Doctors Orders: Holiday Nutrition Survival
Q&A with Dr. Ben Schuff, BIÂN Director of Naturopathy & Nutrition
Learn more about your body’s lymphatic system and how to support its health with easy, natural methods
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels and organs that work together to move a colorless, watery fluid called lymph back into your circulatory system (your bloodstream). The three main functions of the lymphatic system is tissue drainage, fat transport, and activate immune responses.
What is a lymphatic drainage massage and how does it differ from a regular massage?
Extremely light pressure is used because applying any type of moderate-to-deep pressure around a swollen or stretched tissue could further stretch or tear the swollen tissue. Also, too much pressure bypasses the initial lymphatics where most of the interstitial fluid is collected to form lymph and reduce swelling. In a regular massage, clients can request work almost anywhere they wish, in any order they wish, with a variety of pressures that can be changed from one appointment to the next.
What does a lymphatic massage feel like?
The massage technique is very light and relaxing, and uses a combination of little, gentle strokes and a deeper ‘pumping’ action over the main parts of the lymphatic system – the neck, armpits, chest, abdomen, and the upper legs.
How and why can lymphatic drainage massages be helpful after liposuction?
Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a specialized massage technique that is recommended by plastic surgeons, after liposuction, to accelerate the recuperation period. After a procedure like liposuction, tissue can produce excess lymphatic fluid as the body reacts to the traumatic action of the removal of fat. Additionally, the reduction in discomfort and swelling immediately afterwards makes a lymphatic massage an even more pleasurable experience.
Are there certain areas on the body that it would be more beneficial for and why if so?
Lymph from the hand, arm, and under the arm, as well as the chest and upper back areas, drains to the underarm (also known as axillary) lymph nodes to be filtered.
How many after surgery would be helpful?
Most doctors recommend that you receive at least three massages in the week following your surgery. After that, you should monitor how your body is recovering and schedule massages intermittently depending on pain levels and swelling.
Schedule your massage with Mysti Cobb at BIÂN to experience this unique and effective treatment by emailing contact@bianbeauty.com.
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