Frequently Asked Questions

• You may choose to increase certain nutrients (antioxidants such as Vitamin C to bind toxins) or temporarily add supportive herbs to support the liver and kidneys detoxification processes prior to and after your lymph massage sessions.
• Arrive at your appointment well hydrated.
• Dehydration will impair your ability to detoxify and rebuild.
• Expect to undress to your level of comfort but know that direct contact with the skin is always best. Tight clothing and under wire bras will make it difficult to get lymph moving.
• If you choose to wear clothing during your session, wear cotton underwear and pants with no buckles, zippers, or pockets – such as yoga pants or yoga shorts. Wear a v-neck t-shirt or tank top so the neck and collar bones can be accessed by your therapist.
• Arrive with an empty stomach or eat a light snack prior. Drainage will be performed in the deep abdomen and organs.
• Do NOT apply lotion to your skin prior to treatment. Dry skin contact is more effective for stimulating the stretch response needed by your lymph vessels.
• Do NOT drink alcohol or consume recreational drugs the night before or immediately after your session. Your liver will be responsible for detoxifying much of what the lymphatic system collects so don’t burden it before your session.
  Plan and allow for a period of gentle MOVEMENT immediately after your session. Your lymph collects toxins and places them into the bloodstream for removal. 10 to 15 minutes of gentle movement and breathing is recommended such as a short walk before getting into your car after the session, walking your dog, or hitting the gym or a gentle yoga class is one of the most critical massage tips to follow.
• Plan and allow for a period of REST after treatment and movement if needed. Your body’s resources and nutrients will go toward “cleaning up shop” and this may include an immune response to cleanse any bacteria or foreign cells that don’t belong. Rest will allow the body to regenerate and heal.
• Use the restroom prior to getting on the table. I will try and help to remind you : )

• The touch will often be very light to moderate (just enough pressure to stretch the skin) but the treatment should never elicit pain or discomfort. Let me know if this should occur and I will adjust my pressure.
• I will concentrate on several key areas of your lymphatic system: neck, armpits, abdomen, hips. Organs such as the liver and kidneys, lungs and digestive track will also be addressed in addition to any areas of complaint.
• You may experience sensations on the table as lymph fluids begin to move (tingling, coolness in fingers and toes, digestive noises – these are good signs!).
• MLD is a light, skin-stretching massage that helps promote the movement of lymphatic fluid out of the swollen limb. It should not be confused with a traditional massage. MLD is specifically focused on the lymph vessels to help the flow of lymphatic fluid. Therapy is applied to your unaffected areas first, making it possible for the fluid to move out of the affected area, or “decongest” the region. MLD helps open the remaining functioning lymph collectors and move protein and fluid into them, as well as to help speed up lymph fluid flow through the lymphatics.
• Deep breathing techniques called diaphragmatic breathing are usually done at the beginning and end of a therapy session to help open the deep lymphatic pathways. It’s not only relaxing, but it helps increase movement of fluid toward the heart.

The list below are only a FEW of the more common healing responses that may be experienced shortly after your session:

• Feeling your body as “light and fluffy”
• Brain fog
• Increased odorous urination
• Increased odorous bowel movements
• Temporary change in your body odor and increased sweat
• Deeper and more restful sleep
• Hunger or cravings for fats
• Thirst
• Tiredness, wanting to rest or nap
• Sinus Drainage
• Ear Drainage
• Reductions in swelling and headaches
• Reductions in swollen lymph nodes (2-7 days)
• Shifts in congestion (one sinus to another etc.) or pressure changes in joints or areas where prior injury or trauma has occurred

It is best to gently exercise for 10 to 15 minutes immediately after your MLD session (i.e. walking) to assist your body in the removal of toxins. Stay cool, do not allow yourself to overheat.
Healing responses that may also occur include a temporary increase in symptoms during your detoxification process. You may feel tired, sore, or achey and therefore suspect that your lymph treatment is not working. However, these reactions are signs that your body IS cleansing itself of toxins and impurities. Drink fluids and allow your body time to rest and heal. Consider gentle movement in the cooler hours of the day.