RK Oriental Spa at RK Hotel Subic Bay

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Lymph Massage
Armoring the Immune System

As the cold and flu season approaches, it's time to bolster the immune system and give it a coat of armor against the certain onslaught that awaits.

Maybe you already take a defensive stand this time of year with a more diligent use of vitamins and herbal supplements, heightened precautions with hand-washing, or an extra glass of orange juice or serving of broccoli. But have you ever considered a lymph massage to help your body stave off the blues of winter illness?

"At the start of the flu season, have one or two lymph massage sessions to really charge the immune system," says Ramona Moody French, author of Milady's Guide to Lymph Drainage Massage, and founder of the Desert Resorts School of Somatherapy in Palm Springs, Calif. "There's a lot of scientific evidence for how effective it is," she says, both in its ability to increase the production of white blood cells and to stimulate the immune system.

Lymph massage, also known in variations as Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) or Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT), is a gentle, relaxing form of massage that helps the body's lymphatic system get moving again while reinforcing immune function. To fully understand the benefits of lymph massage, let's first take a quick look at how this lesser-known system works.

Lymph's Life
As a vital component of the body's immune function, the lymphatic system is comprised of several organs (thymus, tonsils, spleen, adenoids), hundreds of lymph nodes, and a multitude of vessels that run throughout the body similar to our circulatory system of veins and arteries. These lymphatic vessels carry a clear fluid, known as lymph, that circulates around the body's tissues, absorbing fluid, waste products, dead cells, bacteria, viruses, fats, and proteins from the tissue as it goes, while also giving passage to immune cells as they're needed.

Lymph nodes are found throughout the body -- including most notably the neck, armpits, and groin -- and have the job of filtering the lymph fluid and removing damaging elements they've picked up along the way, such as bacteria and cancer cells. When the lymph nodes detect these foreign elements in the fluid, they begin producing additional infection-fighting white blood cells, and become enlarged in the process, hence a swollen gland.

If the system gets overtaxed because of ill health, surgery, stress, or poor diet, it can get sluggish and not do its job as efficiently. As a major player in the body's immune process, it makes sense that by waking up the lymphatic system you dramatically improve your chances for staying healthy.

A Massage That's Barely There
With lymph massage, the system gets a wake-up call through delicate means. Lymph massage is extremely gentle and slow, not just as an aspect of its healing nature, but by necessity. "Most of the lymphatic vessels are just below the skin and are stimulated by .5 to 8 ounces of pressure per square inch," French says. That light, slow pressure mimics the pulse and rhythm of the lymphatic system itself and gets the vessels to respond as they should. Each stroke slightly moves the skin in the direction of the lymphatic flow to encourage the drainage of fluid and waste.

The delicate nature of each stroke as it carefully glides across the skin can sometimes make it feel as if nothing is happening, especially for those who are used to deep bodywork. But it's exactly that noninvasive quality of lymph massage that makes it work. "The results can be profound," French says.

Depending what your complaints are, the focus of a lymph massage for general immune stimulation is typically on the upper body, including the face, neck, and arms. The massage always has fluid moving toward a healthy lymph node, and while most therapists don't work directly on the breast, they do address the tissue surrounding the breast.

If your primary complaint is swelling, scar tissue, or inflammation, therapy should focus on the part of the body where that occurs. For anyone wanting to address issues of musculature, as well as lymph, French recommends 20-30 minutes of deep tissue massage, followed by 20-30 minutes of lymph massage.

After your lymph massage, it's important to drink plenty of water as things get moving again. French says it's possible you could feel some mild, flu-like symptoms, depending on how toxic your body is (i.e., what environmental pollutants you've been exposed to, what sort of diet you've been following, what types of medications you're taking, and how much sugar or alcohol you consume). While most people come out of a typical lymph massage feeling nothing but relaxed, French says if you do feel a little off-kilter afterward, the best solution is to "drink plenty of water, watch your salt intake, and get up and move." Movement, she says, creates a greater lymphatic response and will hurry the process along.

Today or Year-Round
During the often-stressful holidays and the viral barrage of the cold and flu season, French says it's especially important to pay attention to your body. If you're feeling tired or run-down, she recommends getting a lymph massage. It will help charge your batteries, so to speak, and prep the immune system for the road ahead.

French also advises her clients to consider a good lymphatic work over when the seasons change. Two to three sessions, preferably all in one week, but at least over a few week's time, is what the body needs to recharge itself, she says.

On a year-round basis, lymph massage is a good treatment for edema (or swelling), any kind of inflammation (such as tendonitis), or a recent injury (like an ankle sprain), and is really helpful with sinus conditions and a general sense of congestion. "It also helps to reduce scar tissue and stimulate the circulation and production of white blood cells," she says.

But this work might even have greater opportunities for those who want to explore them. "Lymph massage can get you moving on a deeper level," French says. It's not only relaxing, but very hypnotic, she explains. Mimicking the natural pulsation of the lymph system, lymph massage can create a sensation not unlike listening to the ebb and flow of the ocean's waters. "It's like feeling the waves flow over you," she says. "Like being bathed in the ocean."

