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Self-Lymph Care
After you have received a LDT session from a qualified therapist you will better
understand the quality of touch necessary to effectively move lymph fluid. There
are easy and effective techniques you can employ at home to continue the benefits of
your lymphatic session. It is helpful to know that except in cases of lymphedema (a
special medical condition diagnosed by your physician) you cannot do lymph
drainage wrong. The system is designed with internal valves that will prevent
backflow of fluid. If you remember to sweep fluid back towards the heart, the
lymphatic vessels will find an appropriate pathway.
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As mentioned earlier, the lymphatic system terminates into the venous system
behind the collar bones (clavicles). Line your middle three fingers up and place
them gently in the soft tissue behind your collar bone. Gently sweep these fingers in
a slow rhythm down and in at a 45 angle. Imagine that you are moving fluid down
toward your heart. These are the master drainage points for the body. By opening
these areas first, you are preparing your body for any lymph fluid from other areas.
The next four areas are best drained with full contact of your relaxed hand or flats
of your fingers. You have major groups of nodes in both of your underarms (axilla)
and your groin (inguinal). For each axilla, take all four fingers of the opposite hand
and gently cover the soft skin of the underarm. With very soft pressure, slowly
pump the axilla and picture yourself pushing fluid in soft waves in the direction of
your heart. Repeat this on the other side.
For the inguinal nodes it is probably easier to use the hand on the same side you are
draining. Place the palm of your hand softly on the junction where your leg meets
your body. There is a natural fold here where your hand will fit comfortably. Use a
soft, sweeping motion to send lymph fluid in the direction of your belly button. You
do not need to press into the tissue. The lymph vessels and nodes we are affecting lie
very close to the surface of the skin. We are using the skin only as a hand hold to
traction the vessels beneath.
Once these major areas are cleared, you can use your gua sha, or dry brush to gently
brush the surface of your skin, sweeping fluid toward the nearest node group. Use
the attached diagrams of the body to understand which direction to send fluid.
Exercise plays another vital role in promoting lymph drainage. Any movement such
as walking, running, climbing, yoga, etc contracts major muscle groups. These
contractions serve to pump deep lymphatic vessels in the body. Without the aid of
these muscular contractions, the body would have a difficult time draining some of
the deep pathways. This could eventually lead to stagnation and toxic build up in
tissues.
Gentle bouncing on a mini trampoline creates the same tractioning effect on the skin
as manual lymph drainage. This may be an ideal form of exercise for those with
compromised joints or are new to exercise. Mini trampolines are relatively
inexpensive and can be purchased with a stability bar for added safety.
It is important to choose a mode of exercise that works well for your body and you
enjoy. You will soon abandon any form of exercise that seems like a chore, no
matter how good it is for you! A simple walk to start your day or after dinner is all
you need to get your lymph pathways moving.
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It is my sincere hope that in providing this information you feel more empowered to
take an active role in your own lymphatic health. My goal is not just to provide you
with beneficial bodywork services, but also to give you the knowledge you need to
continue the positive effects we create during your sessions. I am happy to review
this material with you whenever you need a refresher. Thank you for allowing me to
be your partner on your path to health. As always I wish you the
Best of Health!
Michelle Sanderson,
CMT
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916-215-2605
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