Your lymphatic system helps eliminate your body’s waste. A healthy, active lymphatic system uses the natural movements of smooth muscle tissue to do this. However, surgery, medical conditions, or other damage can cause fluids to build up in your lymph system and your lymph nodes, a condition known as lymphedema. If you’ve ever had a surgery on or involving your lymph nodes, your doctor may have suggested lymphatic drainage massage performed by a certified massage or physical therapist.
The lymphatic system is more like the body’s cleaning service. It consists of vessels, nodes, and organs that work together to facilitate the proper flow of lymph, remove waste products from it, and direct the waste products to organs that are responsible for flushing them out of the body. If the lymphatic system is not working properly, lymphatic fluid and toxins can build up in your tissues and can put your body at risk of developing certain diseases. A lymphatic drainage massage is a technique that involves the use of long, gentle, and rhythmic strokes aimed at restoring the lymphatic system’s optimal function.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a very gentle technique that may help lymph flow more easily. While research is slim on the technique’s effectiveness for lymphedema and other conditions, it generally doesn’t hurt to try it out. However, it can be dangerous if you have an infection, blood clots, a heart condition, or liver or kidney problems. If lymphatic massage is safe for you, your doctor may even suggest it to help lymphedema.