The only massage I’ve ever had was as a guinea pig for a student cosmetologist. The experience left me a bit jaded and wary of allowing anyone with oils near me again. I also learnt that sometimes you should just say no to freebies.

The words "lymph draining" conjured up some scary pictures. But after doing some reading, I was actually looking forward to it. You see, I was hoping that it could aid with my sleep problems and occasional constipation. But more about this later.

What is lymph drainage?
During the 1930s, while working on the French Riviera treating patients who had chronic colds, doctors Emil and Estrid Vodder noticed that the patients had swollen lymph nodes. Although considered a taboo to work on the lymphatic system, the Vodders began to study this intricate system and developed careful hand movements to aid lymph flow.

In 1936 they introduced manual lymphatic drainage, also called "the Vodder method", to the world.

Lymph-draining therapy is a gentle, rhythmic, pumping and stretching massage in which the therapist controls the flow of lymph within the body. The movements direct the lymph fluid to the lymph nodes where it is filtered and waste is removed.

Stimulation of the lymphatic system through massage helps it to work more effectively. This boosts the immune system, cleans the tissues, clears blockages, removes toxins, transports nutrients and increases blood flow and metabolism.

The claims
According to its proponents, lymph draining can improve one's health and promote general well-being. Some of the reported benefits include:

• Relieves stress


• Detoxifies the body


• Relieves swelling


• Promotes healing after surgery


• Treats cellulite


• Strengthens the immune system


• Treats and controls lymphoedema


• Improves chronic conditions such as sinusitis, acne, skin conditions, arthritis


• Relieves constipation and IBS


• Relieves insomnia and sleep problems


• Helps promote weight loss

What it felt like
The therapist contacted me beforehand to find out if I had any serious medical conditions. She also told me not to eat for two hours before the massage as she would be doing extensive work on my abdomen.

The atmosphere at the salon put me at ease immediately. The therapist, Debbie, explained more about the massage and what she would be doing.

I must admit I was a bit tense when she started, but once she got into the rhythm I started relaxing. She started with my neck and shoulders, moved down and then finished with my face and head. The massage was done in those sections of my body that hosts the major lymph nodes. This promoted flushing of the system, enabling each section clear passage.

She worked extensively on my abdomen, stretching and pumping the skin. I also had to breathe in and out in a particular way - something which also aids lymph movement.

The unique feature of the massage (and what a relief!) was that no oils were used.

The verdict
After the massage I felt dizzy and a bit wobbly. I had to concentrate hard on walking properly. I was given a glass of water and was told to avoid any hectic partying.

I felt drained when I got home. I slept for what felt like forever. The first thing I noticed the next morning was the improvement of my skin. My system felt clean and flushed. However, I was a bit sore in the abdominal region from the pumping and skin stretching.

A few weeks down the line, my skin is still maintaining the improvement, and I am sleeping better and the constipation is no longer as severe.

I would recommend it to anyone who is feeling sluggish and who needs a bit of relaxation. However, if you have a serious medical condition, seek advice from your doctor.

A 60-minute, full-body massage will cost you about R230.

- (Leandra Engelbrecht, Health24, October 2007)

For more information or to book a session, contact:
M-Kem 24-Hour Medicine City
Bounce Salon
(021) 948 5706 or email salon@mkem.co.za

Sources:
- Lymphatic massage drainage, http://massage4therapy.com/_wsn/page9.html
- Lymph drainage, http://universaltherapies.com/lymphatic_drainage.asp,br> - Manual lymphatic drainage: Vodder Method, http://www.massageworld.co.uk/manual_lymphatic-drainage
- Emil Vodder, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emil_Vodder
- Vodder School, http://www.vodderschool.com/estheticians/mld.cfm
- What is lymph drainage?, http://www.whatisholistic.com/definitions/manual_lymph_drainage