When the Body Fights Back
When the lymphatic system is especially compromised, as in the presence of cancer or after it's been disrupted by surgery, it can slow to a near negligible pace. This is when a swelling of the lymph passages occurs, known as lymphedema, creating a painful, potentially debilitating condition. One of the most common causes for lymphedema is undergoing a mastectomy, where breast tissue and/or lymph nodes under the arm are removed. Of the women having this operation, up to 15 percent are likely to get lymphedema. But it's not just mastectomies where lymphedema is showing up.

According to the National Lymphedema Network, if lymph nodes are removed, there is always a risk of developing lymphedema, anywhere from hours after the surgery to 20 years later. Even when there's been no surgery, lymphedema can come into play if there have been radiation treatments. Like surgery, radiation therapy creates scar tissue that stalls the normal flow of lymphatic fluids through the body.

Lymph massage has shown to be effective for lymphedema, especially when caught early. When significant scar tissue has started to form as a result of chronic swelling, the work can take a much longer time, but is still effective.

If you are a postsurgery patient, be mindful of the signs of lymphedema -- tightness in the skin, a feeling of "fullness" in the affected area, and persistent swelling. It's important to report these symptoms to your healthcare provider and even seek out a second opinion. Unlike the protocol in Europe, where it's the third most prescribed health treatment, lymph massage, and lymphedema itself, are not always discussed between U.S. physicians and their patients. If you are at risk and your doctor doesn't bring it up, it's important you start the conversation.

In addition to lymphatic massage, combined approaches for lymphedema include the use of compression garments, bandaging, diet control, skin care, and condition-appropriate exercise. Many therapists like to send their lymphedema clients home with the knowledge of how to administer this massage for themselves. "For long-term problems like chronic edema or scar tissue, clients can learn to self-treat," French says, allowing the work to keep going between sessions.

If you, or someone you know, is dealing with the debilitating effects of postsurgical lymphedema, lymph massage is something to be considered. Talk it over with your doctor, and see if your massage therapist can offer this work or refer you to a colleague.

Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic massage is a type of massage that is very helpful for aiding the body’s elimination of wastes and toxins. It also has many benefits for the body, including weight loss and reducing the amount of cellulite. Read on to learn more about this fantastic therapy.

What is the Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system is one of the main elimination channels in the body. The others are the skin, lungs, kidneys and bowels. It is a major factor in the absorption of nutrients from digestion into the tissues and it is also how the body removes its metabolic wastes. The lymphatic system clears toxins, unwanted proteins, and waste which cannot be removed by any other means.

The lymphatic system maintains the connective tissues to an optimal levels, carries toxins out of the body’s interstitial spaces, helps to transport lymphocytes and hormones throughout the body, filters harmful substances and bacterial infection, maintains the balance of fluids in the body’s tissues, and it recovers substances that have escaped into the body.

What is Lymphatic Massage?

Because the lymphatic system has no pump, its functions are dependent upon muscle contractions, diaphragmatic breathing, and body movement. It is common to develop a sluggish lymphatic flow. Some causes of this include inactivity, consuming the wrong foods and drinks, and not drinking enough water.

Lymphatic massage is a massage technique that is designed to stimulate the lymph’s circulation in order to speed up the removal of waste from the body. It is helpful for the nervous system as it reduces sympathetic nervous activity, allows para-sympathetic activity, stimulates the defenses of the immune system, and increases the flow and volume of the lymph fluid. The technique involves the use of gentle, rhythmic strokes and pumping movements towards the direction of the lymph nodes on the body.

Lymphatic massage is helpful for scars, stress, cellulite, stretch marks, detoxification, chronic fatigue, weight problems, arthritis, neurological disorders, pregnancy, pain, and overall wellbeing.

Benefits of Lymphatic Massage
The benefits of lymphatic massage include:

• improving circulation, in turn increasing the metabolic rate
• helping with weight loss
• reducing fluid retention
• eliminating toxins, thus aiding detoxification
• reducing cellulite fat in the body
• improving immunity
• helping with sinus congestion and allergies
• fibromyalgia
• hormonal imbalances

Deep Lymphatic Massage
Many degenerative problems are related to imbalances or poor functioning within the lymphatic system. If these imbalances are not corrected, the lymphatic system is unable to properly remove waste and toxic materials. The toxic matter then builds up in the body’s tissues, eventually leading to what we call disease.

Deep lymphatic massage is used to clear all of the lymphatic vessels through the body – the superficial, mid, and deep vessels – which have become congested through trauma. Any time the body sustains damage, an area of congestion develops and, over time, this congestion solidifies and may hold fluid around the area, thus leading to an increase in body size and blocking the flow of some fluids.

Many conditions respond well to deep lymphatic massage, although it is especially good for people that are wishing to prevent problems in the future. It should not be used by people that are pregnant, have epilepsy, or have appendicitis.

