Lymph drainage massage has become a popular form of massage due to its potential health benefits. Sometimes also referred to as Lymphatic drainage massage. This specialized approach of lymph drainage massage focuses on the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. This type of massage aims to help the body maintain proper blood circulation, body fluid balance, and immune functions. The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune system and helps to remove debris and unwanted materials from the body. This specialized approach focuses on the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system.
Lymph Drainage Massage – Understanding the Lymphatic System.
The lymphatic system contains vessels and nodes with lymph, a mixture of proteins, water, waste products, and immune system elements. The largest nodes are within the groin, armpits and neck. They all work together to make sure “clean” lymph is transported back to the veins that carry blood toward the heart. Lymphatic drainage massage has been used for people with lymphedema, which involves swelling, generally in arms or legs. The swelling is as a result of lymph fluid collected in the soft tissues, due to genetic disorders, infection, injury, surgery or cancer treatment. Symptoms of lymphedema include:
Recurring infections
Hardening or thickening of the skin
Heaviness in the limbs
Pain
Weakness
Skin discoloration
Tissue swelling
Many people find that lymph drainage massage is a great way to relax and improve their health. Often, people seek massage for the therapeutic benefits it can provide. Massage has been shown to be an effective way to reduce stress and tension, promote relaxation, and improve the circulation and function of the lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage has been used for people with lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition in which the lymphatic system can’t remove fluid properly and the swelling accumulates, generally in the arms or legs. The most common causes are infection, surgery, genetics, injury or cancer treatment.
Symptoms of lymphedema can include swelling in one or more areas of the body, a feeling of heaviness or pressure, difficulty moving your limbs. Other symptoms include a feeling of warmth and a red or purple skin colour. There is currently no cure for lymphedema, but treatments exist to help manage the condition.
Lymph nodes
Lymph Nodes are small, dark, bean-shaped organs that are located in the neck, underarms, and groin. They play a vital role in the body’s immune system by processing and storing lymphocytes. If a lymph node is enlarged, it can be a sign of something wrong. Lymph Nodes are one of the first places the body fights infection.
Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are white blood cells the main type of immune cell within the body. They are produced in the bone marrow and found within blood and lymph tissue. The immune system is a complicated network of cells referred to as immune cells which include lymphocytes. These cells work together to defend the body against foreign substances, such as viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells that can threaten its function (Immune System). Lymphocyte levels are subject to change determined by a person’s gender, race, location and lifestyle. There isn’t a specific number of lymphocyte cells that are required to keep the body in good health. However having too few or too many lymphocytes can be a sign of ill health and/or disease.
Lymphosyte Range
The normal lymphocyte range in adults is between 1,000 and 4,800 lymphocytes in 1 microliter (µL) of blood. In children, the typical and acknowledged range is between 3,000 and 9,500 lymphocytes in 1 µL of blood. Lymphocyte counts that are above the normal/accepted range can be harmless and temporary. However high levels of lymphocytes may also be a sign of lymphocytosis, which may well indicate a more serious condition. Doctors typically refer to lymphocyte counts of more than 4,000 per 1 µL of blood in adults as lymphocytosis. However, this threshold can vary between labs and people of different ages.