LDMs are a form of massage therapy that moves excess fluid through the body to improve your immune system and flush out swelling caused by fluid build-up. Recently, LDM has been trending due to its power to slim the face and body almost instantly, but it's no fad. This gentle yet effective massage has a multitude of benefits, but what exactly is lymphatic drainage and how does it work?

Understanding the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a subsystem of the immune system that collects excess fluid (called lymph) from cells and tissues and returns them to the bloodstream. Not only does it maintain your body’s fluid levels, but it also produces immune cells such as white blood cells to fight against foreign bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. 

Notice how you have lymph nodes all over your body, but they cluster around the neck, armpits, abdomen, and groin? This is because the lymphatic system removes toxins through your breath, sweat, bowel movements, and urination.

Lymphatic Massages and Your Immune System

Everyone benefits from LDMs. In fact, most see it as general health maintenance. A disruption in your health can block your lymphatic system from maintaining fluid levels. This stagnation can be caused by illnesses, poor diet, medical treatments, cosmetic procedures, and more.

 Unlike your heart’s circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn’t pump itself, so it requires manual drainage. Without manual lymphatic drainage, you may experience poor immune system health and painful inflammation. In severe cases, conditions like fibrosis can form.  Reducing this swelling can greatly reduce discomfort. This is where a certified massage therapist can make a huge impact. 

What is an LDM like?

After an initial consultation, you will undress, and lie down on a massage table in the face-up position, covered modestly with a sheet. Only the area being worked on is undraped at any time. The atmosphere is the same as a massage treatment room with dim lighting and soft music. Although you are in a massage setting, it is important to understand that LDM is completely different from massages like deep tissue and Swedish massage. LDM is a specific form of bodywork designed to efficiently move lymph fluid in your body.  All massage therapists at Acuspa are certified to perform lymphatic drainage massages.

Gentle, rotating, pumping motions with the therapist's hands and fingertips begin at the collarbone area, then focus on areas where there is a concentration of lymph nodes: the underarms, abdomen, groin, and back of the knees. Usually, the entire session is performed with you lying in the face-up position because all of the areas of lymph nodes that need to be decongested are located on the front of the body. Stimulation of the Lymphatic System activates the parasympathetic nervous system, producing an automatic physiological relaxation response. Many clients fall asleep!

After your massage, you’ll feel lighter and more energized. Since the LDM flushes your system of toxins, you will need to use the restroom more frequently following the session. Be sure to drink an extra 2-4 cups of water to compensate for the fluid loss!

FAQ: Can I bring my friend/ family/ partner with me?

Yes! While our lobby has a wonderfully zen waiting room, it is also common for patients to bring in friends and family to observe the massage. We understand clients may feel more comfortable having someone they know with them during their service, so we'll ensure your guest feels just as welcome as you do! Our massage therapists love to share their passion for health and wellness with everyone who comes to Acuspa.

LDMs For Post-Op Patients

More and more cosmetic surgeons are prescribing lymphatic drainage massages for their clients.

Procedures like lipo, tummy tuck, and BBL involve surgically injecting and removing fat. In the diagram, you can see how surgical instruments like a cannula can leave space between the skin and muscle. 

This space is where fluid can build up, causing painful inflammation. Post-op inflammation can evolve into fibrosis (a permanent hardening of the tissue) or a seroma (pocket of serum) can form. That is why the first few weeks after your operation are the most crucial for smooth healing. But don’t sweat, that’s where we come in! Our massage therapists are specifically certified to perform lymphatic drainage massages with a specialty in post-operational care. 

MASSAGE ENHANCING ADD-ONS

Shea Butter/Sea Salt Foot Treatment- scrub, mask and a hot towel wrap.
$20

Scalp & Hair Treatment- invigorate and nourish. Includes massage.
$30

Essential Oils- perfect to enhance any treatment.
$15 

Sombra Neck Wrap- muscle relaxer with hot towel wrap.
$20

Healing Hot Stones - warm stones massaged along the muscles.
$20

SERVICE ADD-ONS

Celluma Red Light Therapy - read more on our Celluma page.
$30 for 30 minutes

Infrared Sauna- detox your body by breaking a sweat, read more here!
$30 for 40 minutes

Deep Tissue 30 min - schedule an additional 30 minutes of a targeted deep tissue massage.
$58 for 30 minutes