The Purpose Of Lymphatic Drainage Massage

The two major components of the circulatory system are the cardiovascular system, consisting of the heart and blood vessels, and the lymphatic system, consisting of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. The latter is composed of open-ended vessels in the body tissue that drain excess fluid from all over the body. The lymph nodes are an important part of the immune system.

Lymphatic System Circulation

Most of the fluid that enters body tissues from the capillaries is taken back into the bloodstream through the capillaries or is transported, along with cells and small particles such as bacteria or viruses, back to the bloodstream through the lymphatic vessels. Lymph nodes along the vessels' course filter, trap and destroy microorganisms and other foreign bodies in the fluid now known as lymph. Lymph is constantly moving, but the system has no central pump like the heart. It is circulated by the movement of the body's muscles. In the vessels is a system of one-way valves that keeps the fluid flowing in the right direction. The body's muscles contract and press against the lymph vessels, causing increased pressure and resulting in movement of the lymph along the vessel course. The fluid is carried to specific sites, where it is returned to the bloodstream.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is the accumulation of excessive fluid in body tissues. In some conditions, the lymphatic vessels in the limbs become damaged by infection or trauma. In others it is hereditary and can occur at birth or later in life. Damage to lymphatic vessels and nodes can result from surgical removal of lymph nodes or from overgrowth of scar tissue following radiation treatment for cancer. Lymph tumors or metastatic cancer may cause obstruction. If left untreated, lymphedema can lead to serious infections such as cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin, and lymphangitis, an infection of the lymph vessels.

The American Medical Association recommends that lymphedema be treated by elevating the limb, exercising the limb while elevated, using elastic bandages, wearing compression stockings or sleeves and receiving manual lymphatic massage.

Manual Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic massage helps increase the flow of lymph. The goal of manual lymphatic massage is to reduce and control swelling and avoid complications that can occur because of it. The National Cancer Institute recommends that someone trained in the technique do manual massage therapy for treatment of lymphedema. After initial treatment, patients can learn to do the technique themselves. Manual massage is described as rhythmic light rubbing, tapping and stroking of soft tissues of the body. The touch is light and brush-like. This light pressure avoids compressing blood vessels, which can cause more fluid to enter the tissues. Stroking movements should be done in the direction of lymphatic flow.

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