Lymphatic Drainage Massage

What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Massage Therapy Session

Lymphatic drainage massage is a specialized massage technique for the purpose of reducing swelling in the body and increasing the flow of lymph. Lymph is the fluid that seeps out of the cells and must be returned to the bloodstream. It flows through vessels very similar to blood vessels. In the process, the lymph nodes filter and purify the lymph. The lymphatic system is an integral part of the immune system, so in stimulating the flow of lymph, you are also stimulating the immune system, leading to better overall health.

Swelling in the body often occurs because there is an imbalance, injury or disease that reduces, overloads, or blocks the flow of lymph. Lymphatic drainage massage very gently opens and stretches the initial lymphatic vessels just under the skin, facilitating the flow of the lymph and reducing the swelling. It also very lightly flushes the lymph nodes, encouraging a smoother, more effective flow of the lymph through them. It can also speed the healing of injuries and reduce the size of scar tissue.

Benefits Of Lymphatic Drainage Massage:

  • Reduces Swelling and edema
  • Enhances immune function
  • Speeds healing of injuries and surgeries
  • Reduces scarring
  • Reduces stress and tension
  • Relieves headaches
  • Relieves sinus problems
  • Improves the condition of the skin
  • Rejuvenates the skin on the face and neck
  • Improves the client's overall energy level

The Technique:

Lymphatic drainage massage uses very light pressure of the fingers and hands, just slightly moving the skin, a technique quite different from the long deeper flowing strokes of regular massages. The pattern of strokes in lymphatic drainage massage is very small and precise, moving very slowly and rhythmically, and repeating over and over. Because of this, lymphatic drainage massage is very relaxing and therefore excellent for reducing the effects of stress and tension.

What Is A session Of Lymphatic Drainage Massage Like?

A session of lymphatic drainage massage is very restful. The client lies comfortably on a massage table under a sheet while the therapist very lightly massages the skin, working one area thoroughly before moving to another area. Sessions can involve massaging all the major areas of the body, which take an hour and a half or more. They can also be shorter sessions, between 30 to 60 minutes, focusing on one particular area of the body. For example, if someone has an injured arm, the therapist could massage just the arm and torso.

Facial Lymphatic Drainage

Facial lymphatic drainage sessions are very popular. Facial lymphatic drainage reduces swelling in the face and neck as well as improving and rejuvenating the skin. This helps the skin look younger. Facial lymphatic drainage works very well in conjunction with facial rejuvenation acupuncture, improving skin tone and reducing the signs of aging. This combination of therapies has proven successful results at the Center. Facial lymphatic drainage is also very beneficial in relieving headaches and sinus problems.

The Best Hands-On Therapy Available

Our Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapist, Sue Coughtry, LMT applies her many years of experience, attention and energy on you and your individual needs. Sue Coughtry, LMT is a New York licensed and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, Certified Reiki Master and Certified Personal Trainer. In addition to lymphatic drainage massage, Sue is trained in Craniosacral and Positional Release Therapy as well. Your session with Sue Coughtry includes a combination of her skill and knowledge from all these areas to give you the best hands-on therapy available.

Our Special Team Approach To Your Health Care

At the Center, your therapist has the opportunity to consult with complementary practitioners and medical doctors about your health concerns and the progress you are making. These practitioners are always available to you as well.

We take great pride in our staff's special team consulting approach to the care of our patients, giving you the best that Integrative Medicine has to offer.

Make An Appointment

Call Nadine or April at The Center at 518.689.2244 to make an appointment for lymphatic drainage massage therapy or Click Here to Contact Us by Email.

Our therapist, Sue Coughtry, LMT will perform a thorough interview to learn your health history and to gain understanding of how Lymphatic Drainage can address your concerns.

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