Lymph is the Secret river of health and Lymphatic system is called ‘Cinderella of Medicine’ or ‘Fountain-of-youth fluid scrubbing your whole body’.

It holds key to longevity, your ability to fight disease, your energy and wellness. Simply speaking, it keeps good things circulating and removes bad things!

Your lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels and tissues that work together to move a colorless, watery fluid (lymph) back into your circulatory system(your bloodstream).

As a vital part of your immune system, your lymphatic system:

• Is body’s maintenance department, playing the crucial role in disease prevention and heart-gut-brain-liver health

• Maintains health of all cells by delivering nutrients and taking away cellular waste

• protects you from infection and destroys pathogens, a) getting information about them out b) destroying attackers by moving immune cells 3) cleaning the area by removing them

• helps remove cancerous, damaged, old or abnormal cells your body doesn’t need.

• Lymphatic system functions also include maintaining normal fluid levels in your body and

• Absorbing fats and fat-soluble vitamins so they can make their way into your bloodstream.

• Transporting larger proteins and fatty substances from GI track into the liver for processing

Every day, about 20 liters of plasma (the liquid part of your blood) flow out of tiny pores in the thin walls of your capillaries. Imagine water seeping out of a sponge. Where does this liquid go? It delivers oxygen and nutrients to the tissues surrounding each capillary. The tissues hungrily soak up all the nutrients while leaving behind waste (like a kid who finishes their food but leaves behind a pile of sticky napkins).

The plasma doesn’t mind cleaning up the mess — it picks up the waste and then returns to your bloodstream the same way it came, by flowing back through the pores in your capillary walls. Each day, about 17 liters of plasma return to your bloodstream in this way. Since 20 liters initially flowed out of your capillary walls, that means 3 liters are still roaming around in your body’s tissues.

That’s where your lymphatic system steps in. Tiny lymphatic capillaries pick up this remaining fluid from your tissues. The fluid changed its name during its journey: now instead of plasma, it’s called lymph. Your lymphatic capillaries move the lymph into larger tubes called lymphatic vessels.

These vessels keep the lymph moving until it ultimately reaches one of two major ducts in your upper chest. These are called your right lymphatic duct and thoracic duct, and they’re a bit like highway on-ramps. They merge into large veins called your subclavian veins and empty the lymph into them. From there, your lymph reenters your bloodstream and can flow through your body again.

Protecting your body against invaders: Your lymphatic system is part of your immune system. It produces and releases lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and other immune cells. These cells look for and destroy invaders — such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi — that may enter your body.

The lymph system does not have a pump of its own. So it works by movement and light pressure. That’s why the lymph nodes are located at locations which continually provide both the requirements for the system to keep working.

Want to know where the nodes are located? Simple answer is- at all crevices of the body when we lie in a fetal position.

Credit for all clinical information on this page: Cleveland clinic website and works of Dr Lemole, renowned Cardiothoracic surgeon

Dr Lemole, One of the Cardiothoracic surgeons on the first sucecssful heart transplant teams in 1968, recommends Lymphatic Massage once a month.

Good Lymph flow is essential for health at multiple levels:

• Clears toxins faster, reducing tissue damage

• Allows immune cells to go rapidly to damaged parts or those under attack by pathogens

• Reduces inflammation before it becomes chronic

• Washes the brain with its glymphatic arm

• Maintains strong heart by preventing clogs, blockages and other damage to heart

• Maintains better brain-gut health and connection, optimal liver function

Lymphatic Massage

• Directly moves blood and lymph, getting nutrients to where they need to go and removing toxins and pathogens

• Relaxes muscles, allowing lymph vessels to expand, improving the lymph flow

• Reduces pain and anxiety

Lymphatic Massage relieves swelling that occurs when illness clogs your lymphatic system.

Our body has 10 liters of lymph fluid, which takes about 5 days to circulate under normal conditions.

Massage speeds up this circulation, helping to get rid of the toxins (metabolic waste) sooner and firing up immune system.

Typically, your lymphatic system collects your lymph and returns it to your heart via a network of vessels and nodes. When something disrupts this process, lymph collects in your arms, legs, ankles or other parts of your body, making them swell.

A massage therapist uses various lymphatic drainage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the micro-swelling.

A massage therapist uses various lymphatic drainage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling.

Rasa-Dhara is Ayurvedic Lymphatic techniques with ancient Ayurvedic principles, integrated with MLD. It uses a variety of time-tested strokes and medicated oil to promote toning and sculpting, skin nourishment, deep relaxation, balancing and grounding in addition to the benefits offered by MLD.

Conventional MLD does not use oil and uses gentle strokes to move the lymph.

Rasa Dhara is offered on whole body, front and back, including Indian head massage; while MLD mostly focuses on front or part of the body.

Rasa Dhara goes over 90-100 minutes and offered as a single session, while MLD is 60 minutes and is offered only as a package of 3 sessions to gain tangible benefits.

Carefully curated tranquil environment and caring touch of the practitioner create a safe space for promoting true well-being.

Lymphatic massage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to move excess fluid buildup away from your tissues and toward working lymph vessels and lymph nodes so they can get rid of toxins in your body and, to relieve inflammation.

During lymph drainage, a therapist will use light pressure and strategic massage techniques to prepare and clear your lymphatic system. The session usually starts with a massage to stimulate the areas of your body that house your lymph nodes. This means a therapist will massage your armpits, neck and, with your consent, your groin area (yes, groin area has second highest concentration of lymph nodes). Next, they’ll coax excess lymph fluid from your swollen tissues toward your lymph nodes, where the lymph can reabsorb.

In Rasa-Dhara, the massage is done using warm medicated oil with a combination of lymphatic and Ayurvedic rhythmic, relaxing, grounding strokes.

