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The lymphatic system is a very important part of the immune system of the body.
Lymph vessels in the body form a network across the whole body. These vessels collect excess inter-cellular fluid from the body, and return it to the circulatory system. At regular intervals around the body, these vessels lead to lymph nodes (commonly called glands), these nodes are responsible for destroying any infections and then allowing the lymph to continue on it's journey. The fluid is eventually routed via the subclavian vein to the blood circulatory system.
The flow of fluid within the lymphatics is achieved by muscles in the body forming a pumping action on the vessels as they do their normal jobs. Because the lymph vessels have one-way valves in them at regular intervals, the fluid is moved along steadily.
In some instances, this process breaks down, and the system doesn't work very well. This can be caused by a lack of physical activity in the limbs, surgery (particularly breast cancer, and heart bypass surgery), physical injury, and in some very rare cases by parasitic infection within the lymphatics.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a modality designed to aid the flow of fluid through the lymphatic system, and draining it away from the limbs, towards the body.
This massage action is very gentle and is done in a rhythmic, pumping action. It is not deep at all.
There is the perception among some massage therapists, that this massage is deep to the point of leaving bruising along the path of the main lymphatics. This is not the correct method, and will cause more damage than good.
This is a very boring massage and can leave both the therapist and patient fast asleep, but for many people it is vital for their health. .
The nature of this massage requires bare skin, particularly for the stroking movements which require massage oils to reduce pulling on the skin. It would follow then, that any part of the body being massaged needs to be undressed. Areas that are not being massaged at the time are kept covered with a towel to keep you warm in winter and to preserve your modesty if this would make you feel more comfortable. Care will be taken not to expose any private areas of the body.
Routines:
Legs and arms
Arms and chest, for mastectomy patients
I can
also adjust the routine for you to meet your particular
needs.
Lymphatic Breast Care Massage
The lymphatics of the breasts are very different to any other part of the body, in that they don't have any muscles acting on them to cause a pumping action. This, together with the lymphatics being squashed flat by a bra all day, causes the system to stop working.
Studies in Canada, have shown that regular lymphatic massage of the breasts can reduce the risk of breast cancer by as much as 80%. The same studies have also shown that for women who wear a bra for more than 8 hours a day are also at increased risk for developing breast cancer. In fact, this risk increases by about 10% for every hour a day average extra that a bra is worn.
The lymphatic breast care massage is usually a self massage that is done about 2 to 3 times a week. This is not the same the breast inspection that women should do, to inspect their breasts for lumps (cancer detection).
The breast care massage does not automatically form part of any other massage routine, but can be included in any massage routine if so desired.
Swedish Massage
Sports Massage
Deep Connective Tissue Massage
Lymphatic Massage
Outcomes Based Massage
Cellulite Treatment
Super Smooth Full Body Massage
Trigger Point Therapy
Craig Botha, Therapeutic Massage Therapist
Reg. no. A10608
Prac.no. 107 000 0302910
Should you wish to contact me, Craig Botha, click here or dial 082 812 7921
