1.
Take your
time and find a therapist that is a good fit for you. Do your research and ask potential
therapists about their qualifications.
There are many fresh out of school therapists who list lymph massage as
a specialty to get internet traffic. Often they are not trained in lymph work or
the training is minimal. If you have
lymphedema or a compromised lymph system it may be best to find an experienced
therapist.
If you simply want to boost your
lymph system and you have a less than dire need for lymph massage, it may suite
you to work with a less experienced therapist.
If this is the case it is best to make sure they are charging a fee that
corresponds with their experience.
Everyone needs to have the opportunity to learn but that should be
figured into the cost.
Another thing to keep in mind, in
looking for a lymph worker, is that many people complete massage school but
don’t actually work full time as a massage therapist. They may say that they have 10 years of
experience but what they mean is they graduated massage school 10 years ago and
may not have done very many massages.
When it comes to lymphatic therapy, experience of bodies under your
therapist’s hands does matter!
Even if you do not live in the Utah or Salt Lake
area I am happy to help offer ideas on how to find a qualified therapist in your area. Feel free to leave a comment or private message me.
2.
Hydrate
well several days before your session. Hydrated
tissue is easier to work with and essential in moving the lymphatic system.
3.
Eat a
light meal a few hours before your session (unless you are on a fast or a
cleanse.) Being hungry during the
massage can be a distraction. Also, when
the deep lymphatic is draining, it can cause a gurgling in your abdomen, which
can create discomfort if you are hungry.
4.
Give
yourself extra time to get to your appointment.
If you are in a hurry chances are you will launch your body into a
stress response and arrive tight and frazzled.
5.
Use the
Restroom before the session and ask to go during the session if necessary. Lymphatic work will move much more fluid
than the standard Swedish massage and there is no reason to spoil your session
with that kind of discomfort.
6.
Communicate
during the massage. Let your
therapist know if there is pain, discomfort or if something is
frightening. Also let them know if
something feels particularly good. I
have several clients who like to be very still on the table. I have them tell me “ouch” or give some kind
of sound that indicates if it feels good or is hurting. That way they don’t have to engage in conversation
unless they want to and I still get important feedback.
7.
Be aware
of your breathing. While you are on
the massage table make sure you are not hyperventilating or holding your
breath. Breathing is essential to
relaxation, and relaxation is essential to eliminating body tension and
draining the lymphatic system.
8.
Relax you
muscles and your mind. Tightening up
by contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage is
counterproductive. If you find your
thoughts are racing during the session, one way to be more aware is to focus on
the sensations of the touch and/or focus on breathing in and out of the area
that is being worked on.
9.
Drink
lots of extra water after your massage. If
you have received adequate lymph work the draining and releasing can last for
2-5 days after the massage and it is wise to double your water intake. If you experience soreness…there is a good
chance you are not drinking enough.
10. Be prepared to schedule several lymphatic
massage sessions. Lymphatic massage works
best when received frequently as the therapeutic benefits are cumulative. The more often you get a lymph massage, the
better you will feel and the more quickly your body will respond. The chronic patterns of stress in the body
are often layered and it can take some time to work through those layers to
uncover and address the original cause.
Additionally, if you have a soft
tissue injury this may take more than one session to resolve.
copyright © Essential Stillpoint 2013
