Lymphatic Massage Flashcards
French osteopath who teaches for the Florida Upledger Institute and who developed a complex, advanced therapy called Lymph Drainage Therapy. SWIHA incorporates some of his therapy into the Lymph Massage class
Dr. Bruno Chikly
The name of the Danish therapist who developed the lymph drainage technique that SWIHA bases some of its class on.
Emil Vodder
The word “lymph” comes from the Latin word “limpa” meaning…
clear
What is lymph fluid?
Protein rich interstitial fluid that has entered the lymph system
Is the lymphatic system a closed loop like the circulatory system?
No. It is an open system
Babies have about _______% of water in their bodies, the elderly typically have about ___%.
72-85% for babies
50% for the elderly
The walls of lymph capillaries are made of what kind of cells?
Endothelial (the same kind of cell that blood capillaries are made of)
The initial endothelial cells of lymph capillaries are not side-by-side as is usually the case. Instead they _______ each other.
Overlap. This arrangement created flap valves that open and close.
When we stretch the skin with light pressure, elastic fibers called _________ _________ pull the flat cells of the capillary open.
Anchoring filaments
How large are lymph capillary openings compared to blood capillary openings?
4-6 times, allowing the lymph to pick up large molecules like proteins
The 4 types of lymph vessels are:
Lymph Capillaries
Pre-collectors
Collectors
Ducts
Pre-collectors are like capillaries except…
They are larger and have valves every 2-3mm
Lymph Collector vessels are like pre-collectors except they are larger (4-8 times wider than a hair) and they have tiny muscles called _______
Lymphangions
The biggest lymph collectors in the body are the…
Lymph trunks, lymph ducts (e.g. Thoracic ducts) and terminal pathways
Cisterna chyli
A sac at the lower end of the thoracic duct into which lymph from the intestinal trunk and two lumbar lymphatic trunks flow.
Where is the Cisterna Chyli?
In front of the 12th thoracic, 1st and 2nd lumbar vertebrae, slightly to the right of the aorta.
What percentage of people have a Cisterna chyli?
15%
Collectors send lymph fluid to lymph nodes, which have 3 biological functions:
Filtration
Concentration of the lymph fluid
Lymphocyte production
After lymph fluid has been filtered by lymph nodes it drains from the ________ ducts into veins near the _____.
Terminal; Heart
Lymphatic circulation is divided into the ____________ lymph circulation just under the top layer of the skin and the ____ lymphatic circulation of the muscles and organs.
Superficial; deep
True or false: Lymphatic Drainage Therapy stimulates deep lymph circulation
False. Deep circulation is stimulated by exercise.
What is the main way that the body creates movement in the lymph system?
As the body moves, the fascia pulls on the anchoring filaments, allowing lymph fluid to drain into the lymph capillaries
Does exercise stimulate superficial lymphatic circulation?
Exercise has a limited effect on the superficial circulation. This is why Lymph Drainage Therapy is helpful.
What percentage of the lymph is drained by the superficial lymphatic circulation?
70%
Can a damaged lymph node regenerate?
No
What are the benefits of Lymph Drainage Therapy?
Stimulates immune system Detoxifies body Relaxes the body by switching to the parasympathetic nervous system Reduces water retention and lymphedema Reduces muscle spasms
Can lymph drainage therapy potentially promote metastasis of cancer?
No, according to a 1996 report by the International Society of Lymphology
True or false? Lymphatic massage is indicated for those with a compromised immune system
False. Lymphatic massage is for an uncompromised, healthy (but maybe sluggish) lymphatic system
True or false? Lymphatic Massage is indicated for lymphedema, tooth pain, acne, rosacea, eczema, wrinkles, bags under eyes, cellulite, chronic constipation, hepatitis, spinal injuries, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, chronic glaucoma, cataracts, Macular degeneration, sprains, fractures, dislocations, whip lash, lower back pain, sciatica, tinnitus, vertigo, Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, muscle spasms or cramps, post-surgical edema
True BUT advanced training is needed to effectively treat these conditions.
What conditions are indicated for lymphatic massage without advanced training?
Stress, Fatigue, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, chronic pain, sleeping disorders, weight loss, muscle tightness and pain, edema
T or F: Acute infections are usually contraindicated for Lymph massage
False. They are ALWAYS contraindicated
T or F: Lymphatic drainage improves fluid supply to the heart and therefore can be helpful for cardiac patients.
False. Major cardiac issues are contraindicated. If a client cannot carry a bag of groceries up a flight of stairs without strain, they should not receive lymphatic massage.
What two things do you look for when opening up the terminals?
Swallowing and skin stretching
What should you always do before doing lymphatic work on ANY part of the body?
Open the lymphatic terminals
Is pitted edema indicated for lymphatic massage?
No. Pitted edema indicates a filtering problem (kidney stress) and moving the lymphatic fluid increases stress on the kidneys.
