Lymphatic Drainage Massage--
Extremely gentle massage using light
movements on the skin that push lymph fluid toward lymph ducts and then toward
the heart to be mixed into the bloodstream and out through the kidneys. The
lymphatic system is the structural framework of the immune system and is the
major protein distribution mechanism in the body.
Lymph vessels collect large
protein molecules that can become trapped in the interstitial spaces (spaces
between cells). They also collect excess water, fats, metabolic waste, bacteria,
viruses, etc. The vessels deposit the waste into larger structures, usually less
than one inch long, called ducts. Most of these are found in the throat,
armpits, and groin. The lymph ducts filter lymph fluid. They also contain
lymphocytes which devour toxins and damaged cells that flow by in the lymph.
After passing through ducts, the lymph fluid empties into two veins located at
the sides of the neck--the right and left subclavian
veins--and then empties into the bloodstream via the heart.
Only
2-3 liters of lymph are filtered through the body each day. With lymphatic
drainage massage, the volume of lymph moved is increased by as much as twenty
times. This large movement/removal of waste materials from the lymph vessels
can cause a profound feeling of relaxation, detoxification, a decrease of
edema (swelling), and is a great boost to the immune system.
Who
should get a lymphatic drainage massage? Almost anyone! If you want to boost
your immune system when everyone around you is getting sick, try a couple
lymphatic massages. If you are feeling sluggish, have autoimmune diseases,
bronchitis, tonsillitis, acne, eczema, or have had lymph ducts removed, try a
few massages. | 
