LYMPHATIC MASSAGE

The lymphatic massage is applied to cases of primary (unknown etiology) or secondary (known etiology) lymphedema. In the first case the lymphatic system, has little authority or greater dysfunction from the beginning. On the other hand secondary Lymphedema caused by the destruction of a normal lymphatic system. Such destruction can be caused by the following:

• Surgery or treatment with radio

The most common cause of secondary lymphedema is surgery or treatment with radio as a part of treatment for cancer. Researches have shown that the combination of surgical procedures and radiation therapy increases the risk of developing lymphedema three times up, compared to surgical intervention only.

• Removal of varicose veins

Since lymph vessels lay close to the blood system during a varicose veins surgery the lymphatic vessels may be damaged also.

• Liposuction

During the liposuction not only fat cells are removed, but also minute lymphatic vessels.

• Trauma

Any extensive superficial trauma, which affected large skin surfaces, could destroy the superficial lymphatic system (e.g. extensive abrasions, injuries or burns).

• Tumor

Tumors, benign or malignant, can blog the lymphatic flow to vessels or to lymph nodes.

• Infection

An infection of the lymph vessels and lymph nodes caused by virus, fungus, bacteria or parasites can cause lymphatic impairment.

• Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Lymphedema may occur from chronic venous insufficiency.

• Filaria

Filariosis is a disease transported to man by mosquito

The Lymphatic Manual Massage is a therapeutic, very “gentle” technique but yet extremely effective. Each session begins and ends with the stimulation of the lymphatic nodes, because they have to be free of the lymph fluids. The whole body has to be treated, especially the thorax and the abdomen, regardless of where is the main problem. The movements should be slow, since lymph is a slowly developing liquid. Optimal massage pressure is also important, as a very strong kneading could compress and strangle the superficial lymphatic vessels. The ideal pressure is 20-30 Torrs while in classic massage pressure is typically 60 – 80 Torrs .The number of sessions depends on the extent and type of edema. Generally, to have a good score, we apply from one session per week to one session per day.

Manual Lymphatic Massage

• Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System and therefore causes relaxation
• Has analgesic action
• Supports the immune system
• Motivates the body
• Revitalizes the muscular system
• Helps in the normal function and movement of Large and Small Intestine

IT HAS ALSO GREAT APPLICATION TO FACIAL AND BODY AESTHETICS!

BODY LYMPHATIC: massage for the whole body with emphasis on "problematic" areas.

Helps to:

• metabolic problems
• cellulite
• people who are trying to slim down
• fallen immune system
• swollen legs
• lemfidima and venous swellings
• chronic wounds
• postoperative scars
• local fat
• digestive disorders
• connective tissue diseases (rheumatism, arthritis, arthropathy)
• neurological problems (migraines, stress)

IDEAL MASSAGE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN!

FACIAL LYMPHATIC MASSAGE is great for Beauty and Aesthetics because it improves blood circulation, helps oxygenation and nourishing of the skin cells, provides the removal of toxins and other harmful substances and makes the skin smoother, more elastic, and revamped.

Recommended for:

Simple acne, wrinkle prevention, improvement of scars after cosmetic surgeries.

The lymphatic system is an extremely important system with multiple, but unknown to many, action.

Consists of:

• The lymphatic organs (thymus, spleen and tonsils)
• The Lymphatic nodes (nodules with pin-size cherry)
• The lymphatic vessels (comparable to blood vessels and arterial)

The basic functions of the lymph glands are:

• The cleaning and filtering the lymph
• The production of lymphocytes (T& A), which is the first line of immune system
• The reabsorption 40% of the liquid contained in the lymph (so that making it becomes more gel-like).

There are 500 to 700 lymphatic nodules; half of them are in the abdomen area. The rest of them are on the outer side of the neck, the axillary area, the inner side of the legs (groin), also in the area behind the elbows, behind the knees and ankles.

The lymphatic vessels

It is a fine system of vessels distinguished in shallow level (covering every inch of our skin) and deep level (that surrounds every organ of our body).

Every day the lymphatic system collects and filters 2-3 liters of lymph, thus removing protein from fluids of the interstitial cells area, consequently preventing possible swelling or edema

The Lymphatic System was well known from the time of Hippocrates [460-377 BC]. However, for the next few centuries this system was ignored under the influence of the Church (strong contrast to the study of anatomy).

New researches on the lymphatic system were resumed during the Revivals (17th century). That period Gaspare Aselli and Jean Pecque described parts of the lymphatic system. The Bartholin named all the vessels they recently had researched “lymphatic vessels” and the fluid essence “lymph” from the Latin word “Limpidus” which means lucid.

In 1932 in France, Dr. Voders, Esterid and Emilin devised a special method of Lymphatic Manual Drainage Massage. They used it in swelled throat ganglia in patients with chronic diseases having great success. By then it took lot of time, research and study before the lymphatic massage to become known and to establish both in Physical Therapy and in Aesthetics.

a) A.G. a 40 years old woman with normal weight and mindfully diet, presented intense fluid retention problem, hormonal etiology, mainly in the area of the belly and inside of the knees. Even though hormonal dysfunction was restored, the "bloating" remained. Just because the problem was recent I had valued that we need to move "aggressively"! So we started making three lymphatic massage sessions the first week and continued with two sessions in the next two weeks (I used plastic cups from the 2nd session). The problem receded sharply from the 4th session and when we completed a set of 10 sessions, it was disappeared! The skin in the area of the abdomen and thighs was more strong and smooth and the cellulite she had in the buttocks and thighs (the last 2 years), improved very much. I advised her to start some with everyday soft aerobic exercise and to drink enough water.

b) M.P. a 57 years woman came to my studio for another reason but I have noticed a swelling in the area of the left ankle. She mentioned that in the last two years she has visited three different doctors (physician, orthopedist and surgeon) and failed to get any answer for the cause of the swelling or any treatment. I explained that in my view, she had a lymphatic problem, possibly due to a micro-trauma and that I could help her with lymphatic massage. We started treatment on the legs, insisting to the under-heel area, every other day. From the 1st session the area “become softer” and in the 6th ses. swelling had completely gone.

I advised her alternately hot and cold baths, and at the end of the day to lift her legs up with pillows.