Abhyanga Lymphatic Drainage Massage
- eastwestgeneralema
- May 21
- 3 min read
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is the body’s waste management system. It runs throughout the body removing cell waste, viruses, bacteria, and excess fluid moving in one direction only: toward the heart. The waste matter is filtered through the liver and kidneys to be expelled via urine or feces. Lymph moves mechanically through the movement of muscles as well as breath. When lymph flow is obstructed, a back up of fluid and waste matter can occur. If lymph nodes have been removed or damaged, this can cause lymphedema. A well functioning lymphatic system is also essential to your immune health.
What is abhyanga lymphatic drainage massage?
A lymphatic drainage massage encourages the movement of lymph, removing blockages or stagnation. Abhyanga lymphatic drainage massage is part of the wider Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is traditionally done using warming oils like sesame, jojoba, or sunflower. Sometimes cooling oils such as avocado or coconut are used depending on the person’s dosha.
The oil itself is usually warmed and a towel is provided at the end of the session to wipe off any excess. New mothers in India, Pakistan, Nepal often receive this treatment daily in order to heal the body after childbirth. Like many massage modalities, abhyanga massage improved blood flow and promotes better sleep.
What can I expect from an abhyanga session?
The practitioner uses very gentle, repetitive strokes throughout the massage. It begins by clearing the back of heart and working outward toward the extremities while you lay prone. This is usually a full body treatment involving the torso, neck, arms, and legs, so even if there is a specific area of concern, the entire system must be cleared in the same pattern and the order if very important.
Each session customized. Breathwork and energy work are sometimes incorporated to help ground, reset, and recalibrate. During longer sessions, deep tissue bodywork can be included. Afterward, easy movement like a walk around the block after treatment can be beneficial before resting.
What are some common effects of this treatment?
Because of the subtle nature of the massage and the use of warmed oil, people find it soothing and rejuvenating. It is gentler than Swedish massage and so helps to calm the nervous system and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and digest” state. Abhyanga lymphatic massage helps within swelling, menstrual bloating, and leaves your skin better hydrated and glowing.
Who should get this type of massage?
Abhyanga massage is appropriate for children, adults, and seniors. It can be done as maintenance or if you are undergoing medical treatments and issues. Surgery for example is incredibly disruptive and taxing to the lymph system. It must work overtime to move the injured or damage cells and fluids out of the area to allow fresh fluids in.
Typically, this massage can be done post surgery with your doctor’s clearance including reconstructive surgery, transitional operations, mastectomies, and in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation treatment. It is important for anyone with breast cancer or concerned about getting it (this massage includes breast tissue and informed consent is always required).
For those who have tattoos, regular treatment is necessary because ink pools in lymph nodes and the body can have trouble moving lymph due to overload of ink and everyday toxins. Regular lymphatic massage can help get things moving.
Sitting for long periods of time, for instance during airplane or car travel means lymph isn’t flowing. Receiving this massage will aid in stimulating lymph movement. It is also effective in treating inflammatory issues or when doing a cleanse. This is the best treatment you can get without any negative side effects.
Precautions
Note, this massage is not recommended for those with open wounds, serious heart conditions (palpitations or pacemaker should be fine), or infants.
Where can I find a practitioner?
Certified Massage Therapist, Sica, trained with her friend and colleague Mollie Moorhead, an Ayurvedic practitioner. She offers sports massage, lymphatic drainage, deep tissue, and prenatal. She believes that Abhyanga lymphatic drainage massage is a great way to move a lot out of your system effectively, with subtlety, in a way that has long term benefits when done consistently over time. She loves educating people about her work and expanding the amount of people benefiting from it. If she could recommend only one treatment for the rest of your life, this would be the one!
Sources:
Lymphatic System
How the Lymphatic System Works
What is Abhyanga?
Lymphatic System (image)
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