Lymph Drainage Treatment

Lymphoedema is the accumulation  of excessive amounts of protein rich fluid resulting in Swelling of one or more regions of the body (Australasian Lymphology Association 2014)

Manual Lymph Drainage Benefits:

As a general treatment, manual lymph drainage has several implications that aren’t necessarily exclusively related to treating lymphodema.  Here are some of the benefits of manual lymph drainage:

  • Aids in the Immune System (helpful in some chronic conditions)
  • Improves Acne
  • Increases energy
  • Aids in detoxification
  • Decreases fluid retention
  • Reduces the amount of toxin that builds in the body
  • Reduces the amount of Fluid accumulating unnecessarily in the bodies cavities
  • With continual drainage toxins do not get a chance to build up again
  • The body has been cleansed and recognises pathogens quickly because it is not overloaded
Lower Limb Lymphoedema
Upper Limb Lymphoedema

What You Might Notice After a Manual Lymph Drainage Treatment

  • Increased urine output
  • Reduction in swelling
  • There can be some tiredness or sometimes more energy after initial treatment
  • Deep relaxation
  • Improved movement
  • Some changes in dreams

Health Issues that Manual Lymph Drainage Benefits:

  • Hormonal Imbalances
  • Manual Lymph Drainage helps manage swelling whilst/from flying
  • Scarring after surgery can be improved with Manual Lymph Drainage
  • Anyone in a wheel chair will suffer with swelling in the legs and abdomen. Manual Lymph Drainage can help if it is applied regularly
  • Acne can be improved

Causes of Lymphoedema

  • Primary Causes of Lymphoedema
    • Hereditary – presents in infants
    • Most Lymphoedema primary problems are cause by damaged unformed lymphatic vessels
    • Congenital formations of the blood or lymph system
    • Hypoplasia (not enough blood vessels)
  • Secondary Causes of Lymphoedema
    • Radiation
    • Removal of nodes
    • Trauma or tissue damage
    • Venous disease
    • Immobility
    • Infection
    • Self harm
    • Obesity
    • Filariasis

Causes of Oedema (Swelling)

  • Congestive heart failure
  • Kidney failure
  • Surgery
  • Burns
  • Spider and insect bites
  • Hormone changes
  • Oestrogeon dominance
  • Thyroid disorders

Things to Avoid If You Have or Suspect You Have Lymphoedema

  • hot stones
  • exposure to heat – do not get sunburn on the suspected limb
  • do not do heavy massage on the area
  • do not use hot towels
  • do not get acupuncture on the affected limb
  • do not do cupping on the limb
  • do not put aromatherapy oils on the limb

Management of Lymphoedema

  • Bandaging
  • Manual lymph drainage
  • Skin care
  • Exercises
  • Deep breathing
  • Compression garments
  • Ongoing education for home maintenance
  • Weight loss

Lymphatic Presentation – Lymphoedema Explained

If you would like to request a copy of our 53 page Lymphatics Presentation, please provide your Name and Email and we will send you a pdf version.

Lymph Drainage PDF