How to Treat the Upper Body With Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle and relaxing form of bodywork that helps to stimulate the lymphatic system in order to boost the immune system, speed metabolism and eliminate toxins from the body. Lymphatic drainage is especially helpful after surgery or recovery from injury, for those that lead a sedentary lifestyle or for people who suffer from skin conditions and cellulitis.

Instructions

1. Begin working the upper body only after you have completed lymphatic drainage for the trunk. Your client should be face up on the massage table and you should be standing near the upper arm.

2. Reach across your client's upper body and apply firm yet gentle pressure with your four closed fingertips just above the elbow. Apply five downward presses, moving slowly up the meaty part of the arm with each press. Begin again at the elbow repeating the same motion, this time with the palm wrapping around the arm to press as much of the arm as possible. Roll the arm open and repeat the same open palm technique on the inner arm.

3. Move down to the forearm, beginning at the wrist. Complete the same techniques, beginning with flat fingertip pressure along the top of the arm. Then open your palm a bit more to work the outside of the arm before rolling the forearm open and repeating on the inner arm. Always work up towards the heart and always apply pressure in a series of five movements.

4. Repeat the lymphatic drainage techniques on the opposite side of the body and then reactivate the lymph nodes. Reach across your client's body and press your fingertips and palms against the ribcage just below the armpit. Apply firm, gentle pressure in towards the ribcage and then make five circles, pressing down to the table, up to the armpit, towards the ceiling and then towards the feet. Repeat on the opposite side.

5. Complete the upper body portion of the lymphatic drainage session by stimulating the lymph nodes in the stomach area. Press your flat palm gently into the stomach just below the left ribcage, moving down and then in towards the navel. Repeat five times and them move your palm just above the left hipbone, pressing down and up towards the navel five times. Continue with the right hipbone and left ribcage before placing both palms flat on the stomach and applying gently pressure as the client takes one long breath in and out.