Lymphatic massage - benefits and contraindications – It's no longer news that every day we come into contact with many toxic substances, which we breathe in with the air, assimilate through food, or which simply manage to enter our bodies through the pores of our skin. But our body is naturally able to detoxify itself and thus protect its organs from the harmful effects of these toxins.  

However, if the exposure to these toxic substances is very high (as it is nowadays), targeted detoxification, even manual detoxification such as lymphatic drainage.

What is the lymphatic system and what role does it play?

The lymphatic system is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system and also for the detoxification process of our body. How exactly? The main role of the lymphatic system is to collect excess fluid from the tissues, purify it and return it to the bloodstream. This role is important because many substances are continuously escaping from the blood capillaries into the surrounding tissues.

When the lymphatic system fails to collect these excess fluids, they can build up, cause swelling and increase the risk of infection. An effective lymphatic system helps defend our body against germs such as bacteria, viruses and fungi that can cause illness. Fortunately, an effective lymphatic system works silently in the background, keeping us healthy.

How does lymphatic massage work and help?

Manual lymphatic drainage is a technique that has been very popular and used all over Europe for some time, and is often recommended by doctors for minor pathologies. This technique works in a very rhythmic and gentle way, promoting lymphatic flow in all tissues of the body. It is not a painful technique, but rather a very pleasant and relaxing one, which does not cause any redness on the skin, and is performed without the use of any type of oil or cream.

"Lymphatic drainage is based on a technique of applying pressure to the body. This non-invasive procedure ensures effective regeneration and defense of the body, relieves tissue inflammation and soothes pain caused by exertion or injury ", we find out from Dr. Otilia Oprișan, balneologist at the Afrodita Resort&Spa in Băile Herculane.

Lymphatic massage helps speed up the removal of waste and toxins from a sluggish lymphatic system. This type of massage can also help prevent swelling after an injury or surgery. It also gives the immune system an important boost. The result? Its ability to fight off diseases and viruses, eliminate toxins and waste, reduce inflammation, filter lymphatic fluid and blood, improving health. It thus helps to purify, decongest and, in the case of edema (or fluid buildup), reduce pain and swelling.

Advantages and benefits of lymphatic massage:

• Strengthens the immune system;
• Relieves heaviness and swelling due to fluid congestion;
• It is useful against water retention during pregnancy and menstruation;
• Effective against cellulite;
• Promotes relaxation by relieving stress;
• Reduces swelling and bruising after surgery;
• May help chronic sinusitis and headache;
• It helps people suffering from autoimmune diseases.

In what situations is lymphatic massage recommended?

Some of the conditions that may benefit from lymphatic drainage massage include:

• Swollen legs or arms due to fluid retention;
• Fibromyalgia and lupus;
• Chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Depression and anxiety;
• Hormonal and emotional imbalances;
• Cellulite fat accumulation;
• Recurrent infections such as colds, flu, tonsillitis, sinus and fungal infections.

How long does a lymphatic massage session last?

"Lymphatic massage sessions vary from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. However, for an initial lymphatic massage session, it is recommended that it is 60 minutes to stimulate lymph flow. This will stimulate drainage in one limb. If more than two limbs are being treated, an initial 90-minute session is recommended, depending on how each patient responds to such a massage"adds the balneologist.

Are there any contraindications to lymphatic drainage?

"Of course! Contraindications arise when increased lymph flow can become harmful. Contraindications can be absolute or relative. The doctor can ignore relative contraindications if he finds good reasons, but absolute contraindication cannot be ignored", points out Dr. Otilia Oprișan.

Here are the absolute contraindications:

• Acute inflammation - caused by bacteria, viruses and poisons is contraindicated. The tissues will be red, hot and painful, with congestion accompanied by fever. The lymphatic drainage will push these substances into the lymphatic channels before the body has a chance to eliminate them. In this way, toxic substances can be spread throughout the body. It is best to wait a few days until the condition is acute and the body has had a chance to clear the area;
• Malignant tumors: there is fear of spreading cancer;
• Thrombosis: can lead to blood clots in the circulatory system;
• Major heart problems: if the heart is not fully functioning, the edema may be lymphodynamic due to lack of venous return;

Related indications or precautions:

• Kidney problems: consult your doctor before treatment;
• Bronchial asthma: this can stimulate the vagus nerve causing an attack;
• Thyroid problems: without treatment around the neck;
• Medication: fear of increasing the dose by draining interstitial spaces;
• Chemotherapy: fear of increasing the dose by draining interstitial spaces;
• First three months of pregnancyfear of miscarriage;
• Spleen removed: a shorter session is recommended first.

Are you in any of the above situations? Do you think you might need and even benefit from a lymphatic drainage treatment? Come to Afrodita Resort & Spa Herculane and our specialists will answer all your questions and you will also receive the best medical evaluation. We are waiting for you at Băile Herculane, Str. Complexelor, Nr.2.