Lymphatic drainage massage encourages the drainage of lymph nodes and the movement of lymph fluids around the body. It can help relieve symptoms of lymphedema.

The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from body tissues. Some health conditions can cause lymph fluid to build up.

Lymphatic drainage massages may benefit people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, or other conditions.

In this article, we discuss the benefits of lymphatic massage, who may find it useful, and how a person can prepare for and perform it at home.

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Lymphatic massage, or lymphatic drainage, is a specialized type of medical massage. It can help to treat lymphedema, in which lymphatic fluid collects in certain areas of the body because it cannot drain away effectively.

Lymphatic massage aims to improve the flow of lymph fluid, which should reduce swelling. Massaging an area without swelling will make space for fluid to flow to those parts from more congested areas.

There are two types of lymphatic drainage:

  • Manual: A qualified massage therapist will perform manual lymphatic drainage.
  • Simple: Simple lymphatic drainage is a technique a person can use at home.

Anyone planning on learning simple lymphatic drainage should learn how to do it from a specialist. It is essential to know which area to massage and how much pressure to use.

Who can benefit?

Lymphatic massages can benefit people who have a buildup of lymphatic fluid. This may occur due to:

Lymphatic buildup affects around 1 in 5 females after treatment for breast cancer.

According to a 2021 review, manual lymph drainage may also improve the quality of life in people with fibromyalgia.

However, this type of massage may not be suitable or safe for some people, such as those with cellulitis or a heart condition. People should speak with a doctor before using lymphatic massage.

Trained professionals, including physical therapists or massage therapists with a certified manual lymphatic drainage therapist certificate, can provide lymphatic massage and teach an individual basic drainage techniques to use at home.

Keep the following tips in mind during a lymphatic massage:

  • These massage movements should affect only the skin, so use gentle pressure and do not press hard enough to feel the muscles.
  • Keep the hands relaxed.
  • Do not massage areas with swelling or infection.
  • Do not massage areas of the body that have undergone treatment for cancer.
  • Drink extra water after each massage to help flush the body.
  • During the massage, there should be no pain or skin reddening.
  • Do not use lotions or other products, only the hands.

The following preparation methods will prepare the lymph nodes to bring in more fluid before a lymphatic massage. People can perform most of these exercises standing, sitting, or lying down.

1. Lymphatic breathing

Deep breathing acts like a pump that helps move fluid through the vessels and lymph nodes. Follow the steps below:

  1. Place both hands on the ribs.
  2. Take slow, deep breaths and feel the air move down to the abdomen.
  3. Slowly sigh the air out through the mouth.
  4. Rest between breaths and repeat five times.

2. Prepare the front of the neck

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) recommends the following steps to prepare the lymph nodes at the front and sides of the neck:

  1. Place the index and middle fingers of each hand on either side of the neck, just below the earlobe.
  2. Stretch the skin by gently sliding the fingers down toward the shoulders, then release.
  3. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
  4. Move the hands down and repeat until you have massaged the whole neck.

4. Prepare the back of the neck

The following steps can prepare the back of the neck:

  1. Place the palms of the hands on the back of the neck near the hairline.
  2. Gently slide the hands together down the neck toward the spine.
  3. Repeat 10 to 15 times.

5. Prepare under the arms

Prepare the lymph nodes under the arms to help them accept lymph fluid from other areas of the body. To try it:

  1. Cup the palm under the armpit.
  2. Gently pump the palm upward and toward the body.
  3. Repeat on the other arm.

Do not perform this movement on areas that doctors have treated for cancer.

6. Prepare behind the knees

  1. Place both hands behind the knee so the fingers point toward each other.
  2. Pump the back of the knee by gently pressing the hands into the back of the knee and rolling them upward.
  3. Repeat on the other knee.

Upper body massage techniques

Use the following techniques to help drain lymph fluid from the chest, shoulder, and upper arm.

