The Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage

Why is Detox Lymphatic Drainage important?  Because this gentle superficial system of vessels, nodes and fluid is just under the surface of the skin and is the core of our immune system.  It receives very little attention and yet it is the very first system to experience symptoms when disease and illness are just beginning.  When this system gets congested, vital materials cannot reach tissues, including the skin, nor can waste be removed.  Our Swiss Detox Lymphatic Drainage is administered by an award-winning machine design that combines light, vibration and suction to cleanse the channels of this system, clearing the skin, reducing swelling and boosting immunity.  There is no other therapy available today that can do so much to prevent degenerative disease, allergies, serious illness and immune dysfunction.

Download Dr. Karen Clickner's lecture on the Lymphatic System.

Increases detoxification through the skin

The outermost layer of skin cells which serve to protect the underlying skin layers are not living cells, thus, they are continuously shed and replaced via the multiplication and upward movement of living skin cells. Inactive aging skin does not shed dead cells as easily as does youthful skin, so it is susceptible to cellular build-up which accounts, in part, for the dry, thick, leathery-look of older skin. The most obvious mechanical effect of lymphatic drainage is the detachment of dead skin cells.  This allows more detoxification through the skin and enhances deeper breathing, bringing oxygen to cells.   This increased lymph flow also brings more cellular debris to filtration areas such as lymph nodes, clearing elimination pathways.

Stimulates Immunity

Our immune cells use the lymphatic vessels to move through every body tissue. Lymphatic drainage accelerates the filtration from the intercellular spaces into the lymph vessels. It also enhances the emptying of the smaller vessels into the larger lymph vessels assisting the flow of lymph through the lymph nodes for more effective filtration.  Lymph drainage is a key therapy for post-operative healing to improve the motion of scar tissue, and aid ligament healing and sprain recovery.  It is especially good for improving chronic conditions such as sinusitis, arthritis and breathing disorders such as asthma.  

Stimulates circulation

Lymphatic drainage similarly increases venous blood-flow. The veins carry the blood back to the heart. Return blood-flow through the veins is not propelled as much by direct heart action as by muscular contraction and vein constriction. Lymphatic drainage excites and tonifies the muscles and nerves of the skin, thus, it improves venous circulation. These same mechanical effects directly enhance capillary circulation as evidenced by the skin-flush and feeling of warmth that lymphatic drainage imparts. The skin is filled with nerve endings which play an indispensable role in the activity of the nervous system. This explains the remarkable relaxing effect, including decreased muscular tension, elicited by lymphatic drainage. Relaxation of muscles affords better lung capacity, digestion, bowel movements, blood circulation, lymph drainage as well as clearer thinking.  Clinical studies have shown lymph drainage to be very effective for lymphedema, venous insufficiency and swelling of the ankles and legs. 

Benefits for mature skin

Decreased sweat and oil gland functions are features of aging. The oil secreted by the sebaceous glands coats the surface of the skin and prevents excessive water-loss through evaporation. Proper lymphatic drainage stimulates both the sweat and oil glands, and in this way, contributes to the restoration of moist, supple skin. Also, it strengthens the pore structure through which the skin is moisturized and cleansed, and oxygen and CO2 are exchanged. Aging and devitalization of the skin often results in pore-enlargement and flaccidity due to loss of skin tone.

Reduces pressure and strain on soft tissue

Not only does lymphatic drainage reduce lymphedema, but it is a core treatment in cases of fibromyalgia to reduce the fluid content of muscles and reduce inflammation common in soft tissue areas.  Because of the light pressure used, it is perfect for chronic pain, reducing muscular spasm, constipation, insomnia and even infections such as cellulitis.  

Promotes Skin Beauty

Lymphatic drainage makes a strong impression upon the dermis (the skin layer that contains an abundance of blood and lymph vessels), nerves, glands and elastin and collagen fibers. The dermis provides nutrients and moisture to all the skin layers and lends contour and flexibility. When the dermis ages, its connective tissue fibers reduce, become rigid, lose resilience and even break into pieces, causing the skin's support muscles to lose tone and volume and the skin to dehydrate and collapse into sags, wrinkles and lines. Healthy connective tissue and muscles are products of efficient nutrient support and oxygenation, a waste-free milieu, optimal water balance and moderate exercise, all of which are promoted by regular lymphatic drainage. The gentle stretching of connective tissues, afforded by proper lymphatic drainage, helps to increase and regenerate the production of collagen and elastin fibers. Cellulite is a structural disturbance of fat tissue. The fat content of cellulite-containing tissue is normal, but fibrous nodules surrounding the fat cells give affected skin areas their typical orange-peel appearance. Cellulite formation is related, in part, to local vein and lymph congestion. Proper lymphatic drainage can help to alleviate this condition.