How To Prepare for Your Lymphatic Drainage Massage at INDIGO
How to prepare for your Lymphatic Drainage Massage
You’ve just booked your manual lymphatic draining massage treatment with us. Yay, Congrats! We are so excited to work with you and help you achieve your wellness goals.
This blog post will help you prepare for your session with us so that you can experience the most benefits from one of our signature services, The Detox.
You’ve probably heard about the benefits of lymphatic drainage massages from all over the internet. It’s a massage modality that has been around since the 1930’s but is recently making headlines in a big way in the holistic wellness community because of the new-found appreciation for the lymphatic system and the beauty benefits that come from working with this incredibly intricate and delicate system that supports all facets of wellbeing and health.
We have been offering lymphatic drainage massage at INDIGO since we opened our doors in 2016. In fact, Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage was the first continuing education modality that our founder, Jordan Frye, went back to school for following graduation from her massage therapy program. It is truly a gift to the giver and the receiver of this service because of it’s profound impact on health and wellbeing for the person receiving it, and the ability of the practitioner to be able to perform such light and intentional work, thus improving their career longitude as a practitioner of the massage therapy profession.
We have been on an ongoing waitlist for The Detox for about two years. It’s a client favorite because of the benefits, the way it makes you feel, and how dramatically it can improve your entire body and wellbeing. If you have been waiting, we are so appreciative of your patience and support, and promise it will be worth the wait!
To help you achieve the most from your session, we have put together a short list of things that will help you as you prepare for your lymphatic drainage massage, along with the reasons behind the recommendations.
When was the last time you checked in with your body and really listened to the signals it was sending you? Close your eyes and take a moment to quiet your mind. Bring your awareness to your body and take note of any areas of discomfort, tension, or aches. Jot them down if you’d like. This is vital information that your body is sharing with you. We encourage you to communicate your areas of concerns to your practitioner during your initial consultation. These signs are little cues from your body that your practitioner will use to understand the imbalances and how to best treat them.
Become familiar with what lymphatic drainage massage is, and understand that it is very different from traditional therapeutic, Swedish or deep tissue massage techniques. Your massage therapist will apply very gentle and intentional massage techniques over specific areas where lymph nodes and vessels hold lymphatic fluid, while “pumping and pushing” the fluid along the lymphatic vessels in the direction of your body’s natural detoxification pathways. These light and rhythmical motions help move stagnant lymph fluid, excess waste, toxins and debris from your system.
Stay hydrated. Lymph is approximately 96% water! It’s important to drink plenty of water and hydrating liquids prior to and after your session.
Keep it light. Eat a light meal before your session, but preferably no food in the hour leading up to your session, as part of this bodywork treatment also includes abdominal massage (to the client’s comfort level).
Choose comfort. Come in comfortable, loose fitting clothing, as constructive clothing prevents and blocks the natural flow of lymphatic fluid.
Prepare to focus on your breath. Did you know that deep, abdominal breathing helps to move your lymph? It’s true! Diaphragmatic breathing expands the rib cage allowing more interstitial space to be squeezed and replenished with fresh lymph, while also pushing lymph fluid through the main lymph ducts for detoxification. During your session, breath deeply with ease, and let yourself slip away into relaxation.
Bonus tip: complete your intake forms as completely and accurately as possible at least one day in advance. The information that you provide on your intake forms is used by your therapist to understand your health concerns. They take the time to do any research they may need to refresh their memory regarding certain health conditions or medications that you’re taking. By completing your intake form early, they are able to begin thinking about a treatment plan for you, even before you arrive for your session! As an added bonus, when you complete your intake form in advance, you will not have to complete any paperwork when you arrive!
Was this blog post helpful? Do you still have questions? Let us know in the comments section below!
When you’re ready to make you appointment at INDIGO for The Detox, please join our waitlist.
