Do you have swollen glands and associated pain?
Massage therapy is a great way to help with circulation and moving lymphatic fluid to flush out toxins.
When the lymph nodes are stimulated by massaging the skin with slow, circular movements up and down the body, they release inflammatory agents that fight infection and boost the immune system, aiding in the lymphatic drainage of the entire body.
Swollen lymph nodes are another symptom of lymphedema. A massage therapist uses gentle pressure near swollen lymph nodes to help relieve pain caused by excess fluid buildup.
The massage therapist places her hands on your skin in a continuous motion for several minutes, allowing the lymphatic fluid to move freely and slowly through the lymph nodes.
What is the lymphatic system, and how does it work?
The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels and glands that help remove toxins from the body.
The system includes organs like the spleen, tonsils, thymus, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.
The fluid that passes through these vessels carries white blood cells that fight infection and other types of immune cells (like B cells) that stimulate the production of antibodies. It also provides nutrients to our tissues and improves our immune response.
Stress or injury can disturb lymphatic flow, leading to inflammation in various body parts, including joints or muscles. This is often called tension.
When massage therapy is performed on the abdomen, it promotes circulation to that area, which helps move fluids throughout your body.
What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a chronic disease caused by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in any part of the body.
This buildup can occur because lymph nodes or vessels have been removed or damaged or the lymphatic system is blocked. However, the most common cause of lymphedema is poor circulation.
Most people with lymphedema have only minor symptoms that cause little or no discomfort, and some don’t even know they have it.
However, for some people, the fluid buildup is more severe, which means there is a greater chance of swelling or pain in their arms, legs, or other parts of their bodies.
How to keep your lymphatic system healthy?
Here is what we recommend:
- Maintain good posture so lymphatic fluid can flow easily through your lymph nodes;
- Exercise regularly to increase blood flow and speed up the movement of lymphatic fluids;
- Adopt a healthy and balanced diet. This will help keep your immune system strong and prevent disease.
The lymph nodes are the body’s worker bees, collecting fluids and toxins accumulated in the tissues.
The process is crucial for maintaining overall health, as it helps remove these substances from our bodies before they cause disease or infection.
If you want to learn more about how this system works, schedule a lymphatic drainage massage with our home massage therapy service today.