What to Expect During a Lymphatic Massage Session
Lymphatic massage treatments generally last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. It is performed on a table, and the client undresses to an extent that they are comfortable with. Sheets and blankets are used to protect modesty. The strokes used in the massage are light and rhythmic, and the massage should not be painful. Massage oil is generally used. Once the massage is over, the practitioner will leave the room to allow the client to redress. The practitioner will also give you some tips on exercises that will continue to assist in lymphatic drainage.

The Health Benefits of Massage

Massage has many important health benefits. In fact, massage can help you maintain physical, mental and emotional well being, especially when it is part of your regular wellness routine.

* Massage calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well being.

* Massage reduces tension and anxiety.

* Massage improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells.

* Massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products.

* Massage prevents and relieve muscles cramps and spasms.

* Massage therapy can help with pain management in conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasms.

Remind yourself of these health benefits if you start to feel guilty about getting massage!

Massage is not a good idea if you have a fever, infections, inflammation, osteoporosis and other medical conditions. If you have any questions about whether a massage would be right for you, ask to speak to a massage therapist before you make your appointment.

The Wellness Week Pledge:

I pledge to take charge of my health by taking these simple yet vital steps toward a happier and healthier life. By committing to achieve at least one of these activities each day of Wellness Week, I will make taking care of myself a priority, enabling me to do more, stay healthy and live a longer, more vibrant and meaningful life. I pledge to:

1. Change my breakfast. I will kick off my day with a healthy meal that includes foods like oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, seeds, nuts and whole-grain cereals and toast.

2. Choose to move. I will walk more by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further from the store or taking a desk break to go for a five-minute stroll.

3. Hydrate. I will drink a glass of water before breakfast, lunch or dinner.

4. Connect with nature. I will walk outside, breathe more deeply and enjoy the outdoors for a few minutes each day.

5. Make my sleep a priority. I will build boundaries around my sleep by sticking to a set bedtime, and by not eating or working in bed.

6. Embrace the power of touch. I will recharge myself and others, through the simple act of giving or receiving a hug, foot rub or five-minute massage.

7. Give myself the gift of silence. I will find 10 minutes a day away from screens of any type - phone, TV or computer and enjoy the quiet.

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Spa Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts

Here are some of the most important points of spa etiquette:

Arrive at least fifteen minutes early for your appointment, to give yourself time to check in and get into your robe. If the spa has special facilities like steam or sauna or whirlpool baths, you should arrive even earlier to enjoy them.

You will usually undress completely for massage and body treatments, but your therapist will keep your body draped in dry services and only expose area to be worked upon. Some spas use draping in wet treatments like body scrubs, while others do not.

Give the therapist feedback as to your comfort and special troubled areas. You can talk or be quiet, and he she should follow your lead

Relax, enjoy and allow others to care for you.

Understand that you are getting therapeutic massage, which is not a sensual experience.

Don't talk loudly in the public areas.

Do not bring children and leave them unattended.

Gratuities of 15-20% are typical.

If the therapist says, "take your time getting up," it means not to get up so fast that you get woozy. You generally have five or so minutes. The room must be prepared for the next client unless she or he says otherwise.

Give honest feedback to the therapist, owner, receptionist, etc., as operation personnel cares to know if your spa experiences was as expected.

tips for Enjoying Your Massage

A massage is supposed to be a soothing, relaxing experience. So why do so many people arrive at 1:30 for a 1:30 massage? You should be in your robe already! And if you arrive late, in a frenzied state, you might as well have not come. Get there early is the most important tip for enjoying your massage. But there are plenty more. (Hint -- don't eat a big sausage sub right before you get there, and be sure to speak up if you don't like the pressure.

Here are some tips adapted from the American Massage Therapy Association to help you enjoy your massage.

* Be receptive. Don't eat just before a massage session.

* Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it will take longer to relax.

* If you don't want to remove all your clothing, discuss it with the therapist. Wear what you will be comfortable in that will allow the therapist to work on the areas of your body that need it.

* Good communication is very important. Before the session, give accurate health information and let the massage therapist know what you want from the massage. During the massage session, Speak up if you have any feedback on the amount of pressure, speed of movement, room temperature, music volume, or lighting.

* Some people like to talk during a massage session, while others remain silent. In general you should do whatever you feel like, and the massage therapist will follow your lead.

* Breathing helps to facilitate relaxation. People often stop breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged. If you realize this is happening, remind yourself to breath.

* Try not to tighten up during the massage. Let your massage therapist know if this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique being used. They may also be able to help you relax the affected area.

* If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more "body-centered" and to quiet the mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels.

* If anything happens during the massage that you dislike or seems improper, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop. If necessary, you also have the right to end the session.

* If you are dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast.

* Drink extra water after a massage.

* Allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session if possible. Sometimes one needs a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session or needs some "re-entry" time.

Remember, massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often a person gets a massage, the better he or she will feel and the more quickly one’s body will respond. If you are getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed, so be prepared to schedule several sessions.

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