It joins with the subclavian vein and thus returns lymph to the bloodstream. Lymph also transports foreign substances (such as bacteria), cancer cells, and dead or damaged cells that may be present in tissues into the lymphatic vessels and to lymph organs for disposal. Lymph contains many white blood cells.

They include protecting your body from illness-causing invaders, maintaining body fluid levels, absorbing digestive tract fats and removing cellular waste. Blockages, diseases or infections can affect your lymphatic system’s function.

The lymphatic system consists of all lymphatic vessels and lymphoid organs. For example, the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus as well as the lymphatic tissue found in the small intestine (Peyer’s patches) and throat (adenoid tonsils, palatine and tubal tonsils), to name a few, all represent lymphatic organs.

Parts of the Lymphatic System The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs made up of lymph vessels, lymph nodes and lymph that drain lymph fluid (a fluid containing white blood cells, water, proteins, salts and lipids) from all over the body.

You see, your lymph system is your waste removal system. It’s directly linked to your immunity and how your cells behave over time. This might sound gross, but your cells poop.

To massage the stomach, press your palms flat down onto the area in between your hip bones “With hands overlapping, make circular movements around the navel button 5 times” she says. “Then pinch the entire stomach area,” for about a minute until the skin is slightly pink.

Lymphatic massage can reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system. Lymphatic massage usually forms part of a treatment program called decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT).

Through a network of hundreds of lymph nodes, it drains fluid called lymph to be transported back into your bloodstream. It also removes bodily waste and carries white blood cells that help prevent infection. When there’s any kind of obstruction in your lymphatic system, fluid can start to build up.

You may experience a feeling of nausea, headache or flu-like symptoms as your body struggles to process the increased amount of metabolic waste.

Acute inflammation, Malignant tumors, Thrombosis and major heart problems are all contraindications to lymphatic drainage massage. Lets look at these one at a time.

Manual lymphatic drainage is generally a safe treatment, but for some people, it could be harmful. “You need to make sure that you’re medically cleared to receive it,” says Zucker. People with the following conditions should not receive manual lymphatic drainage treatments: heart conditions, like heart failure.

A person should schedule a series of sessions (one Lymphatic Detox Treatment per week for three weeks) and continue treatment until they notice a change. Treat yourself to one or two lymphatic drainage sessions every three months if you experience a high frequency of common colds, allergies or headaches.

Lymphatic drainage can leave you feeling exhausted. You may want to have a lie down, or at the very least, a very undemanding schedule for the rest of the day. Give your body time to ease back into activity. Lymphatic drainage massage may also leave you really thirsty.

A lymphatic drainage treatment (otherwise known as a lymphatic massage) can help with weight loss and general health. A lymphatic drainage treatment can help get the lymph flowing, help the body get rid of excess weight and give a fresher appearance with unclogged pores and less puffy looking skin.

Here are the top 6 things you should know:

1. Is your therapist trained?
2. Be ready for some relaxation.
3. Don’t eat a large meal prior to your treatment.
4. Don’t apply lotion or oil.
5. Empty your bladder right before your treatment begins.
6. Be ready to do a little homework.

Wear a v-neck t-shirt or tank top so the neck and collar bones can be accessed by your therapist. Arrive with an empty stomach or eat a light snack prior. Drainage will be performed in the deep abdomen and organs. Do NOT apply lotion to your skin prior to treatment.

You may choose whatever clothing, depending upon your comfortability. But the massage is performed effectively with minimal to no clothing. It makes it easy for the therapist to work through your body. Avoid going to a long massage session in case you are going through any medical condition or recovering from it.

Although there are studies upholding its ability to accelerate the lymphatic system, reduce post-surgical swelling and even reduce thigh circumference, cellulite and fat in women, currently there isn’t enough research to substantiate its other claims.

Side Effects and Precautions Lymphatic drainage is non-invasive and generally considered safe. Because it is focused on soft to moderate stretching of the skin, it doesn’t cause the discomfort associated with deep tissue massage or sports massage.