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Any
fitness instructor will tell you the immense benefits of an
invigorating massage. It improves blood circulation, relieves stiffness,
perks up flexibility and provides a supremely relaxing experience. |
A Special Massage
But not all massages are the same. There are
some special massages that specifically boost the body’s internal
systems and have a long lasting effect. Lymphatic body massage is one of
them. As the name suggests, this is a special holistic rub that
benefits the body’s lymphatic system and promotes the steady flow of
lymph, the transparent fluid in the body which supports the immune
system.
The lymphatic massage--also referred to as the
Lymph Drainage Massage--helps drain out harmful toxins from the body
tissues and also removes any blockages in the path of the lymph fluid.
The rejuvenation of tissues gives the skin a healthy glow, alleviates
body aches and pains, heals injuries, reduces any swellings in the body
and banishes stresses and strains.
In fact some surgeons recommend a lymphatic
massage before an important surgery so as to give a boost to the flow of
the lymph fluid. Once the blockages are removed from the body, the
lymph flow automatically makes the body go into a relax mode. It also
aids the post-operative healing process.
Gentle Massage
This special massage is performed with gentle
hands rubbing the body in circular movements. The practitioner must have
knowledge of the lymphatic system in the body and the exact route taken
by the lymph fluid. If done in the correct way, a lymphatic massage
should increase the lymph drainage eight to ten times and help the
immune system fight diseases and allergies better and improve the
overall health of the body.
It is both rejuvenating and therapeutic and
builds a strong foundation for healing the body and mind. Many
paediatricians recommend a soft-touch lymphatic massage for babies. In
fact some studies have shown infants who received such a massage
developed strong immunity to ailments,gained weight and had an overall
healthy growth as compared to children who did not have the benefit of
such a massage.
A growing number of oncologists suggest
lymphatic massage as a post operative therapy for women who have
undergone mastectomy or breast surgery. After breast cancer surgery
there are chances of developing lymphedema which is a swelling caused by
a build-up of fluid, usually in the arm which is both painful and also
emotionally draining. A massage can help the lymph fluid move uniformly
in the body and reduce physical and mental pain.
Early Developments
Developed by Danish physiotherapist Dr. Emil
Vodder, lymphatic body massage has grown over the years. Back in the
thirties, Dr. Vodder along with his wife Dr. Estrid Vodder, noticed
that a number of chronic cough and cold patients had blocked lymph
nodes. They began giving them a gentle massage to remove swellings and
blockages in the lymph fluid path. The results were heartwarming as
the patients started improving dramatically and over a few weeks were
completely cured of their ailments.
Though research is still underway to determine
the definitive curative powers of the lymphatic massage, the technique
is being widely used in the West. In fact in countries like Germany,
Denmark and Sweden, it is one of the most prescribed physical therapies
which is covered under medical insurance.
In India too there is a growing awareness among
fitness aficionados about the immense benefits of the lymphatic
massage. Masseurs especially trained in this technique are available to
give the body a gentle rub to boost the immune system and make it
battle-ready to fight a number of diseases. |
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