Lymphatic Enhancement Therapy

white sand
What Is Your Lymphatic System and Why Is Lymph Drainage Important?

Your Lymphatic System plays a vital role in your body’s overall health by protecting you from infection and disease. Yet, so many of us have little to no knowledge about this organ system and how it functions. Understanding your Lymphatic System and ways to support it is crucial to achieving long term health.

The Lymphatic System is part of the Immune System. It consists of lymph nodes, lymph fluid, lymphatic vessels, and collecting ducts. But, did you know that many organs are involved in your Lymphatic System as well? Primary Lymphatic organs produce immune cells called “Lymphocytes”, while secondary organs fight off disease, infection and other harmful substances. It is continually working to build up a defense against germs. As your body moves lymph throughout the vessels, nodes and tissues, it filters out and reacts to foreign substances by creating antibodies.

Primary Lymphatic Organs Include:

  • Bone Marrow: The sponge-like tissue that is located inside your bones. Here is where Immune cells grow and multiply.

  • Thymus: This gland is located behind the breastbone. Immune cells called T-cells mature in the thymus.

    Secondary Lymphatic Organs Include:

  • Spleen: This organ is located in the upper left corner of your abdomen. The spleen stores immune cells and platelets. It also breaks down red blood cells.

  • Tonsils: These glands are located in the throat. They stop germs from entering the body through your mouth and nose. It uses white blood cells to fight infection.

  • Lymph Nodes: These are bean-shaped and are located throughout your body. Around 700 of them from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet including the neck, armpits, gut and groin. They filter lymph and create antibodies.

  • Mucous Membranes: These are located throughout your respiratory system and digestive system. The membranes in the bowel wall, appendix, respiratory and urinary tracts fight off foreign bodies and infections.

    Some Conditions That Are Signs Of Lymphatic Congestion That LET (Lymphatic Enhancement Therapy) Can Help With:

  • Acne ( a slight worsening may occur at first)

  • After Cosmetic Enhancement Surgery for the reduction of fluid deposits

  • Autoimmune diseases (ex. Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Rheumatoid Arthritis)

  • Arthritis, Bursitis and other conditions where inflammation is involved

  • Burns

  • Cellulite

  • Chronic Injuries

  • Diabetes

  • Eczema

  • Edema (also accompanied with bruising and swelling)

  • Fatigue and low energy

  • Fiber cystic Mastitis (painful, swollen breasts occurring near the menstrual cycle)

  • Headaches

  • Heavy Metal Toxicity

  • Hormonal imbalance and female health concerns including stagnation in the breast lymph nodes

  • Lipedema

  • Lymphedema

  • Mastodynia (Breast tension in women after ovulation)

  • New and Old Injuries

  • Pain ( especially if it involves soft tissue)

  • Poor digestion and sluggish elimination

  • Pre and Post Surgical Treatment

  • PMS and Inflammation

  • Scars

  • Sinus issues (headache and congestion)

  • Swollen, heavy, fatigued legs

  • Tissue Congestion from Injuries

  • Any Chronic Condition

  • Helps in the prevention of Breast Problems

    Some of the Benefits from Receiving LET:

  • Reduces Swelling (helps alleviate Edema and fluid retention)

  • Improves Lymphatic Circulation

  • Supports a healthy immune system by improving lymph flow, it ensures that white blood cells are efficiently transported throughout the body

  • Flushes out metabolic waste (ie. toxins, fat, fluids, as well as lactic and uric acid that build up in muscles due to overuse)

  • Reduces stress ( can help with anxiety and depression)

  • Increases Serotonin, Dopamine and Oxytocin to help balance and elevate mood

  • Improve blood circulation and flexibility

  • Reduce cellulite

  • Relieve Headache

  • Provides relaxation, increased energy, pain relief, emotional balance and feelings of well being

  • Support post mastectomy health

  • Lymph node removal, cancer or radiation: it can help redirect fluid flow around blocked or damaged areas

  • Reduces edema and lymphedema

  • Stimulates the immune system to help prevent post surgical infections

  • Improves skin regeneration and accelerates wound healing with fewer complications

    * If you’ve ever wondered why your chronic pain issues don’t get any better despite all of your treatment efforts and medications, it is most likely related to lymphatics.

