What Are the Potential Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
There is limited research on the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage outside of that in people with lymphedema. Here is what the current research suggests as some possible benefits.
Reduction in Inflammation
Among medical experts, this is a known benefit of lymphatic drainage massage for people with lymphedema, says Karen Bock, a certified lymphedema therapist and assistant professor in the doctorate of physical therapy program at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri.
Relaxation
The massage has this effect because it alters brain activity in a way that promotes relaxation, by increasing alpha brain activity and reducing gamma activity. It also quiets the fight-or-flight sympathetic nervous activity overall.
Bock adds that the gentle touch can be relaxing and make you feel better, though more research needs to be done to further understand the mechanism of action.
Healthier-Looking Skin
Searching for lymphatic drainage massage on social media reveals posts suggesting that the technique can improve the skin by reducing puffiness and conferring antiaging benefits, and there may be some possible truth to this.
While social media is buzzing about this benefit, there aren’t any high-quality randomized, controlled trials supporting it. Many studies have been small and short term, with varying study protocols.
“The proposed mechanisms of action are very solid, and the antiaging benefits could very well exist,” Minson says. “But with the current state of research, one could not definitively state that manual lymphatic drainage will delay or prevent aging effects on the skin.”
Improved Cosmetic Surgery Recovery
Minson notes that the lymphatic system can be damaged during surgery, particularly cancer surgery, and lymphatic drainage massage can help it repair. However, more study is needed to explore this benefit because quality research is scarce.
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