The lymphatic system is an integral part of your body’s ability to detox the everyday toxins, chemicals, bacteria and pathogens that we come into contact with. The most common visual cue that you will see if the lymphatic system is backed up (or not working properly) is puffiness, swelling, or even edema in more serious cases. That’s because a large portion of the lymphatic system sits just below the outermost layer of the skin. When the skin is puffy or soft, that is fluid retention (or stagnant lymph sitting there) causing that appearance. Other symptoms of a backed up lymphatic system include feeling sluggish, tired, and just kind of “over it.”
Your blood relies on your heart to pump it through your body. But how do we move lymph through the body? Where is the lymph’s pumping mechanism? That mechanism is YOU. It needs you to be hydrated, moving, breathing deeply, exercising, even just walking or laughing! But sometimes, when it’s been quite overloaded, or it’s getting stuck in specific locations (due to illness, surgeries, or other biomechanical reasons), it needs an additional jumpstart. That’s where lymphatic massage comes in. Your therapist uses slow, light, rhythmic strokes that literally coax and stimulate the lymphatic pathways into doing their job properly: Accept the lymph in, then guide the lymph farther along the line. There is even special attention paid to the major lymphatic clusters at the chin, clavicles, armpits, diaphragm, and groin crease so they can act like vacuums and suction all that lymph along even faster!
Typically, clients will experience a profound meditative state during the session, as they are whisked away into a dream world by the lulling, hypnotic nature of the service. Their bodies however, are building up an essential task for them: let’s move all this lymphatic waste out! While you’ll immediately notice a reduction in swelling, the best is yet to come. You’ll feel like taking a nap and taking it easy for the rest of the day, and you should. Your body is hard at work. The following day, after a good night’s sleep, you’ll wake up feeling quite rested and energized, which will carry you through the entire day or so! You’ll have given your lymphatic system a fresh start, so treat it well. Keep hydrating, moving, and breathing deeply!
The Craniosacral element of this service lies in it’s attunement to the particular rhythm of the client’s nervous system, as well as the special attention paid to the structures of the skull and face. With the attunement, the service elevates itself into also providing particular relief from any body aches and pain that you suffer. This isn’t a service where your therapist just checks out, they are sensing and easing the body’s deepest restrictions while remaining physically quite noninvasive. This is a great option for people who have big pain problems they need worked out, but prefer lighter touch. The special attention paid to the skull and face helps to relieve symptoms that are commonly addressed through Craniosacral therapy: ranging from Allergies and Anxiety to PTSD, Sleep Apnea, and TMJ.
Lymphatic + Craniosacral is typically done with the client draped on the massage table, so you will want to wear clothes that are easy to take on and off. The best clothes would be like what you would wear to a yoga class: Allowing for modesty, flexibility, and comfort during freedom of movement. This also allows your therapist to more easily do a full body assessment. Please remove all watches and jewelry before the session starts. Most clients are used to being laid on the table face up or face down, but we also incorporate side-lying and seated work (of course, you will still be draped, or you will possibly be in your clothing). We generally recommend coming in for bodywork every 4 weeks for everyone. Your specific situation may be different, so talk with your therapist about a good treatment plan for you.
We recommend drinking an additional liter of high quality water every day to help reduce soreness. Also, avoid any foods that are high in sodium, as this can be dehydrating. Fruits are an excellent way to eat your water and they help get your lymphatic system flowing to flush out all the gunk released.
Click to book online and choose 60, 90, or 120 minute Massage. Then choose Lymphatic + Craniosacral Therapy.