The Benefits of Lymphatic Massage - TRINITY...

TRINITY WELLNESS NEWSLETTERFALL 2013

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The Benefits of Lymphatic MassageFuel Wellness with a Healthy Lymph SystemCathy Ulrich

Athletes, post-op patients, and those feeling over-tired can benefit from lymphatic massage.

Welcome ourNEW LicensedMassageTherapist tothe TrinityWellnessTeam!-Wendy Barth L.M.TOffice Hours and Contact

*Massage *Fitness *HealthNeda Carnes L.M.T. & OwnerMon-Fri. 10AM-7PMSat. 9AM-5PMTo Make an Appt On-line BookingTRINITYWELLNESS.ClickBook.net

In this Issue

The Benefits of Lymphatic MassageAfternoon Essential OilsBoost Your Immune System

Six months after hip replacementsurgery, Larry was learning to walk againand life was returning to normal. Butone thing still puzzled him. When hestood for any length of time, his leftankle would swell, and when theinflammation was at its worst, his rightankle would also swell.

"I can understand why my left leg isswollen," he says. "But why would myright leg swell? I didn't have surgerythere. And why am I getting swelling sixmonths after the surgery? Shouldn't itbe better by now?" The answer is thatalthough Larry's surgery had occurredon the opposite side, the right leg wouldswell when the inflammation became toomuch for the left side to handle.

Fortunately, lymphatic massage can helpaddress Larry's problems. This specialtype of bodywork, while very gentle andseemingly superficial, helps to restorefunction to the lymph system andbalance the body.

The Lymph SystemMost people are familiar with the body'svessel system that carries blood to and

from the tissues, but few understandthere is another equally vital system ofvessels that removes cell wastes, proteins,excess fluid, viruses, and bacteria. Thelymph system picks up fluids and wasteproducts from the spaces between thecells and then filters and cleans them.

Like the roots of a tree, the lymphsystem starts as tiny vessels--only asingle-cell wide--that eventually branchinto larger and larger tubes that carrythese fluids back to the blood stream.This network of delicate vessels andlymph nodes is the primary structure ofthe immune system. The lymph nodesact as check points along the pathways ofthe vessels. They filter the fluid (calledlymph) and serve as the home for

lymphocytes--little Pac Man-like cellsthat attack and destroy foreign bacteriaand viruses and even abnormal cells, likecancer cells.

When the lymph system works well, wefeel healthy and have a strong defenseagainst illness. When it's sluggish or

Lymphatic massage can help increase immunity and get you back on your feet after an illness.

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blocked--say after surgery or aninjury--we can have swelling, feel tired,and be more susceptible to colds andinfections.

Lymphatic MassageA customized form of bodywork,lymphatic massage may help the lymphsystem do its job better. Byunderstanding the anatomy andfunction of this delicate system, yourmassage therapist can assist your body inclearing sluggish tissues of waste andswelling.

Though lymph vessels are foundthroughout the body, most ofthem--about 70 percent--are locatedjust below the skin. These fragile vesselswork to pick up fluids between the cellspaces when gentle pressure is applied tothem from increased fluid build-up,muscle contractions, or the pressure of atherapist's hands. By using very lightpressures in a rhythmic, circularmotion, a massage therapist canstimulate the lymph system to work moreefficiently and help it move the lymphfluids back to the heart.

Furthermore, by freeing vessel pathways,lymphatic massage can help retrain thelymph system to work better for morelong-term health benefits.

Massage therapists versed in lymphaticdrainage therapy, an advanced form oflymphatic massage, can identify therhythm, direction, and quality of thelymphatic flow and remap drainagepathways.

Who Should Get It?Lymph massage can benefit just abouteveryone. If you're feeling tired and lowon energy, or if you've been sick andfeeling like your body is fighting to getback on track, lymph massage wouldlikely serve you well.

In addition, athletes, surgical patients,fibromyaliga and chronic fatiguesufferers, as well as those wanting a freshlook may want to consider lymphaticmassage. Here's why.

After a sports injury or surgery, lymphvessels can become overwhelmed withthe demand placed on them. Whentissues are swollen, deep tissuetechniques may actually cause damage to

the lymph vessels and surroundingstructures. Lymphatic massage is oftenthe treatment of choice, because it helpsthe body remove proteins and wasteproducts from the affected area andreduce the swelling. This helps reducepressure on cells and allows them toreproduce faster to heal the body.

Surgical procedures involving lymphnode removal--such as breast cancersurgery--can cause limbs to swell. Severelimb swelling needs the attention of amedical team, but in milder cases,lymphatic massage alone may be enoughto prevent or even treat the swelling. It'simportant that your doctor be involvedin your care. Let your doctor knowyou'd like to see a massage therapist andmake sure you have medical approval.

