Coming soon to Soul Space! What is a Lymphatic Drainage Treatment?

Hi everyone! Following a request from an existing client, in addition to a few other recent enquiries for it, I decided this month to go on a training course to learn Manual Lymphatic Drainage. So on Sunday I went on a brilliant course at the Surrey School of Holistic Therapy in Shepperton.

Surrey School of Holistic Therapy

This training centre offers CPD courses to existing Level 3 and above massage therapists, reflexologists, beauty therapists, osteopaths, physiotherapists, chiropractors and sports therapists. All of their courses and CPD points are accredited and approved by the International Guild of Complementary Therapists. You can find out more about them by calling: 07856 748736, email them at: surreyschoolofholistictherapy@gmail.com or visit: www.surreyschoolofholistictherapy.co.uk.

Their principal and tutor Mark David Woollard took the course, and I couldn’t have asked for a more welcoming, friendly, caring and knowledgeable tutor. I was so impressed with the amount of work covered in the day, and the notes and guidance provided, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was fabulous to learn something new with some lovely other therapists, and I can’t wait to get going with this one!

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage involves the application of specific light techniques which assist in the movement of lymph, to support decongestion of the lymphatic and circulatory systems, to facilitate the removal of metabolic wastes, excess water, toxins, bacteria and foreign substances. This in turn can also boost the immune system. It uses a gentle, flowing, rhythmic technique, using light pressures combined with soft pumping movements, in the direction of the lymph nodes.

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to heal from injury, help ward off disease and cleanse and filter toxins. Think of it as our bodies own sewage system. Lymph capillaries and vessels collect waste, toxins and tissue fluid, lymph nodes filter the waste and bacteria, and lymph ducts filter tissue fluid back into the blood.

Contra-indications of this Treatment

Whilst this treatment is safe for most people, there are some occasions where it is never appropriate to treat. These are called Total Contraindications and some of these conditions are as follows:

• Acute inflammation and/or infections and fever
• Active cancer patients or an undiagnosed lump
• Malignant Melanomas
• Serious circulatory problems such as thrombosis. If there is any risk at all of embolism or phlebitis, the therapist must not treat
• Major heart problems such as acute Angina Pectoris and coronary thrombosis (heart attack)

Other conditions where we would need GP/Specialist/Consultant/Oncologist approval prior to treating are:

• Diabetes
• Lymphoedema
• Thyroid problems
• Kidney problems
• Bronchial asthma
• Epilepsy
• Removal of spleen
• Breast implants
• Organ transplants
• Joint replacements
• It is also advisable that women do not undergo Lymphatic Drainage treatment during Pregnancy and Menstruation.

If you are in any doubt, please do talk to your GP/Specialist/Consultant/Oncologist prior to contacting the therapist for treatment – I always hate to turn people away, but your health and safe treatment should always be the most important thing, and sometimes a massage or Lymphatic treatment may not be safe for you. If I am in any doubt following your initial consulation, I too will ask to contact your medical professional with your permission, prior to agreeing to treat you.

Contra-actions of this Treatment

It is usual following a Lymphatic Drainage treatment to have one or all of these:

• Increased urination
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Perspiration
• Muscle soreness

Essential Oils that help to support our Lymphatic System
Although we don’t use any oil during a Lymphatic Drainage treatment, there are some fantastic Essential Oils that support our Lymphatic System, that we can use in our Holistic Aromatherapy treatments and at home, to help to detox as suggested below. Please note – important safety info: all the Citrus oils listed should be used after you have been in the sun, not before or during, as Citrus Essential oils can be potentially phototoxic. Please also see the safety data for the Black Pepper and Juniper Berry Essential oils.

Bergamot (Citrus Aurantium Subspecies Bergamia)
Bergamot is an uplifting oil and a strong Lymphatic decongestant. It is calming and light, and helps us deal with anxiety and tension, as well as supporting the Lymphatic system, as it is also a diuretic. Please Note: Bergamot is safe for almost everyone, but like other citrus oils, it is not advised to sit in strong sunlight after application, due to its possible phototoxicity. FCF (Furocoumarin free) Bergamot oils are therefore recommended, and this is the only one I use in my practice.

Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum)
This Essential Oil is very stimulating and uplifting, and is great for dispersing mental stagnation and apathy. It is a diaphoretic, which means it can increase sweating, which in turn helps to stimulate our Lymphatic System, as it helps to eliminate waste and support detoxification. It is also a great rubefacient (brings warmth), and so is fantastic for osteoarthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, and general muscular aches, pains and fatigue. It is analgesic and strengthening, so is wonderful for releasing sore and tired muscles. It is great added to a warm bath, or in a massage or sports blend with other oils added. Please Note: This oil is very stimulating, so is not recommended for bedtime, and should be used in low-medium doses only. It can be a skin irritant in high doses for those with hypersensitivity, and this oil is too strong for use on babies or young children. It is also thought to antidote some homeopathic remedies.

Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisii)
Grapefruit oil is cleansing, uplifting and revitalising, and it has a cooling, refreshing effect on the body. It decongests and tones our Lymphatic System, as well as clearing the mind. It is depurative, which means it is used to purify the body by promoting the elimation of waste products. Grapefruit is a tonic for both the liver and the gallbladder, and helps with abdominal bloating, constipation and indigestion. It is an astringent aerial antiseptic, is bactericidal and also a diuretic. Please Note: Generally safe for everyone, but as with most Citrus oils, it is not recommended to have strong sun exposure following application.

Juniper Berry (Juniperus Communis)
This oil is great for detoxifying when we feel sluggish, and like Grapefruit is also depurative and a diuretic, so a great support to our Lymphatic System. It is useful for bladder infections and urinary disorders such as cystitis. It also demonstrates itself as an eco-friendly mosquito repellent – so that is an extra benefit in the summer months! Please Note: It should not be used for people with kidney problems, and may be too strong for those with hypersensitivity. It should not be confused with the herb ‘Juniperus Savin’ which should not be used in Aromatherapy, and definitely not in pregnancy.

Lemon (Citrus Limonum)
This Essential Oil has almost all the same properties as Grapefruit, so is a fantastic tonic for the liver and gallbladder, being a great Lymphatic System tonic. It is a cleansing, toning, uplifting and refreshing oil to add to your blend. It is wonderful for bloating and Lymphatic congestion. Please Note: As with all Citrus oils though, sun exposure should be avoided after use.

Orange, Sweet (Citrus Sinensis)
Orange is a wonderful nerve tonic, uplifting, yet still calming and relaxing, which leads to a wonderful sense of wellbeing. I’m yet to meet someone who doesn’t like the smell of this oil! It is great for both the Lymphatic and Digestive Systems and is really refreshing – a brilliant tonic, that blends beautifully with most other Essential Oils. It is also useful for headaches and migraines, and also helps with poor concentration and fatigue. It is a safe oil for everyone, and very popular with children too.

A great blend of these, for a healthy adult that I would recommend, would be 30ml of whatever Base/Carrier oil is your preference – I use Sweet Almond – then the following drops of Essential Oils. Or if you can’t use them all, or would like to use different ones, then use a combination (up to a total of 12 drops) per 30ml of Base Oil.

• 3 drops of Black Pepper
• 3 drops of Grapefruit
• 3 drops of Lemon
• 3 drops of Juniper Berry

Other ways we can support our Lymphatic System

Obviously having a Lymphatic Drainage treatment, or using Massage with beautiful Essential Oils are lovely ways to help support our Lymphatic function. There are though, other things we can also do ourselves, to keep this system working well. Some of these are:

Stay Hydrated

It is incredibly important that we take in enough water each day, as it is vital for maintaining our fluid levels, as it is this that transports our nutrients and waste. Without enough water, our Lymphatic flow slows down, leaving us feeling bloated and decongested.

Regular Exercise

It is essential for us to move our muscles to move our Lymph. It doesn’t have to be extensive work in the gym or walking or cycling miles though – low impact exercise such as yoga, pilates, gentle swimming or just regular walking are all effective in helping to support our Lymphatic System.

Breath Work

Deep breathing can help to move Lymph, by creating pressure changes in the chest and abdomen, and techniques like humming and chanting also activate the Parasympathetic Nervous System, which in turn also supports our Lymphatic System.

Healthy Diet

Try to incorporate berries, beetroot, turmeric and ginger into your diet as well as plenty of leafy green vegetables, to support flow and reduce inflammation. Also try to limit your intake of toxins by avoiding artificial sweeteners, too much caffeine and alcohol, to take the pressure off your Lymphatic and Digestive Systems (I need to work on the caffeine one – I love my coffee!).