Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic Drainage

The lymphatic system

The lymphatic system serves as the body's waste disposal mechanism. It functions as an overflow system, removing excess water and debris from the interstitium (the extracellular compartment outside the cells). In essence, the lymphatic system mops up the interstitium, cleaning the tissues, maintaining fluid balance, and preserving the integrity of soft tissues.


Oedema, or swelling, can occur when the lymphatic system is overwhelmed and unable to function properly. Generally, oedema happens due to excess fluid in the tissues, such as in cases of inflammation, or mechanical failure of the lymphatic system, known as lymphoedema.


Lymph nodes are often mistakenly referred to as glands. While glands secrete fluid, lymph nodes do not, and should therefore be termed separately. There are an estimated 400 to 600 lymph nodes throughout the body, each supplied by blood entering through an artery and exiting by a vein. Lymph nodes come in various shapes and sizes, but they are typically shaped like a kidney bean.


Fluid enters a node via several afferent (incoming) vessels and exits through one or two efferent (outgoing) vessels. Afferent vessels drain to specific portions of a node within its territory. All vessels, including blood vessels, enter and exit at the same point.

Image

Anatomy of the Lymph Node

Cortex

Made up of large groups of lymphocytes massed together to create sacs of follicles, this area produces many lymphocytes.

Medulla

Contains numerous types of cells, including macrophages that engulf and destroy waste.

Trabeculae

Bands of connective tissue that extend from the capsule to divide the node into compartments, including the cortex and medulla.

Lymphatic Technique

Lymphatic drainage techniques use only the hands, without oils or lotions. A light powder is used to gently touch the skin. Lymph drainage has a unique touch, distinct from other manual modalities. Perfecting this touch is essential for the technique's effectiveness, results, and the client's health.

Hand movements in lymph drainage are smooth, precise, and very gentle, targeting specific areas by following the body's natural lymphatic pathways in a learned pattern. The maximum pressure applied to the skin's first layer, the epidermis, should be no greater than that of a 5-gram egg, with slightly heavier pressure to stimulate the lymph nodes. Proper lymphatic drainage requires no deep pressure on the skin.

Who can it help?

Lymphatic drainage can address various conditions. If in doubt, consult with your GP. Conditions include:

  • Toothache, post-procedures

  • Cosmetic conditions: wrinkles, skin hydration, toxin removal, facial muscle relaxation, under-eye care

  • Menstrual pain, leg and ankle oedemas

  • Headache, migraine

  • Skeletal & muscular conditions: Bell's Palsy, fibromyalgia, facial neuralgia

  • Visual problems: dry eyes, gritty eyes, eyelid oedema

  • Injuries: sprains, ligaments, meniscus, muscle spasm

  • Pre-surgery: prepare tissue for intervention, drain tissue, clear lymphatic pathways

  • Post-surgery: removal of major lymph nodes, amputation, cosmetic surgery, liposuction scars, and oedemas

Contraindications in Lymphatic Drainage

Consult with your GP before any lymphatic drainage work if you have conditions such as:

  • Circulatory problems (e.g., thrombosis)

  • Carotid thrombosis

  • Cardiac conditions (e.g., angina, coronary conditions)

  • Acute enuresis (absence of urination)

  • Malignant conditions (e.g., cancer, leukemia, tumors)

  • Thyroid problems, especially untreated hyperactive thyroids

  • Bronchial asthma

  • Skin infections (e.g., burns, fresh scarring, moles, eczema)

  • Surgical indications (e.g., organ inefficiency or removal, abdominal surgery, radiation)

  • Female-specific conditions (e.g., menstruation, cysts, IUD, pregnancy)

  • Undetermined bleeding, pain, or hemorrhage

  • Allergies and hypertension

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic drainage can improve skin conditions by:

  • Enhancing venous and lymph circulation

  • Removing toxins

  • Re-oxygenating and hydrating the skin

  • Regenerating skin tissues and relaxing muscle tissue

Qualifications

I earned my qualification in Lymphatic Drainage from the Weller Institute in 2002. Over the years, I've had the privilege of helping numerous clients with conditions such as oedema, abdominal surgery recovery, lymphedema, abdominoplasty, lymphadenectomy, and facial swelling.

I am passionate about this therapy and dedicated to assisting clients in reducing excess fluid and restoring normal tissue function in the affected areas.

Pricing

Initial consultation

Initial consultation 1hr (including client consent form and manual lymphatic drainage consent form, plus treatment ): $100.00

Follow-up treatments

1hr follow-up consultation: $90.00

Packages

5 x 1hr treatments (10% off): $405.00

Think this could help you?

Book your first lymphatic drainage
treatment now.
Book Online
Buy Packages