- edemas during pregnancy -stretch marks prevention, leg discharge-, and edemas related to menstruation).

 

Does or can lymphatic drainage hurt?

"A well-done lymphatic drainage never causes pain because we work on the skin

As we work on the skin, we do not exert enough pressure to alter the mechanosensitivity of the tissue to be treated," explains physiotherapist and president of the Association for the Promotion of Manual Lymph Drainage Vodder Juan de Dios Pérez Bruzón.

He is clear: lymphatic drainage can, in specific cases, bother a little but never hurt.

If it hurts it is not lymphatic drainage: "It may be a circulatory massage or another type of massage that works the blood circulation, but it is not a manual lymphatic drainage.

If it hurts it is not lymphatic drainage.

Manual lymphatic drainage does not hurt."

 

When is MLD contraindicated or not recommended?

In general, and as the European Health & Fitness School reminds us, DLM is partially or totally discouraged in cases of heart disease, presence of skin burns, asthmatic disorders and hypertension. On the other hand, Dr. Susana Villalba Reñones strongly advises against it in cases of malignant tumors, acute infections, cardiac or lymphodynamic edema, tortuous and raised varicose veins, phlebitis, and in cases of deep vein thrombosis or thrombophlebitis in progress. The expert is also not enthusiastic about using lymphatic massage in cases of already treated cancer; in recent thrombosis, phlebitis or thrombophlebitis; in acute inflammation related to rheumatism, nephritic colic or gout; in cases of functional thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases such as Lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis; with bronchial asthma, disorders of the abdomen, carotid sinus syndrome or when there are nevi (moles).

In general, lymphatic drainage is not contraindicated in any healthy person, so if you are healthy and decide to have it done wrong, it won't hurt you if you have it done right. Now, if you have any doubts about it, always consult your doctor, the person who, along with you, best knows your state of health and, therefore, can best advise you about it. In the event that you suffer or have suffered from some type of cancer, below we try to help you establish whether or not the DLM is advisable in your case. But we insist: when in doubt, always consult your doctor.

 

Can I have lymphatic drainage if I have cancer?

Much has been written about lymphatic massages and their contraindication or not in cancer treatments.

As the Quirós School of Massage and Natural Therapies, DNL has been traditionally contraindicated in cancer treatments because it is considered that "tissue manipulations can cause tumor cells to detach from the original tumor, travel through the lymphatic system or blood system, and end up establishing themselves in other tissue causing a new tumor process there."

And although in the XXI century there is still debate about it, it seems that studies suggest that lymphatic drainage does not aggravate cancer processes or cause metastasis in their patients, although it is far from being a technique that, in itself, serves to cure cancer (nor is it ever expected to be).

What scientific studies are beginning to point out is that both lymphatic drainage and, above all, massage in general can help to alleviate some side effects of cancer, other diseases and life in general.

Side effects, situations or ailments such as body aches, stress and anxiety, effects of chemotherapy, postoperative discomfort, low self-esteem, etc.

However, more research is needed to determine which massages are recommended in which diseases, as is well collected by the study "The Value of Massage Therapy in Cancer Care" which has made an exhaustive review of more than twenty research studies it has found in this regard. As the scientific article "Massage in Supportive Cancer Care" highlights, what is clear is that in recent times there has been a rapprochement between physical therapists, massage therapists, physicians and oncologists, thatmassage can potentially contribute to cancer patient care, and that physicians can help those performing it to find ways to do so in a way that most benefits the patient.

Whatever the case, in the event of cancer or a more or less serious illness, at Sparelajarse we are clear: always follow the instructions of your doctor and, if it seems right, pamper yourself with bubbles and massages at your favorite spa or health spa.