LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE CARE

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BENEFITS OF LYMPH DRAINAGE MASSAGE (POST OP MASSAGE)

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) can be an effective treatment modality and offer many benefits for those preparing for or recovering from surgery. This includes many different types of surgeries. The following are some examples of surgeries that may benefit from this type of treatment but are not limited to what is listed below.

Plastic and/or reconstructive (Breast augmentation, reduction, liposuction, facial reconstruction, etc.

Gynecological
Abdominal
Cesarean sections
Post-mastectomy
Post-trauma

BEFORE SURGERY

Receiving MLD treatment before surgery helps prepare the body's area about to undergo an operation. It does this by stimulating the lymph vessels of the lymphatic system to remove cellular waste products, bacteria, viruses, excess proteins, excess fluid, and any other unwanted substances from the spaces between your cells, essentially cleaning the tissues. The lymph vessels then move the unwanted substances to lymph nodes, cleaned and filtered by the immune system.

Though this process happens naturally (the lymph vessels pump lymph fluid at a resting rate of about 3-8 times per minute), receiving MLD treatment can stimulate the pulsation of lymph vessels to contract up to about 30 times per minute, accelerating this natural process. This optimizes the cellular environment in the area of the body being treated.

MLD treatment's effects may reduce the risk of post-surgical complications such as infection, excessive swelling, bruising, and scar tissue that can later restrict mobility.An additional benefit of receiving MLD massage before surgery is the deeply relaxing effect on the nervous system. By shifting the nervous system into a more relaxed state, receiving MLD can support the entire body by adjusting to the physical and traumatic changes caused by an operation.Before surgery, three or more consecutive treatments have been shown to yield the best results, but one or two treatments are still beneficial.

AFTER SURGERY

And then comes the swelling after surgery… While some swelling is very normal and a necessary part of the inflammatory healing process, excessive or prolonged swelling can become problematic, leading to longer healing times, increased pain, increased risk of infection, persistent swelling, and can adversely affect scar formation, causing unwanted adhesions and decreased range of motion.

MLD has shown to have great success in treating post-surgical swelling as it can address these issues. After surgery, the lymphatic and immune systems are working overtime to repair and cleanse the tissues. Much like before surgery, MLD is an important and beneficial treatment modality. It increases localized circulation of fresh blood (containing nutrients necessary for tissue healing). It supports and stimulates the lymphatic system in flushing unwanted cellular debris and excess fluid faster. Therefore, healing times may be accelerated, adverse scar formation minimized, decreases infection risk, and swelling, bruising, and pain may be reduced. This allows patients to rehabilitate more efficiently and effectively, improving functional integration back into their daily lives.

An additional benefit of having MLD after surgery is the powerful effect in calming the entire nervous system. When the body shifts into this more relaxed state, it is given a chance to activate its natural healing mechanisms.

Because MLD is such a gentle treatment, it can be received within days of surgery. Treatment frequency after surgery will depend on the operation and the patient. Multiple consecutive treatments may be necessary for the first week or so after surgery, with treatments decreasing in frequency over the following weeks.

And if you’re reading this over a month after your surgery, MLD and scar tissue massage may still be very beneficial for you!

10 WAYS TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

The lymphatic system doesn’t have its own active pumping system. It needs the body’s movement, breathing, intestinal activity, and muscle action to create flow and push the toxins out of the body. Below are 10 ways to help create flow in your lymphatic system and remove toxins from your body.

1. Exercise Regular: exercise is key for a healthy lymphatic system. Start with less vigorous training sessions, and try to incorporate more intense exercises into your routine slowly. The most stimulating exercise for the lymphatic system is rebounding on a small trampoline.

2. Alternative Treatments: Lymphatic drainage with Lymph-Biologics is one of the easiest ways to detoxify the lymphatic system. This 3-part light wave with oscillating frequency can stimulate circulation in the lymph and drain fat, fluids, and toxins away from your cells for proper elimination. Accupuncture is another effective treatment that will stimulate lymph flow and help remove toxins from the body.

3. Hot and Cold Showers: The hot water helps dilate the blood vessels, while the cold water shrivels them. This creates a “pump” action that forces out the toxic fluids in the body. This therapy is not recommended for pregnant women or for those who suffer from cardiovascular disease.

4. Use Dry Brushing: Brush your dry skin in a circular motion for 10 minutes by using a natural bristle brush, and then take a shower. You can combine dry brushing with hot and cold showers for better effects.

5. Drink Clean Water: It is advisable to drink up to half your body weight in ounces of water per day to cleanse your lymphatic system. (For example, if you are 160 lbs. = 80 ounces of water). You should also drink a few glasses of lemon water as well.

6. Avoid Wearing Tight Clothes: By wearing excessively tight clothing, you are reducing circulation in the lymphatic system. Tight clothing can cause blockages in the lymphatic system, which can lead to an accumulation of toxins.

7. Breathe Deeply: Our bodies have 3 times more lymph fluid than blood, but no organ can pump it. The pumping action of deep breathing will help the lymphatic system transport the toxins into the blood before the liver detoxifies them.

8. Eat Foods That Promote Lymph Flow: Eating raw and nutrient-rich foods promotes a healthy lymphatic system. Some of the best cleansing foods for the lymphatic system are:

Leafy green vegetables
Low sugar fruits
Ground flaxseed
Chia seeds
Avocados
Garlic
Brazil nuts
Almonds
Walnuts
Cranberries

9. Avoid Foods That Cause Blockages To The Lymphatic System Improve your lymphatic health by avoiding the following foods:

Processed foods
Conventionally raised meat
Artificial sweeteners
Conventional dairy
Sugar
Soy
Table salt

10. Drink Herbal Tea That Stimulates Lymph FlowMany herbs can be beneficial for the lymphatic system. Use the following herbs to prepare teas that promote lymph health: