Lymphatic Drainage for Pre- and Post-Surgery

     As I sit here and listen to one of my favorite wellness CD's, Fairy Heart Magic by Gary Stadler, I can't help but let my mind wander to the husband and wife I massaged yesterday morning.  To avoid violating any HIPAA laws, I will call them Y and X, respectively.  You see, X emailed me a few weeks ago.  She explained that she would be giving her husband one of her kidneys on April 10th, and she was wondering if there was any benefit in receiving a Lymphatic Drainage massage before and after their surgeries.  To answer this question for you (because I already answered it for her): yes, there is, and here's why:

     Lymphatic drainage is a very specialized massage technique designed to attain and sustain proper functioning of the lymph system.  The lymphatic system forms part of our immune system, helping cope with infection by cleansing/detoxifying the body's tissues.  Unlike the circulatory system, where the heart pumps blood around the body, lymph vessels rely upon hundreds of tiny muscular units called lymphangions contracting throughout the lymph vessels to propel the flow of lymph fluid.  This enables the transport of numerous substances (i.e., proteins, toxins, hormones, fatty acids, immune cells to the lymph nodes), which process them. There are 400-700 nodes in the human body.  Almost half of these are located in the abdomen alone. 

Lymph nodes have specific functions such as :

    filtration and purification of lymph fluid
    removal of toxins and dead cells
    concentration of the lymph fluid
    production of lymphocytes (immune cells).

The process of lymphatic drainage increases the flow of lymph fluid through the nodes, which then increases the production of lymphocytes.

     Having passed through these nodes, lymph fluid eventually drains into the venous system and is eventually removed from the body as urine via the kidneys. If any part of the lymph system gets damaged due to surgery, trauma and burns lymph circulation often stagnates and fluids, proteins, cells and toxins accumulate.

     Many benefits can result from lymphatic drainage before and after surgery.  Lymphatic drainage seems to promote tissue regeneration therefore reducing the formation and severity of scars which can be unsightly and sometimes painful.  Treatment can begin as soon as 24 hrs after surgery, with approval of the doctor and as long as there are no contra-indications.  After surgery the lymphatic pathways will be very different.  Studies have shown that it takes between seven and ten days for the natural and functional continuity of the lymphatic vessels to be re-established.  Perhaps the most significant benefit of applying lymphatic drainage post surgically is to prevent or alleviate edema or swelling.  Swelling can cause pain and create a predisposition to infection.

     I explained what Lymphatic Drainage massage is and its benefits.  If you are about to receive surgery and want to make sure your body and your immune system is running in tip-top shape, I suggest seeking a Lymphatic Drainage massage.  It aids in preparation for the surgery and will be extra useful afterwards.  During X and Y's massage sessions, I was able to open up the pathways, allow the lymph fluid to flow properly.  I hope their surgeries went well this morning.  I look forward to seeing them again next week.