Can an amateur reasonably perform a limited lymphatic massage with the appropriate books?
July 15, 2010 1:53 PM
Can an amateur reasonably perform a limited lymphatic massage with the appropriate books?
Can an amateur reasonably perform a limited lymphatic massage with the appropriate books? What would those books and/or online resources be?
A friend has requested that I learn this technique. I am not bad at massage. By limited, I would stay away from some of the more obviously taboo areas. I'm mostly concerned about causing trouble rather than massage performance anxiety. And, yes, I feel completely awkward asking this.
Can an amateur reasonably perform a limited lymphatic massage with the appropriate books? What would those books and/or online resources be?
A friend has requested that I learn this technique. I am not bad at massage. By limited, I would stay away from some of the more obviously taboo areas. I'm mostly concerned about causing trouble rather than massage performance anxiety. And, yes, I feel completely awkward asking this.
Wise Geek has doubts about lymphatic massage by anybody.
posted by Carol Anne at 2:43 PM on July 15, 2010
posted by Carol Anne at 2:43 PM on July 15, 2010
My friend has some mild edema and sore spots which seem to come and go. It's not an ear candling thing. Without getting too far off track, her doctor is not too concerned but suggested that she might want to look into lymphatic massage, of all things.
posted by adipocere at 2:46 PM on July 15, 2010
posted by adipocere at 2:46 PM on July 15, 2010
This is a great question! Don't feel awkward!
Yes, an amateur can perform lymphatic massage. I googled "lymphatic massage technique" and got a lot of good answers. The ABMT is the organization for massage therapists in the U.S., and they may have more info.
One thing that may seem counterintuitive is that lymphatic massage requires a very light touch. Lymph moves partially through vessels and partially just through the tissues themselves. If you use too much pressure, you'll "squish" the lymph into the tissues instead of channeling it up and hopefully out. Since there is more likelihood of tickling, make sure to use a soft, slow, broad hand.
Note that lymphatic massage is NOT recommended for people with cancer, as it is believed that lymph can carry cancer cells through the body causing metastasizing.
Disclaimer: I went to massage therapy school, but haven't practiced.
posted by wwartorff at 3:19 PM on July 15, 2010
Yes, an amateur can perform lymphatic massage. I googled "lymphatic massage technique" and got a lot of good answers. The ABMT is the organization for massage therapists in the U.S., and they may have more info.
One thing that may seem counterintuitive is that lymphatic massage requires a very light touch. Lymph moves partially through vessels and partially just through the tissues themselves. If you use too much pressure, you'll "squish" the lymph into the tissues instead of channeling it up and hopefully out. Since there is more likelihood of tickling, make sure to use a soft, slow, broad hand.
Note that lymphatic massage is NOT recommended for people with cancer, as it is believed that lymph can carry cancer cells through the body causing metastasizing.
Disclaimer: I went to massage therapy school, but haven't practiced.
posted by wwartorff at 3:19 PM on July 15, 2010
When I had swollen feet and ankles in my third trimester, my physical therapist described to me how to do a lymphatic drainage massage, and I in turn described it to my husband. It was incredibly effective, even with all the training being second-hand.
Wise Geek aside, it certainly reduced my edema and made me a LOT more comfortable. I think as long as edema is the primary concern you're seeking to alleviate, there's nothing wrong with it and it can be done quite well even by an amateur.
posted by KathrynT at 3:21 PM on July 15, 2010
Wise Geek aside, it certainly reduced my edema and made me a LOT more comfortable. I think as long as edema is the primary concern you're seeking to alleviate, there's nothing wrong with it and it can be done quite well even by an amateur.
posted by KathrynT at 3:21 PM on July 15, 2010
Some of the techniques might take some practice, but you can probably get adequate results without them. e.g. There's one technique where you're doing stationery circles with one hand while doing long scooping motions with the other hand, which is a bit "pat your head while rubbing your tummy". You can get away with doing each movement separately if you can't do both at the same time.
Is there a massage school near you? You might be able to get a discount session in a student clinic so you can experience what it should feel like.
What about a video?
Here's a clip on youtube from Real Bodywork's Lymphatic Drainage DVD. I find their DVDs really cheesy, but it should provide an adequate understanding of the anatomy & techniques.
There's also some really good Australian DVDs from Jill Griffiths at The Weller Institute & Michelle Yaffe
Things you need to be aware of:
The pressure used is very very light. If you press you hard, you're squishing the vessels & nothing will move.
Get yourself some cornstarch (yes, cornstarch, don't use talcum powder) to use in place of massage lubricant. This is for gliding on the skin, and will absorb any moisture which will reduce glide.
Always work in a proximal direction, moving away from the heart. You have to clear where the lymph will be going to before you start shifting the lymph itself, so you're starting at "terminus" the heart, and working your way outwards, but always towards the heart.
You're not supposed to cross the lymphatic watersheds, which ought to be explained in any book & the videos I linked to above.
posted by goshling at 4:50 PM on July 15, 2010
Is there a massage school near you? You might be able to get a discount session in a student clinic so you can experience what it should feel like.
What about a video?
Here's a clip on youtube from Real Bodywork's Lymphatic Drainage DVD. I find their DVDs really cheesy, but it should provide an adequate understanding of the anatomy & techniques.
There's also some really good Australian DVDs from Jill Griffiths at The Weller Institute & Michelle Yaffe
Things you need to be aware of:
The pressure used is very very light. If you press you hard, you're squishing the vessels & nothing will move.
Get yourself some cornstarch (yes, cornstarch, don't use talcum powder) to use in place of massage lubricant. This is for gliding on the skin, and will absorb any moisture which will reduce glide.
Always work in a proximal direction, moving away from the heart. You have to clear where the lymph will be going to before you start shifting the lymph itself, so you're starting at "terminus" the heart, and working your way outwards, but always towards the heart.
You're not supposed to cross the lymphatic watersheds, which ought to be explained in any book & the videos I linked to above.
posted by goshling at 4:50 PM on July 15, 2010
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posted by decathecting at 2:42 PM on July 15, 2010