Massage.
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Lymphatic Drainage Massage by a Lymphedema Physical Therapist- Why it's Important & How to Do it

A physiotherapist who specialises in lymphoedema explains how the lymphatic system returns fluid to the heart, then demonstrates a whole-body self-drainage sequence. She starts with belly breathing and the lymph nodes at the neck, armpits and groin, then drains the trunk, back, hips, chest and shoulders towards those nodes.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage by a Lymphedema Physical Therapist- Why it's Important & How to Do it · Cancer Rehab PT · YouTube

Video: Lymphatic Drainage Massage by a Lymphedema Physical Therapist- Why it's Important & How to Do it, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6laR5c_y2IA

Length10:37
RatingClarity 4/5 · Credibility 4/5 · Relevance 3/5
Certified lymphoedema physiotherapist. Self-massage format; the opening section makes broad immune-health claims.
Coverstechniques/lymphatic-drainage-intro
Watchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6laR5c_y2IA

Chapters

  1. 0:00 How the lymphatic system supports your immune health
  2. 1:38 The science of lymph fluid and detoxification
  3. 2:22 Why lymphatic drainage helps with colds and allergies
  4. 3:30 Step 1: Abdominal breathing to clear deep lymph nodes
  5. 4:55 Step 2: Stimulating lymph nodes in the neck and collarbone
  6. 6:04 Step 3: Draining the armpit (Axilla) lymph nodes
  7. 6:40 Step 4: Stimulating the groin (Inguinal) lymph nodes
  8. 7:22 Trunk and abdomen massage for total body drainage
  9. 8:15 How to drain the back and hips for better flow
  10. 9:10 Chest and shoulder clearing for lymphatic health

Key points

  • The lymphatic system is one-way, carrying fluid back towards the heart through the lymph nodes.
  • Start with slow abdominal breathing, then prepare the nodes nearest the trunk (neck, collarbone, armpit, groin).
  • Work each region towards the nearest group of nodes with light, skin-stretching strokes.
  • The chapters make it easy to jump to each step.

Cautions

  • The claims about colds, allergies and immunity are not supported evidence for massage; do not repeat them to clients.
  • Self-massage format; clients with lymphoedema need a specialist therapist.