Lymph massage can also be part of a careprogram for fibromyalgia or chronicfatigue syndrome. Because it's so gentle,

it is well tolerated by these patients, whoare often experiencing sore triggerpoints throughout the body. And byencouraging lymph flow and removingwaste products, this gentle form ofbodywork can help restore immunefunction and improve vitality.

Estheticians are trained in a very specificform of lymphatic massage. When youget a facial, your esthetician will gentlymassage your face to help improvelymph flow. When lymph is movingfreely in the face, you'll have clearer,healthier skin without a buildup oftoxins and fluids.

So, if you're feeling a bit sluggish,experiencing mild to moderate swelling,recovering from a sports injury, orinterested in optimizing your lymphsystem for stronger immunity, ask yourmassage therapist about lymphaticmassage. It can have a powerful impact

Find out which essential oil works best for you.

Afternoon Essential OilsJeanne Rose

Boost Your Immune SystemLymphatic Drainage Therapy Fights Infection

It's easy to enjoy the benefits ofaromatherapy, even when you're not inthe therapy room. Here are some ways toincorporate facets of aromatherapy intoyour daily routine, and even into yourlunchtime!

Consider having a protein-filled lunchof 4 ounces of chicken breast mixed withsalad. Make sure your salad includes atleast six red and green items combined,such as cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes,carrots, bell peppers, and radishes. Addchopped basil, sage, or sweet marjoram.Make a simple dressing of olive oil andlemon juice. Add culinary essential oilssuch as dill weed and black pepper. Havea glass of aromatic iced herbal tea, andadd to it 1 teaspoon of melissa hydrosol.This is tasty and encourages deepthinking and relaxation. If, however,you need to continue your workday,then add 1 teaspoon of rosemaryhydrosol to your lunchtime iced tea.

Why not take a five-minute scentedbreather for an afternoon break. The

aromatic properties of plants areeffective tonics and energizers. Dabbingthe temples with essential oils orspraying the nape of the neck withhydrosols of rosemary or peppermint isa wonderful way to implement thepotent effects of these distilled plantmaterials. You can also use a mixture ofdistilled water with essential oils ofpeppermint, sage, and basil dissolved inalcohol (10 drops essential oil, 20 dropsalcohol, and a half-ounce of water).Basil and peppermint herb, and theiressential oils, have been used forcenturies as a mental stimulant.

Complete your afternoon break by lyingdown for 3-5 minutes with a couple ofslices of fresh cucumber on the eyes.Cucumber contains enzymes that helpsoften the skin. If the day's work hasbrought on a headache, a drop ofrosemary oil to the temples or aroundthe ears works wonders.

Jeanne Rose has been teaching and researchingnatural remedies for 30 years, beginning with her

first book, Herbs & Things.

Does your immune system workovertime? If so, you might want to giveit a boost by seeing a massage therapistor bodyworker trained in lymphaticdrainage therapy. This technique canboost your immunity by increasing theproduction of antibodies, stimulatingcirculation, moving congestion out ofthe body, and reducing swelling,especially after surgery.

The lymphatic system supports ourbody's immune function and involvesseveral organs, glands, and tissues,hundreds of lymph nodes, and anetwork of vessels. A clear lymph fluidflows through these vessels and carriesthe metabolic waste (bacteria, dead cells,fats, fluids, proteins, and viruses) to thelymph nodes, where it is filtered. Thesenodes often swell when we are sick.

The lymphatic drainage techniques usedby massage therapists and bodyworkersgently stimulate lymph nodes, helpcorrect swelling and stagnation in thosenodes, reduce local fluid retention,boost the overall immune system, andprovide relaxation. As an essential toolin the treatment of lymphedema (excesslymphatic fluid), this therapy is oftenapplied postoperatively and can beespecially beneficial for breast cancerpatients.

Administering this treatment requiresadvanced training and is performed withgentle, massage-like strokes. Thereshould be no discomfort involved; infact, you may feel you are hardly beingworked on at all.

AftercareAfter your lymphatic drainage

treatment, it's possible you could feelsome mild, flu-like symptoms,depending on how much strain yourbody has been under prior to treatment.This strain may be due to environmentalpollutants, medication, and diet. Mostpeople leave a session simply feelingrelaxed, but if you don't feel at the topof your game, drink plenty of water,limit your salt intake, and stay physicallyactive.

Lymphatic drainage is one way to giveyour wellness a boost in a busy worldthat makes many demands on yourimmune system.

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