How can I assist in care of your condition?
Lymph
Drainage Therapy involves stimulating your lymph circulation. It is a
very gentle hands-on technique that will help you eliminate fluid
retention, cleanse your body and eliminate toxins and trapped proteins
in your tissues. It also stimulates your immune system, help you to
relax, and release stress. It improves various skin conditions (acne,
eczema, wrinkles, 'bags' under the eyes, etc.). The most beneficial
effect of lymph therapy is the effect it has on various types of
swelling.
There
are basically two general types of 'swelling', edema (excessive
accumulation of tissue fluid in the interstitial compartment) or
lymphedema, edema caused when the lymphatic system has been compromised
in some way (when vessels are absent; undeveloped; obstructed or
destroyed from an intrinsic or extrinsic cause). Lymphedema is a much
more serious condition (depending on difference in circumference of
limbs and how long it has been there) and can involve ongoing
decongestive care. Edema can be treated but many times there is an
underlying cause whether it may be organ failure, trauma or genetics,
and I would assess case by case in determining contraindications.
In
surgery, the developing fibrous tissue will inhibit the regeneration of
the lymphatic vessels. Surgery, chronic wound healing, radiation, and
infection can greatly impair the function of healthy lymph pathways. The
patient may be at risk of lymphedema for the rest of his/her life.
Breast cancer, which has been treated
by axillary node dissection and/or radiation, can cause lymphedema to
occur approx. in 30% of all cases (75% if a radical mastectomy and
radiation on the axilla have been performed).
Post-surgical
edemas usually occur within 4-6 weeks after the surgical intervention.
Lymphedemas can have a latency period and appear 18 months up to 30
years after surgery. Education of persons whom have had these procedures
is necessary to monitor for any signs of lymphedema onset.
My
goal is to treat clients post-surgery and especially post-irradiation.
This is a preventative technique to ensure fibrosis does not form or to a
minimal extent, on the lymph vessels which would otherwise result in
lymphedema. Once a person has lymphedema, care for this condition is
ongoing for the rest of their lives. I want to treat these people by
mapping the flow of lymph from the affected area and encouraging strong
supporting sub-routes of flow. In some cases one treatment is all that
is needed; some may need several. Once an alternative pathway has been
established, bi-annual checkups will be encouraged. This kind of
preventative therapy can save the individual years of decongestive
therapy and the need of bandaging, plus the expense to the client and
insurance companies.
The most beneficial route for the
client is to come and see me before their nodes and vessels have become
so fibrotic and cardboard-like. Keeping things supple is the name of the
game.
In regards
to pregnancy related edemas (in arms or legs) and blocked breast ducts
and breast soreness, lymphatic work is very beneficial. Treatments are
usually short at the beginning, approx. 15-30min. Fibrocystic breasts
(mastopathy) greatly benefit from lymph work as well as incorporating
breast massage.
In
nerve impingement or pain syndromes, lymphatic work releases the nerve
of fluid pressure and can cause a 'vacuum' like effect on inflammation. I
have had excellent results with Bell's Palsy, Trigeminal neuralgia,
intercostal neuralgia, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Breast
Massage enhances and supports lymphatic drainage therapy. Both are very
important in therapeutic and preventative breast care. Breast tissue is
very dependent on circulation; in conditions of health, about 30-50
lymph nodes in the axilla (armpit) drain the breast. Wearing of tight
breast undergarments are contributors to poor breast circulation and
clearance as well as habitual postures, implants and surgical scarring.
These can all contribute to chronic pain syndromes, swelling and poor
sensation in the arms and breast region.
Massage
and lymph drainage therapies are powerful "wellness" treatments for
breasts and are the most effective modalities for addressing any health
concerns of the breast area.
Massage
and lymph drainage for the breast can be preformed through the sheets
or light clothing; undraping one breast at a time or the most simple,
undraping both breasts. It is always the choice of the client and what
is the most comfortable physically and emotional for each individual.
Lymph
Drainage Therapy involves stimulating your lymph circulation. It is a
very gentle hands-on technique that will help you eliminate fluid
retention, cleanse your body and eliminate toxins and trapped proteins
in your tissues. It also stimulates your immune system, help you to
relax, and release stress. It improves various skin conditions (acne,
eczema, wrinkles, 'bags' under the eyes, etc.). The most beneficial
effect of lymph therapy is the effect it has on various types of
swelling.
Before
the Session: You are encouraged to tell your therapist if you have any
medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, a high fever or infection,
acute heart or kidney conditions, a fresh scar or burn, or if you are
menstruating or pregnant.
For
optimal results, and to prepare the system for the cleansing, please
drink a lot of water, or fresh, natural juice for the two to four days
before a session. Eat lightly the day of your initial treatment in order
to avoid general malaise, nausea and lethargy.
During
the Session: Prepare yourself to relax and be completely cared for-this
is a special time for you. The therapist will need to concentrate in
order to achieve the best results; therefore silence is appreciated
during the slow, rhythmic movement of the lymph flow
Consultation $45.
(will be applied to 1st appointment if we proceed)
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy LDT has been shown to address the following conditions: Stress, fatigue, jet lag, headaches, breast pain or swollen breasts (from menses, birth control pill, pregnancy, etc), Pregnancy: stretch marks (belly,breasts) results are better if started in early stages. Edema: swollen legs;
Menopause: Hot flashes, irritability, palpation, insomnia Endometriosis, fibroid tumors (many non-malignant lumps may be alleviated with LDT)
Cosmetic applications - as a complete or partial treatment in connection with mastoptosis, surgery, scars, trauma, wrinkles, etc. Breast implant problems, Infertility, Migraines, dry eyes,chronic glaucoma. Neck pain, whiplash, sciatica, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Meniere's disease, hearing loss, Parkinson's Disease (LDT sometimes brings about a diminution of the trembling)
Applications of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT)
Activate Fluid Circulation : Activation of circulation of lymph, indirect stimulation of blood capillaries, veins, interstitial liquids, cerebrospinal and synovial fluids, etc. Applications help to reroute stagnant fluid (edema, primary and secondary lymphedema)in skin, muscles viscera, joints, cranial sutures, periosteum, chambers of the eyes, cochlea, etc.
To Drain:
a) Toxins: as part of treatment to promote tissue regeneration, for example where there are scars, stretch marks, or wrinkles: or where the patient has has a fracture or surgery, some therapists even use it for anti-aging applications.
b) Macromolecules (proteins): LDT helps eliminate protein-rich fluid from the extracellular tissue, helping reabsorption of edema.
c) Fat: Most every time fat content is present in the body, lymphatic vessels are present to help evacuate it.
To Stimulate the Immune System: Increased lymph flow carries more antigens to the lymph nodes, increasing antibody/antigencontact. This can help the immune system in the following ways
* Lymph Drainage can be used for preventative action
* Lymphatic Drainage techniques have been found to help the chronic or subacute inflammatory process, for example, bronchitis, sinusitis, amygdalitis, tonsilitis, laryngitis, arthritis, acne and eczema, chronic fatigue syndrome, auto-immune diseases, etc.
To Stimulate the Parasympathetic System: Stimulation of the lymphatics tends to increase parasympathetic and diminish sympathetic tone, the"fight or flight" response. This can be very helpful in dealing with stress, depression or sleeping disorders
To Reduce Muscle Spasm (voluntary and involuntary)
Muscle spasms, constipation, etc.
To Reduce Pain: LDT alleviates tissue fluid stagnation and may inhibit nociceptors. It can be effective in dealing some kinds of chronic pain.
Pre and Post Surgical Applications of LDT* Pre- surgery 1 to 3 LDT sessions are recommended. Benefits: * Prepares tissue for surgery * Alleviates edema * Detoxifies tissue * Stimulates the immune system; accelerates production of lymphocytes * Induces a state of relaxation * Post surgery as soon as 24 hours after surgery * Alleviates post surgical edema * Helps stimulate lymphatic "reroutes" * Reduces pain * Alleviates spasms * Stimulates immune systems and helps prevent post surgical infections * Improves skin regeneration and wound healing * May help to prevent the formation of keloids * Stimulates fluid circulation, promotes urination * Detoxification helps reverse build up of toxins secondary to effects of medication and immobilization
Sessions are based on the nature of the problem.
Specialty sessions are Lymph Face Lift, Breast Decongestion , and Abdominal decongestion