    Is Lymphatic Enhancement Therapy Safe?

    Yes, it is a safe, painless, non-invasive therapy to detox the lymphatic system. However, patients with the following contraindications should not use LET:

  • Acute infections

  • Circulatory conditions such as thrombosis, embolism, or phlebitis

  • Pregnancy

  • Pace maker or other electrical implanted device

  • Skin conditions like dermatitis and cellulitis which could worsen with LET

  • Active cancer

  • Received a recent organ transplant

  • Are in kidney failure

  • Congestive Heart Failure

    *patients with contraindications may be eligible for Manual Lymphatic drainage or other types of lymphatic detox treatments

    What to expect during a Lymphatic Enhancement Therapy session:

    Similar to getting a massage, you’ll lie on a warm massage table, comfortably covered and tucked between two sheets and a blanket. The treatment is gentle, warm and very relaxing.

    A lymph drainage instrument with two wands is passed slowly over the surface of the skin, breaking down congested lymph through a combination of gentle vibration, light and low-level electrical waves( which encourages your body to switch from “fight or flight” to rest and relaxation). This helps the lymphatic vessels to open up and move fluid out of the areas where it might be stuck, along with waste and toxins your body doesn’t need. Any number of things can cause your lymphatic flow to stagnate and require a boost: chronic inflammation, stress, lack of physical activity, fatigue, emotional shock, age and even poorly fitted undergarments worn for an excessive amount of time.

    This treatment lasts between 60-90 minutes mostly depending on how congested your lymphatic system is. Most people report feeling “lighter” after the session and areas of pain feel better. Some feel calm and deeply relaxed while others feel refreshed and more energized. You may notice that your kidneys and bowels become more active, as your body begins clearing out what is no longer needed. This is a normal part of the detox process.

    Most people start to notice benefits within 1 to 6 sessions, depending on their body and individual needs. Each session builds on the last, gently supporting your body’s natural healing and balance. One session with the machine is the approximate equivalent of 8-10 manual lymphatic treatments.

    What to do before an LET session:

  • BE PROPERLY HYDRATED -this helps toxins move out quicker. Lack of hydration can cause restagnation of toxins and a “flu-like” feeling. This treatment continues to work for 3 days so the need for being properly hydrated needs to last that long for those that dislike water.

  • NO BODY LOTION. This will also help the treatment to go faster.

    What to do afterward…Post-session care is as important as the session itself. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • It is normal to feel relaxed and like you could take a nap. Listen to your body and allow some rest if needed.

  • Continue to drink plenty of water (you can add lemon and/or electrolytes). This helps facilitate the detoxification process. Hydration is key to helping your body flush out the released toxins and waste products.

  • If you start to feel flu-like symptoms from the detox process, 20-30 minutes in a warm epsom salt bath should help give relief.

    *Lymphatic Enhancement Therapy pairs perfectly with an infrared sauna. I open up the detox pathways and get the lymph flowing, then you sweat out all the toxins in the sauna. If you don’t have one at home, The Salt Oasis is 2 doors down from our office. Set up an appointment after our session. It’s the perfect duo for detox and you’ll feel amazing afterwards.

What to Expect During an LET Treatment:

What is Lymph and How Does it Circulate?

How do you feel after a lymphatic cleanse?

Directly after a lymphatic treatment, you may feel some side effects. As the lymph system releases toxins, some individuals may experience temporary symptoms such as headache, fatigue, skin breakouts, or increased urination.

These side effects are typically a natural part of the cleansing process and are often a sign that the body is releasing toxins and impurities.

Below are common side effects of lymphatic cleanse:

  • healing crisis or detox reaction (muscle aches, headaches, fatigue and even flu-like symptoms)

  • Increased urination and/or bowel movements

  • digestive discomfort (bloating, gas)

  • breakouts, rashes, or skin reactions

What causes side effects?

Just like any other part of our body, the lymphatic system can become overloaded and sluggish, leading to a range of health issues.

A lymphatic cleanse aims to support and enhance the functioning of this system, promoting the elimination of toxins and waste, and ultimately restoring balance and vitality to the body.

Thermography scan of before and after using Lymphatic Enhancement Therapy Machine: