Lymphatic drainage is a massage technique that focuses on the lymphatic system, which is primarily made of the lymph vessels and nodes. The lymphatic system works in direct conjunction with the circulatory and digestive systems to rid the body of toxins and disease. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have a muscle (the heart) to circulate its flow. The lymphatic system depends on muscular contractions to circulate and cleanse its system. Lymphatic drainage is a very subtle and gentle massage. It does detoxify the body, and should be used with caution and a warning to the client. Occasionally, it will help toxins reenter the blood flow and intestinal track and will make a client feel worse before they feel better. It should also be used with caution on clients that have a compromised lymph system such as cancer patients. Several cancer organizations recommend that therapists that practice on clients with a history of cancer have a minimum of 132 hours of training in lymphatic massage. I have 18 hours.

I usually recommend lymphatic drainage in small doses, in additional to some Swedish massage techniques (which also moves lymph), to clients who are having chronic sinus problems, bronchitis, or other recent illnesses that may be still lingering in their bodies. Many times, those same clients have cut back on or eliminated exercise, another primary method of lymph drainage, from their day-to-day lives because they aren’t feeling well.
- posted by Jen's Journal @ 1:54 PM

 
Here's a great new magazine to consider reading. A friend of mine writing an article for the May 2005 issue about using Feng Shui to plan (and plant) gardens to bring great energy to the outside of your home. The articles are online for your pleasure. Enjoy!
- posted by Jen's Journal @ 8:51 PM