To massage the chest:

  1. Place the palm flat on the opposite side of the chest, slightly above the breast.
  2. Move the hand up the chest and over the collarbone.
  3. Continue up the neck until the skin covering the chest feels tight, then release.

To massage the shoulder:

  1. Rest the arm on a table or armrest.
  2. Place the other hand on the shoulder of the resting arm.
  3. Move the hand over the back of the shoulder and toward the neck.

To massage the upper arm:

  1. Rest the arm on a table or armrest.
  2. Place the middle two fingers of the other hand on the inside of the upper arm below the shoulder.
  3. Gently slide the fingers toward the outside of the upper arm.
  4. Wrap the hand around the outside of the upper arm.
  5. Gently move the hand back toward the inside of the arm.

To massage the full arm:

  1. Begin at the shoulder.
  2. Use the palm to stretch the skin upward.
  3. Move the hand down to the upper arm and stretch the skin up toward the shoulder.
  4. Continue down the arm, always moving the skin upward.
  5. Stop at the wrist.

To massage the fingers:

  1. Start at the base of the swollen finger close to the palm.
  2. Use the index finger and thumb to stretch the skin on the finger toward the hand.
  3. Continue this motion over the entire finger.
  4. Remember to direct fluid toward the hand.

Lower body massage techniques

Start the massage at the top of the leg and work down toward the foot. For support, use a pillow or stool.

To massage the upper leg:

  1. Start at the top of the leg.
  2. Put one hand on the inside of the opposite thigh near the groin and place the other hand on the buttock.
  3. Gently stretch the skin by moving the hand on the inside of the thigh toward the outside of the thigh and up.
  4. Move the hands farther down the leg and repeat the stretching movement above.
  5. Stop above the knee.

To massage the lower leg:

  1. Start right below the knee.
  2. Place one hand on the shin and the other hand on the back of the calf.
  3. Gently stretch the skin upward.
  4. Continue this motion, working down toward the ankle and the top of the foot.
  5. Always use upward strokes.

To massage the toes, use the thumb and index finger and stroke the skin from the tip of each toe toward the base.

It is vital to always end the massage by drinking extra fluids.

People who use lymphatic drainage massages may notice that their swelling reduces. At the very least, swelling should not worsen. People can attend regular checks with a doctor to monitor whether this procedure works for them.

People with lymphedema should continue using compression socks or sleeves to prevent swelling.

People can also boost their lymphatic system function and help remove more waste from the body using the following methods:

The lymphatic system plays a key role in the body’s immune defences. Lymphatic fluid flows through lymph vessels, which connect lymph nodes. As it passes through the lymph nodes, white blood cells trap and destroy harmful particles, such as bacteria.

Like blood in the circulatory system, lymphatic fluid is always moving. If it stops, fluid build-ups can cause swelling, often in the arms or legs. Doctors call this lymphedema.

Lymphatic massage usually forms part of a treatment program that health experts call decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT). This treatment plan may also include skin care, exercise, and compression garments.

Together, these can improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system and help manage symptoms of lymphedema.

Here are some questions people often ask about lymphatic drainage.

Lymphatic massage aims to reduce swelling by relieving the buildup of lymph fluid in people with lymphedema or other conditions.

DLT, which includes lymphatic massage, may involve daily treatment over several weeks before becoming less frequent.

However, the frequency of massage may depend on a person’s needs and the severity of their symptoms.

Simple lymphatic drainage techniques include deep breathing and light massage. People can ask a trained massage therapist for guidance or seek out tutorials from medical professionals.

Lymphatic massage is not suitable for people with infections and some other conditions.

Lymphatic massage should not be painful. The fingers should stroke the skin very lightly. If there is pain, a person should tell the massage therapist.

A person can use lymphatic drainage massage techniques to help reduce swelling and improve circulation. An effectively functioning lymphatic system is essential for overall health.

People who think they could benefit from a lymphatic drainage massage should speak with a physical therapist, preferably one specialising in treating lymphedema.

Healthcare professionals can perform the massage or teach someone massage techniques to use at home.