The massage begins from the head, gradually leading to shoulders and neck, to stimulate the central nervous system and prepare the whole body for the healing experience.

The therapeutic herbs in oil act as nutrient and medicinal agents through the skin, performing its diverse functions efficiently, whether it is allowing toxins to be released from the body or nourishment to be absorbed by the tissues.

Lymph drainage massage can help if your lymphatic system isn’t working as it should. You might have a congested lymph system if you develop:

• Bloating.

• Brain fog.

• Chronic sinus infections.

• Fatigue.

• Headaches.

• Puffy, swollen ankles or hands.

• Skin conditions like acne, dryness or rashes.

• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck.

Lymphatic Rasa Abhyanga is recommended for:

Detox & Wellness

✔️ General bloating & low fluid retention
✔️ Post-travel swelling
✔️ Weakened immune system
✔️ Moods & sluggishness
✔️ Fibromyalgia & chronic fatigue syndrome
✔️ Sinus congestion & allergies

Women’s Health

✔️ Hormonal bloating (PMS, PCOS, Menopause)
✔️ Postpartum swelling & recovery
✔️ Breast tenderness & swelling

Aesthetic & Beauty

✔️ Puffy face & under-eye bags
✔️ Cellulite reduction
✔️ Skin rejuvenation & glow boost

Medical & Recovery Support

✔️ Post-surgical healing (reduces swelling & speeds recovery)

[^we do not treat certain conditions below but can give names of therapists specialising in this area]

✔️ Lymphedema^ (fluid buildup due to lymphatic issues)
✔️ Post-surgery^ swelling (liposuction, BBL, etc.)

Benefits:

Lymphatic massage may reduce swelling in your body and make it easier for your lymph nodes to get rid of toxins. Lymphatic drainage massage benefits may include:

• Immune system support.

• Reduced fluid retention.

• Relief from neuropathy.

• Stress management.

In addition to benefits of modern MLD, it offers

• Re-balancing 3 bodily energies that govern our body and mind- Vata, Pitta, Kapha

• Provides rejuvenation, relaxation and detoxing at the same time.

• Delays ageing & increases immunity, longevity and stamina

• Stimulates and strengthens the lymphatic system

• Counters fatigue

• Calms the nervous system and mind, reducing effects of stress on the body

• Promotes sleep

• Promotes hydration, softness and luster of the skin as well as youthfulness

• Enhances blood circulation

• Enhances positive microbiology in your body (skin is home to massive colonies of microbes)

• Increases Oxytocin - the loving, bonding and anti-anxiety hormone

• Increases mental alertness, clarity

• Helps reconnect with the body after trauma

Lymphatic drainage massage is generally safe, but there are certain contraindications (situations where it should be avoided or done with caution). These include:

• Active infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)

• Blood clots (DVT, thrombosis) – Massage can dislodge a clot, causing serious complications.

• Congestive heart failure (CHF) – Can overload the circulatory system. We do not offer this massage for any heart condition like Uncontrolled or severe high or low blood pressure

• Liver and Kidney conditions – The body may struggle to process excess fluid.

• Untreated cancer – Can potentially spread malignant cells.

• Pregnancy - We do not provide this massage in pregnancy

• Severe asthma – May trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals.

• *Recent surgery or open wounds - We do not provide this massage unless recovery is complete.

• Thyroid disorders – Can affect lymphatic flow and metabolism.

• Undiagnosed abdominal pain, acute viral or other infections

• Arteriosclerosis

• Excessive swelling- ^If you have excessive swelling in legs or any other part, your doctor says it is not fluid retention, we will give you some names of therapists specialising in this area; we do not offer massage for this.

  *^If in doubt, always check with your healthcare provider before booking a Lymphatic massage with us.

At Ayusha, we do not offer Lymphatic Massage treatments for lymphedema, lymphodema like conditions. Instead we can give you names of few local therapists who offer specialist care for these conditions.

• Please do not eat in 1.5-2 hours prior to appointment,  

• Have a shower prior to treatment so skin pores open and help to soak the oil.

• Use washroom prior to the start of the treatment if required.

• Wear old clothes or bring sarong like wrap-around clothing

• If you have long hair, it’s good to bring a hair-tie or shower cap.

• Bring a scarf or hat to wear after your treatment during winter months. Also avoid exposing to wind even in summer for some time after treatment.

• Also have a old towel or bed sheet covering on the car seat to prevent the oil getting in contact with the car upholstery.

• Not advised during menstruation period.

• You can drive home after cup of warm water or herbal tea.

• It is advised to not to have a shower for at least an hour to gain the full benefits of the massage.

• As the medicated oil and specific strokes drives the toxins from the deeper connective tissues back to the gastrointestinal tract for proper elimination, is advised to hydrate well with warm water and take some rest after the massage.

• Avoid long travel and busy shopping centers.

• Avoid going to beach and extreme weather conditions.

• Do not lie in the sun with the oil on afterwards.

• Eat when properly hungry, may be after 30-45 minutes after massage.

• Take warm shower to rinse the oil off before bed. Avoid hot shower. Do not use heavy soap or shampoo, to get the most out of the massage.

Rasa-Abhyanga is a 90-100 min single session with cost of $190.

Ayurvedic massage oils cost $60-$100 a liter.
To know why Ayurvedic oils are so expensive, click here.

To keep your lymphatic system strong and healthy, you should:

• Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals like those in pesticides or cleaning products. These chemicals can build up in your system and make it harder for your body to filter waste.

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated so lymph can easily move throughout your body.

• Keep a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet. Your provider can give you specific advice tailored to your medical history and needs.

• A regular LDM will help the system optimally working efficiently, in addition to benefits mentioned above.