As a massage therapist, there are some treatments that end up like being buzz words that everyone wants, and not enough is know about them. Here are a few examples:

Sports massage is the number one massage term in any city - and not it’s not supposed to hurt

Cupping - A basic way of explaining it is, instead of pushing down on tissue, lift it up. I love doing travelling cups!

And finally - Lymphatic drainage.

Lymphatic drainage massage is really having a moment right now, with people discovering how to decrease fluid build up and bloating in various parts of the body, but what is it?

Here is a basic anatomy 101 of the lymphatic system:

The bloody circulation system has the heart to pump and move blood all round the body.

The lymphatic system needs a bit of help travelling, and relies on muscle tone and movement to do so.

Why is it important? The lymphatic system is where out immune system lives.

We also have lymph nodes scattered throughout our body. These nodes bascically act like a car wash for the lymph fluid, and they deal with any mess in it, and then send it on its way. The biggest collection of lymph nodes we have are in our armpits and groin. They can ache when we get ill!

So what can you do to help keep your lymphatic system healthy?

Move! That’s it. If you are on your feet all day, or are sitting more most of it, maybe you have experienced a feeling of having heavy legs? The best way to get rid of that, is to use your calf muscles to pump the fluid back up your legs. Show your calf muscles a bit of love! They are super important.

Other activities you can do are:

swimming - the water glides over the lymph nodes for a gentle massage

yoga

having a dance off to yourself

foam rolling

getting regular massage (I had to get that in!)

In short, any kind of diverse movement.

I have always wanted a rebounded mini trampoline thing, but I don’t think my ceilings are high enough!

Also, keeping up your water intake throughout the day is super effective at promoting overall health anyway, so don’t forget that! We do get a lot of water from food, but keeping topped up is also beneficial. A study fresh out of Aberdeen University suggested that 1.5 litres a day is more than sufficient.

I hope you found this post useful.

If you have any questions do get in touch!