The vessels in the lymphatic system run parallel to the blood vessels, and they help filter wastes out of the blood. According to Ramona Moody French, author of "Milady's Guide to Lymph Drainage Massage," lymph drainage is a massage technique that detoxes the body by encouraging the flow of lymph throughout the body. Lymph drainage can be done alone, or with the addition of herbal massage tonics. The lymphatic system is complex, and lymph drainage is generally performed by a trained professional. However, it is possible to do a very basic self-massage with a homemade herbal remedy.
Preparation
Step 1
Add the dried peppermint, rosemary, lavender and lemon zest to the Mason jar.
Step 2
Pour 1 cup of ethyl alcohol over the herbs. Cover the jar, shake, and set the jar in a cool, dry place for 30 days.
Step 3
Strain the alcohol mixture into a 2-cup measuring cup. Discard the solid matter. Add 1/4 cup grapeseed oil to the alcohol.
Step 4
Pour the mixture into a plastic squeeze bottle. Use immediately or store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Massage
Step 1
Undress to your underwear or a bathing suit, and sit or lie in a comfortable position. Shake the bottle of herbal remedy and squeeze a dime-sized amount into the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together to evenly distribute the remedy between both palms.
Step 2
Turn your left foot out and run both hands down the inside of your leg, from the groin area, down to your ankle and back up again. Use a feather-light touch as the lymph vessels are right beneath the surface of the skin and require very little pressure. Repeat this motion 10 times on each leg. Apply more remedy, if necessary
Step 3
Hold your left arm out to the side and slowly rub your right hand from your left breast or chest, under the arm pit and down the left arm. Run your hand back up your left arm to the breast. As with the chest, use a light touch, and apply more herbal remedy as necessary. Repeat this motion 10 times on each arm.
Step 4
Use your right hand to massage up the left side of your neck, from the collar bone to the ear lobe. Use your left hand to massage up the right side of your neck. Repeat each side 10 times.
Step 5
Cover yourself with a blanket or towel, and sit or lie quietly for 20 minutes. Take a shower to remove any residual herbal remedy.
Tips and Warnings
- Because this type of massage triggers lymph flow, including flow though the lymph nodes, do not try this massage if you are feeling ill, or if you feel you are coming down with something. For a more thorough detox session, contact a massage therapist who specializes in lymph drainage.
Things You'll Need
- 2 tbsp dried peppermint
- 2 tbsp dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp dried lavender
- 2 tsp dried lemon zest
- 10 oz Mason jar with lid
- 1 cup ethyl alcohol
- 2 cup measuring cup
- ¼ cup grapeseed oil
- Plastic squeeze bottle
- Bathing suit (optional)
- Blanket or towel
References
- "Herbal Remedies: A Quick and Easy Guide to Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies"; Asa Hershoff N.D. and Andrea Rotelli N.D.; 2001
- "Milady's Guide to Lymph Drainage Massage"; Ramona Moody French; 2003
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