Will I Feel Sick After a Lymphatic Massage?
It is hard to predict what you will feel after a lymphatic massage as every body is different. Some people feel energized, whereas other feel tired. There is a small subset of the population that may experience a detox “flu”. I believe that subset to be the most toxic and in the most need of regular lymphatic massage.
Why Would a Lymphatic Massage Make you Feel like you Have the Flu?
Let’s review the function of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It consists of a network of tissues, vessels and organs to move lymph fluid back into the circulatory system. Lymph fluid contains the waste products of cellular processes, thus when the system become stagnant you can feel unwell. A lymphatic massage will help move the waste products and toxins out. A good analogy is to think of the lymphatic system as a sewerage system. It is responsible for fluid balance, immune responses, and digestive function (believe it or not).
“The first time I had a BallancerPro treatment, within two hours I had a massive evacuation. I didn’t view this as a sign it made me sicker, but instead was making me better”
The function of lymph nodes is to defend the body from bacteria, viruses, parasites and more. When the lymphatic system is sluggish these invaders can get stuck in the lymph nodes. A lymphatic massage may flush out the invaders making you feel temporarily sick. The best defense against this flu like reaction is to hydrate well before a lymphatic massage, as well as after. I always tell clients to drink more water than they ever have before.
What to Expect after a Lymphatic Massage?
- The experience will be relaxing as the parasympathetic nervous system will be stimulated
- An increase need to urinate as your body is flushing out toxins. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. If you get dehydrated, you will feel worse
- Urine may smell or look different as things are being flushed out.
- Increased in energy and vitality, although sometimes you may feel initially more tired, followed by feeling more energetic
- Decreased swelling and bloating
- Feeling more thirsty- hydrate!
- A boost in immunity – continue with regular lymphatic massages
What is Lymphatic Drainage?
The lymphatic system works in a specific fashion as most systems in the body do. The vessels of the lymphatic system flow up towards the upper chest where the lymph fluid enters the venous blood system through one of two large ducts: the right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct. The thoracic duct actually handles 80% of the lymphatic flow. Interestingly, I see many women with issues on the left side of the body, such as cancer in the left breast. I do not see this as a conincencidence, but as an indication that lymphatic drainage is sluggish.
In summary, yes, lymphatic massage can make you temporarily feel sick, as you may have a detoxification reaction. Sadly, those that have this experience may avoid lymphatic massage when in fact lymphatic massage is the thing that they need the most to achieve optimal health.
At Body R-N-R we use a German technololgy, BallancerPro, as this device is the most precise, consistent and effective lymphatic drainage available. All BallancerPro practitioners understand the lymphatic system and will not treat the lymphatic system in isolation, but as a whole.
