Tuesday 10 July 2018

Lymphatic Massage Therapy

Dr. Andrew Weil believes that lymphatic massage is a worthwhile treatment for lymphedema, but he emphasizes that individuals who do not have lymphedema do not need lymphatic drainage, no matter what health claims are made for it. 

Some internet sites warn of the health consequences of “sluggish lymphatic flow” and promote lymphatic drainage for all manner of supposed benefits ranging from detoxification of the body, regeneration of burned, injured or wrinkled tissue, anti-aging effects, and relief of sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infections, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, constipation, insomnia, memory loss, cellulite, and obesity. 

However, Dr. Weil has not seen good evidence supporting any of these effects of manual lymphatic drainage, and neither have I. As long as your lymphatic tissues or lymph nodes have not been damaged or removed, there is no need to worry about lymphatic flow and drainage.  If you do have lymphedema due to removal of lymph nodes, please give us a call for an MLD session today. 

If you'd like to find our more about lymphatic drainage, you can read the rest of Dr. Weil's article here.  Or you can go to the National Lymphedema Network by clicking here.  

Marsha McArthur, LMT, BCTMB, DOMP 
Asclepieion Massage Therapy
The Art & Science of Healing Bodywork
www.asclepieion.massagetherapy.com
520-355-0819

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