Stress has become such a common element of our lives. It affects us in profound ways. Our muscles are stiff, our minds are anxious, and we do not get enough sleep. You can address stress in many ways, and one of those ways is through massage. A good massage can leave you feeling more relaxed and like your stress has melted away. Massage is also good for your muscles and your physical form. It can enhance sports performance and ease the aches of arthritis. This blog explores massage more in-depth, allowing you to learn more about this helpful treatment modality.
Chances are you've heard of massage and possibly even had one at one point, but if you've ever heard of lymphatic massage, it might leave you confused. What exactly is the lymphatic system? Here's what you need to know about the lymphatic system and this type of massage.
Lymph Nodes
The lymphatic system is the combination of all of your lymph nodes and the connections between them. If you don't know what lymph nodes are, they're a part of the body that's responsible for fighting infection. They're filled with antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-cancer cells that can be sent out to fight infections wherever they occur in the body.
You've probably experienced your lymph nodes fighting an infection at one point or another in your life. Have you ever had a really bad sore throat that the doctor identified by feeling around your throat? That was likely caused by inflamed or swollen lymph nodes that were reacting to the infection that your body was fighting.
Fluid
Lymph nodes don't exist all on their own, though. The lymph itself, or the fluid inside them, plays a huge role in how they function. This fluid flows through the lymph nodes and through the tissues of the body, eliminating infection and invading pathogens wherever it goes.
However, some people believe that this fluid can become stagnant and sluggish, sticking around in the lymph nodes and making them swell and inflamed instead of going where it needs to. This is where lymphatic massage comes in.
What to Expect
Lymphatic massage is a type of deep-tissue massage that focuses on where the lymph nodes are located. This includes areas like the head, neck, and armpits. It may seem a little odd at first, but this type of massage has been shown to move the lymph fluid around forcibly so that it can do its job and come back to the lymph nodes clean instead of polluted.
Most people describe lymphatic massage as very pleasant and comfortable to go through. While the exact benefits vary from person to person, you can expect similar muscle pain relief and even a boost to your body's ability to ward off infections, which is more important now than ever.
Lymphatic massage is one way to improve the health of your lymph nodes and entire lymphatic system. If you haven't tried it yet, what do you have to lose? Schedule an appointment and try it for yourself. Contact a company like Massage Solutions LLC for more information.