I love what I do as a massage therapist, and I always love the opportunity to learn. One of my greatest passions is the lymphatic system; a mysterious collective of lymph nodes and vessels, constantly working to collect, absorb, transport and defend. It IS the guardian of our immune system. Without it, we would not be alive.
In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in therapies aimed at enhancing lymphatic function. Practices such as manual lymphatic drainage have gained popularity for their potential benefits in reducing edema, detoxing and promoting overall well-being. In fact, I would say even a simple Swedish massage would have all the stimulating benefits for any healthy lymphatic system.
That said, for many of my clients, having a healthy lymphatic system is just a wish, and nothing could be further from the truth than for those with lipedema. A chronic condition, lipedema involves the accumulation of abnormal fat deposits, impaired blood and lymphatic flow, inflammation and fibrotic lesions, all of which are not responsive to diet or exercise.
Embarking on a journey to understand and manage lipedema can be both challenging and enlightening. Recently, I had the most amazing opportunity to head to The Netherlands and delve into the Holistic Lipedema Method, developed by Rachel Jansen of Lipedema Coach. Rachel developed her comprehensive approach to lipedema therapy, by combining her own lipedema diagnosis with the professional expertise of manual therapy. Rachel has become one of only a few therapists in The Netherlands to successfully treat this difficult condition with her holistic practice.
During my 10-day stay in The Netherlands, not only did I meet some great people, but more importantly I learned some amazing manual techniques for treating lipedema. These techniques, I can say firsthand, GO DEEP. They go beyond merely addressing the symptoms of lipedema, they target the dense fat accumulations characteristic of the condition. They clean the fibrotic ridges of inflammation that cling to the bones.
A 90-minute treatment kneads, knuckles and nourishes the body’s innate self-healing ability, improving circulation and alleviating pressure on the lymphatic system. The treatment is strong and intense, but leaves your body feeling light, touched and alive! (Not to mention, needing a few trips to the bathroom to pee.).
The lymphatic system is the cornerstone of our physiology and health. Intricately linked to our body’s overall functions; controls fluid balance, nutrition to our tissues, and overall health; it IS our whole being. Learning about this system, for me, not only satisfies my curiosity to explore body and health but also empowers me to keep strong and healthy.
Your body fights for you every day – it’s time to fight for it in return. You need to nourish your body, support it, transform it, and give it the best chance to function optimally. Holistic healing starts from within.