How to Do Lymphatic Massage

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By Cherie Brunetti
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (5 Ratings)

Lymphatic massage can be used to help increase immune function

Lymphatic massage is used to help increase lymph flow. This helps to removes harmful substances from the tissues and can increase immune function. Because the lymphatic system has no central pump, it must depend on muscle contraction to move fluid. Another way to move this fluid is through manual manipulation or massage. The following article gives step-by-step instructions on how to perform lymphatic massage.

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Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

For each of the eight steps, use only gentle pressure and repeat each step 5 times. Step 1 is to massage the soft spot at the side of the neck with two fingers. Be sure to massage both sides of the neck.
Step 2

Massage the lymph node in your underarms. Using the flat surface of your fingers, gently press into your underarm and then release the pressure.
Step 3

Using the flat part of your hand, gently massage the entire thigh area, moving toward the inner knee.
Step 4

Use your thumbs to twist the skin along your kneecap. Start below the kneecap and work to the top.
Step 5

Gently press and release the area in the back of the knee.
Step 6

Use the flat of your hand to stretch the skin on the back of the calf. Start at the ankle and move toward the knee.
Step 7

Use your thumbs to massage each side of the ankle.
Step 8

Massage the foot, starting at the base of the toes and moving toward the ankle.

Tips & Warnings

Lymphatic massage can help to unblock the lymph system by manually cleansing the lymph system.
Performing lymphatic massage correctly can increase the volume of lymph flow by as much as 20 times.
It is essential to drink a lot of water after a lymphatic massage to flush away toxins that have been released.

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