What to Expect After a Lymphatic Massage
Understanding Manual Lymphatic Drainage:
What to Expect from a Proper Session
Lymphatic massage, often referred to as Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), is a therapeutic technique that has gained popularity in recent years. However, there is much confusion surrounding what constitutes a “lymphatic massage,” and the term itself is a misnomer. Lymphatic massage technically isn’t a massage at all, which leads people to often see unqualified therapists.
It is important to distinguish between properly administered Manual Lymphatic Drainage and the imposter therapies that have cropped up in the industry. Accredited institutions like the KLOSE and Vodder schools of lymphatic therapy provide comprehensive training based on rigorous science and research that show which techniques are effective. Unfortunately, many individuals offering lymphatic massage have had only a few hours of online training from individuals who may not be adequately trained themselves.
So, what can you expect from a proper Manual Lymphatic Drainage session, and why is it different from what is often touted as a “lymphatic massage”?
Qualifying Your Therapist
Before embarking on a Manual Lymphatic Drainage session, it is crucial to ensure that your therapist has received proper training from reputable institutions. The importance of this qualification cannot be overstated since inadequate training can result in ineffective or even harmful treatments for people with lymphatic disease like lymphedema who truly need to be seen by therapists trained in proper technique. Do your due diligence when selecting a therapist (ensure they are either a Certified Lymphedema Therapist) to avoid disappointments or risks to your health.
I cannot count the number of people who have come to me over the years who have previously gone for “lymphatic massage” and have been severely disappointed because of a lack of results. One person told me that she was repeatedly “poked” by a ‘therapist’ to ‘stimulate her lymphatic system.’ I asked if she had asked her practitioner where they got their training and the answer was “a shaman.” So, yes, everyone is on the bandwagon, so to speak, and if you go to someone who is not properly trained, your results will be something totally different than if you see a qualified professional.
What to Expect with Proper MLD
In a genuine Manual Lymphatic Drainage session, therapists employ a gentle skin-stretching technique combined with a measured amount of pressure, applied in the armpits and groin areas where key lymph nodes are located. The method does not involve poking, tapping, or brushing of the skin. These “made-up” techniques are not effective in opening the lymphatic capillaries, which are essential for facilitating the entry of excess tissue fluid (swelling) into the lymphatic vessels.
One key sign that your therapist may not be properly trained is if they fail to initiate their work at your collarbone. The lymphatic system empties into the bloodstream at this location on the body, and neglecting this area at the outset of therapy can significantly diminish the effectiveness of the subsequent treatment.
A true MLD session is generally light, though not so gentle that you barely feel it. If it feels like your therapist is merely exfoliating your skin, that’s a clear indication of an incorrect technique. On the lower legs where fluid tends to accumulate, slightly more pressure may be required, but it is usually less intense than what you would experience during a Swedish massage, as the focus is primarily on the lymphatic system that lies superficially rather than on the muscular tissue which is much deeper.
During a proper MLD session, it is common for clients to experience profound relaxation or even drowsiness. It’s not unusual to feel a slight sensation of lightheadedness when rising after the session. This is a sign of the gentle but effective nature of the treatment.
Post-Session Care
After your Manual Lymphatic Drainage session, it is crucial to assist your body in eliminating waste products that have been moved into the bloodstream during treatment. Drinking plenty of water is highly recommended. Even without increasing your fluid intake, you will typically experience increased urination for about 12-24 hours post-treatment due to the mobilization of excess fluid. Many clients find that they want to go home and take a nap, as the relaxation provided by MLD can be quite rejuvenating. A good night’s sleep is also often enjoyed following the session.
Some people will report that they had a bowel movement a few hours later despite being chronically constipated. (This is likely because 300-400 lymph nodes of our roughly 700 total nodes surround our bowels.) Other people state that they notice an unusual smell in their urine. This is an indication that something that was in the tissues is now being flushed out. Not everyone may notice this, however, as it depends on what specifically is being evacuated from a person’s body.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, when performed correctly by a qualified therapist, can offer a multitude of benefits, from reducing swelling and promoting relaxation to improving overall well-being. By being discerning in your choice of therapist and understanding what to expect from a proper MLD session, you can maximize the effectiveness of this unique and gentle therapy.
