Side Effects of Lymphatic Drainage Massage.
The lymphatic system is a major player in the role of the body’s immune system. The fluid produces lymphocytes, which helps protect against infection. It’s a circulatory system, but unlike the blood circulatory system, there is no pump to push the fluid around the lymph vessels and nodes located throughout the body. For this reason, a sedentary lifestyle can often lead to more infections, sickness, and swelling, especially during and after illnesses or surgeries.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle massage that helps get this fluid moving through the body; however, as with all types of therapy, there are a few possible side effects that could happen with this type of massage.
Possible Side Effects of Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Increased urination and/or bowel movements. The point of lymphatic massage is to get the fluid moving so as to remove toxins from the body. This in turn affects the urinary and gastrointestinal systems where the toxins will be excreted.
Headache and/or aching muscles. This is considered a natural result because this type of massage is releasing tension and toxins and moving it through the body systems, so it is essentially putting more pressure on other systems and constricting vessels.
Emotional sensitivity. This is completely normal and okay. You are rejuvenating the body and “waking up” the chemistry. The lymphatic drainage massage is a healing process and sometimes it can feel overwhelming.
Increased hunger and thirst. The lymphatic massage is very relaxing and cleansing. In a relaxed state where the fluids are flowing through your body at a healthier rate, your body will be more aware of the nutrients it needs.
Fatigue. The body that needs lymphatic massage is one that has been under a lot of stress and sometimes trauma. Everything is wired very tight, so when the body starts to relax through the gentle massage of the lymphatic vessels and nodes, it’s normal to feel extremely tired.
Skin breakout. This sometimes happens depending on the oils/lotions used during the massage, and because of the contact of the therapist’s own natural skin oils. A simple exfoliating scrub or detoxification bath will help with this side effect.
Overall, there really aren’t very many major side effects to a lymphatic massage. There are a few contraindications and situations in which treatment should be stopped, but that is covered in another article. For the most part, lymphatic massage is a great addition to rehabilitation or healing treatments.
Jeanie Rowan says
I’m using ginger oil to massage my under arms, shoulders knees and ankles. After the first time I did this, the next day I felt a little achy. Can this be normal for a ginger massage? Should I be massaging in different areas of my lymph system?
Christine Leone says
This is true. I just started LYMPH drainage and felt great but a week later I pee and poop constantly. My belly aches when I have to 💩. And my throat had a thing that felt like a pin prick when I swallowed sometimes and throat felt odd.
Can this be a reaction ? I have venus insufficientsy.
Can anyone tell me about the throat?
Christine
Christine Leone says
This article was very helpful. I have issues after a few appointments , only four drainages and wrappings. Continuous going to have bowel movements with much pressure feeling when I go. And my glands felt odd and when I swallowed it felt like a pin prick. Not all the time. But urination, bowel movements and uncomfortable doing this has me wondering if it is from the lymph drainage. I have lymphadema, not at a bad stage yet. I have LIPODEMA too I hope this reaction goes away. I was fine till I went to therapy on the 4th visit
I was very glad to read this article I would love to know if the throat is a reaction too.
Christine
Christine Leone says
This article was very helpful. I have issues after a few appointments , only four drainages and wrappings. Continuous going to have bowel movements with much pressure feeling when I go. And my glands felt odd and when I swallowed it felt like a pin prick. Not all the time. But urination, bowel movements and uncomfortable doing this has me wondering if it is from the lymph drainage. I have lymphadema, not at a bad stage yet. I have LIPODEMA too I hope this reaction goes away. I was fine till I went to therapy on the 4th visit
I was very glad to read this article I would love to know if the throat is a reaction too.
Christine
Sue says
I am having horrific debilitating headaches & stiff neck since have 2 lymph massage in the past 2 weeks. Will this eventually go away? I am scheduled to have 1 every week because I have extremely swollen painful lymph nodes all throughout my body.
admin says
Hi Sue,
I’m sorry for you. I think that the Lymphatic Drainage will definitely help you. We appreciate your comments. Thank you a lot.
Hamilton Physiotherapy says
I have read this article. It has very informative material. Please keep it up. Good work.
admin says
We appreciate your comments. Thank you a lot.
Michelle says
I had my first lymphatic massage and when I got home I was so tired I couldn’t keep my eyes open so I layed down and slept for about 3 hours I never do that or feel tired during the day. Is this something to be concerned
Simone says
Good day – I had one session on Thurs.
I then felt fluey and slept the whole of Friday and most of Saturday.
I am also having increased hunger… however I am not craving nutrients. Rather sugar and carbs. I have also been having stomach cramps.
My
Mood has been very low since having the drainage session.
Diane E Price says
I am happy to say that I am in Remission after stage 4 metastasized Endometrial Cancer. During the surgery the Oncologist/Surgeon described part of the process as “scooping out affected Lymph nodes in abdomen & behind my aorta”. The result that, after a year of Chemo (every 21 days) 5 weeks of daily Radiation followed by 2 Brachy Radiation treatments I ordered a PETscan & Docs found no evidence of disease, I felt ok after all was done. BTW. I live far from friends & neighbors so I had adopted the “She believed she could. So she did” as my person mantra. Anyway, 2 months later I felt worse than I did during treatment. Exhausted, legs hurt from knees down. Swelling in legs, ankles & feet was diagnosed as Lymphatic Edema. I have been prescribed Lymphatic massage. Today was my first. Came home & felt exhausted. Went to bed & woke feeling dizzy?? Now my neck & right area near “port” feel extremely tight & sore. Is this discomfort normal & should it go away a few treatment. I have 2 x per week for the next 6 weeks. Will I need to take a 3 hr nap after each treatment? Thanks for your feedback.
Monika says
I remember when I had my lymphatic drainage massage done after losing some weight to help improve it’s flow and I had the muscle aches, felt like I had the flu tbh, even my tonsils were swollen, if I didn’t know it was all the toxins leaving my body, I would have thought it was an actual tonsillitis. But don’t worry, it goes away in a day or two and it means it’s working 🙂 fat cells are where all the toxins are stored, so just means you’re detoxing
Christy says
I am glad I found this article. I thought I was going crazy because I have major fatigue, stiff neck, headaches and some acne which I hardly ever had in my life.
I have been receiving aggressive manual lymphatic drainage therapy due to a lumpectomy and developing a large 10cm x 7 cm seroma.
Teecee says
I just started getting lymph drain massage. Get an experienced person….My first lymph drainage massage person wasn’t very good. The one I have now is excellent. I am very stuck and am in dire need of this treatment and I believe it will make a huge difference. I have bursitis swelling and congested lymph system. I’ve done it 4ntimes two times a week to th detox support/binders. I do have a bad headache the last two days…..but it’ll get better.
😊