Exploring new modalities to offer your clients? Consider Lymphatic Massage, one of the most extensively research techniques, especially for its medical application.
What is Lymphatic Massage?
 Modern manual lymphatic drainage was developed in the 1930s by a Danish doctor, Dr. Emil Vodder. The techniques were originally used to treat sinus infection, enlarged lymph nodes, and acne. One of the noted results was improvement in appearance of healthy people, and lymphatic drainage was initially promoted by the cosmetology industry.
Lymphatic drainage has since been recognized primarily for its healing ability. Today, in Europe for example, lymph drainage is regularly provided to patients before undergoing surgery. It is also a primary tool used to manage lymphedema: chronic swelling caused by accumulation of fluid in soft tissue with accompanying swelling, sometimes caused by inflammation, obstruction, or removal of lymphatics (as with cancer patients).
As a modality employed by massage therapists, it also has the benefits of reducing stress and soft tissue pain, such as for sports massage. The Vodder method continues to be popular, but there are variations on techniques to promote lymph flow.
How does Lymphatic Massage work?
The lymphatic system is a crucial player in the body’s ability to ward off disease and heal from injury. It is critical that the lymphatic system continue to work without blockage or build-up. According to some estimates, up to 70 percent of chronic illnesses, including cancer, result in part from lymphatic congestion.
Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system has no central pump. Its movement is dependent on muscular contraction, breathing, movement, and manual manipulation, such as massage.
Lymphatic massage, also called “manual lymphatic drainage” or “lymph drainage massage,” can increase lymph flow by as much as 20%. By using a sequence of strokes and a light pressure, massage stimulates the contraction of smooth muscles in lymph vessels, helping to move the lymph forward and drain the connective tissue. The protocol is designed to follow the natural structures and the flow of lymph.
 In the comprehensive Lymphatic Massage for the Body course (4.5 CE hours), learn how the lymphatic system works and how manual lymphatic drainage massage can help promote the proper function of this critical system. In this online continuing education course, Meade Steadman, LMT, demonstrates the strokes used in lymphatic massage and a complete routine for providing manual lymphatic drainage on the body for both men and women. Video shows step-by-step demonstrations of lymphatic drainage massage techniques.
Meade also covers benefits and contraindications, getting started, lymphedema, post-treatment recommendations, and how to incorporate lymphatic massage in other modalities.
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