My Personal Journey
I am in my perimenopausal era. What a rollercoaster ride it’s been. This chapter in my life is so important to me that after receiving my two wellness certifications, I returned to school to receive a certification to specialize in hormonal health. We women do not realize that perimenopause can begin 7-10 years prior to actually being in the thick of it. Symptoms started for me in my mid 40’s and a decade later, I still experience them but now am aware of why. For years I have felt extremely bloated and have water retention. It is so uncomfortable. I am of course watching my nutrition with eating less salt and exercising more. Something else that I learned to be beneficial is taking care of your lymphatic system. I began educating myself more on how to support my lymphatic system.
What is the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is an essential network within the body responsible for maintaining fluid balance, supporting immune function, and facilitating the removal of waste products. It consists of lymph nodes, which act as filtration stations, lymphatic vessels that transport lymph fluid, and lymphoid organs like the spleen, thymus, and tonsils that play crucial roles in immune defense. As lymph fluid circulates through this network, it collects excess fluid, pathogens, and cellular debris, which are then filtered through the lymph nodes and returned to the bloodstream. This continuous process not only helps prevent infections and manage inflammation but also ensures that the body’s tissues remain properly hydrated and free of harmful substances.
What is Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage is a therapeutic technique designed to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system, helping to enhance the body’s natural process of detoxification and fluid balance. Opening up and supporting the drainage pathways by using gentle, rhythmic pressure and specific massage techniques, lymphatic drainage encourages the movement of lymph through the vessels and nodes, reducing fluid retention and alleviating swelling. This method not only supports the immune system by promoting the removal of waste products and toxins but also improves overall circulation and can provide a soothing, relaxing effect. As a result, lymphatic drainage is an effective approach for enhancing physical health, speeding up healing, and fostering a sense of overall well-being. Every day while I am in the shower, I hit the 7 specific locations for lymphatic drainage. It has become a part of my daily routine. It only takes a few minutes.
What is Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage was the next thing I decided to do. I found a wonderful spa locally that specializes in this. I must say that this is such a treat and I have learned that it is a crucial part of healing my lymphatic system. Finding someone who is skilled to perform this type of massage is key. Lymphatic massage offers a range of benefits by stimulating the lymphatic system to enhance the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body. This gentle, rhythmic massage technique helps reduce fluid retention and swelling by encouraging the removal of excess fluid and toxins from tissues. It supports immune function by facilitating the efficient circulation of lymphocytes, which are critical for fighting infections. Additionally, lymphatic massage can improve circulation, aid in post-surgical recovery by minimizing edema, and promote relaxation and stress relief through its calming effects. Overall, this therapy fosters a sense of well-being, helps maintain fluid balance, and contributes to the body’s natural detoxification processes.
After several massages, I am experiencing the benefits. I spoke with Carol Ferreira, the owner of La Belle Esthetic Spa in Rye, NY and she answered these questions for me.
1) How and why did you begin your profession?
“My name is Carol Ferreira.
13 years ago, I started studying to be a massage therapist in Brazil. After that, I fell in love with the beauty industry, and then I specialized more in Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Face/body aesthetics.”
2) Why is taking care of your lymphatic system so important?
“The lymphatic system is an essential part of our immune system and helps protect the body from disease and infection.”
3) What are the key benefits of lymphatic massage?
“Lymphatic drainage massage offers many benefits to improve health and well-being
It is a gentle, non-invasive technique that can help to promote detoxification, boost the immune system, improve skin health and reduce inflammation.”
4) How can lymphatic massage help women in perimenopause and menopause?
“During perimenopause and menopause, women experience many physical and emotional changes that can be overwhelming. To combat these challenges and support optimal hormonal health, it is essential to promote a “rest and digest” mode dominated by the parasympathetic nervous system. Lymphatic massage therapy is a potential holistic benefit for supporting our parasympathetic nervous system and immune system. As a result, it helps to alleviate stress and anxiety, allowing us to feel more grounded and centered amidst the hormonal fluctuations and emotional ups and downs of perimenopause and menopause.
For those who spend extended periods sitting at a desk or are otherwise sedentary, lymphatic massage techniques that focus on venous and lymphatic return can be incredibly beneficial. By encouraging better circulation, the massage may help alleviate symptoms like puffy ankles, swollen feet, and the heavy sensation often experienced in the legs.”
5) How often should a person have a lymphatic massage and see results?
“The ideal frequency for lymphatic drainage can vary depending on several factors, including your personal health, your overall physical condition, and the recommendation of your therapist or doctor.
For general health and well-being maintenance, one or two lymphatic drainage session per month may be sufficient. However, if you are seeking lymphatic drainage to treat a specific condition, such as lymphedema, cellulite and swelling, you may need to have more frequent sessions. In some cases, it may be recommended to have lymphatic drainage weekly or even twice a week.”
More Support
Supporting your lymphatic system is key to maintaining overall health and ensuring effective fluid balance and immune function. To promote optimal lymphatic health, regular physical activity is crucial as it stimulates lymph flow through muscle contractions and movement. Staying well-hydrated also aids in fluid balance and helps keep lymph fluid from becoming too thick. Incorporating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins provides essential nutrients and antioxidants that support immune function and reduce inflammation. Additionally, practices such as dry brushing, which involves gently brushing the skin to stimulate lymphatic flow, and regular lymphatic massage can further enhance circulation and detoxification. Reducing stress through techniques like meditation and adequate rest also supports lymphatic health by promoting a balanced immune response. I plan to continue my lymphatic massages to achieve these results and to feel better as well as incorporate other ways to support my lymphatic system.
If you are experiencing similar perimenopausal symptoms, I would highly recommend scheduling an appointment at La Belle Esthetic Spa in Rye, NY. And if you are looking for additional support through this stage of life, I’d love to support you. You can contact me at bewellwithchrisann@gmail.com and 914-715-8576. Let’s chat!
