Why Lymphatic Massage Should Be Part of Every Massage Therapists' Skill Set

by Terrie Yardley-Nohr, LMT

    Our lymphatic system works very quietly to keep our bodies healthy and maintaining homeostasis.  In a perfect world of health, all goes well.  But with all of the toxins and diseases that can affect us everyday, our bodies can easily break down or become ill.  Lymphatic massage can help our bodies function better.

     According to Wikipedia, "the lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system and an important part of the immune system, comprising a network of lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph (from Latin, lympha meaning "water") directionally towards the heart. " One of the main functions of the lymph system is to provide an accessory return route to the blood for surplus plasma.  The other main function of lymph is to provide support for the immune system. Lymph is very similar to blood plasma: it contains lymphocytes. It also contains waste products and cellular debris together with bacteria and proteins. The system also includes all the structures dedicated to the circulation and production of lymphocytes (the primary cellular component of lymph), which also includes the bone marrow, and the lymphoid tissue associated with the digestive system.

    Most of the time, people talk about Manual Lymph Drainage as part of a protocol for someone that has lymph nodes removed usually due to a cancer diagnosis.  The lymph gets trapped in an extremity due to this nodes being removed and lymph drainage can help the lymph move back into the trunk of the body and help reduce the accumulation of these fluids.  It is an important part of lymphatic massage and the techniques are light and unique and are performed in a sequence that opens up all the lymphatic channels. 

    The other aspect in lymphatic massage is to help move stagnant lymph fluid due to inactivity or even muscle tension.  This type of massage can help improve immunity and low energy levels in your clients.

    The upcoming Lymphatic Massage class will cover working on both of the health aspects, learning the technique sequences and indications and contraindications for this type of work.   All of your clients will benefit from your knowledge of this type of work and it will also open the door to work with clients that are affected by lymphedema. 

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  Lymphatic Drainage - Treating Lymphatic Toxification & Lymphedema

This workshop is part one of three of our Medical Massage Fundamentals Pro Track.

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    In this class, participants will learn the sequence of applications that are necessary for effective lymphatic drainage to occur.  This hands-on class will allow participants time to practice the techniques and understand the effectiveness that lymphatic drainage can have for client health and well-being.

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About the Author:  Terrie Yardley-Nohr, LMT

Terrie Yardley-Nohr graduated from Kaleidoscope School of Massage in St. Louis 27 years ago.  Terrie had a private practice specializing in injury recovery work in her early career, while also working at a prestigious pain center and with chiropractors here in St. Louis. 

Terrie is the author of Ethics for Massage Therapists, a book for students in massage school and has also authored a number of articles in the field of massage.  She has served at the state and national level in positions for the American Massage Therapy Association and currently serves on the National Board of the Alliance of Massage Therapy Educators. 

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Terrie realized early in her career the need for further education and skills to help treat clients with injuries.  She has had the privilege of working and training with many of the top educators in the country and feels that is important for students today to add valuable skills to their practice to help their clients. 

“Students today are presented with a vast variety of conditions and injuries and it is important to have to tools to help our clients  by apply a variety of modalities to enhance the treatment protocol.”