Before you can decide which massage style is best for you, you need to ask yourself a question. Do you simply want a massage for relaxation and stress control? Or do you need symptom relief or help with a certain health condition? Before booking a massage, let the therapist know what you're looking for and ask which style the therapist uses. Many use more than one style. Or the therapist may customize your massage, depending on your age, condition, or any special needs or goals you have.
A lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle massage to your tissues, designed to increase your lymph fluids' circulation. Lymph is an oil-rich fluid made up of protein and moves in your lymph vessels. It is responsible for bringing in bacteria, viruses, and other substances to your lymph nodes. Your lymph nodes will filter the fluid to eliminate impurities. To increase lymph movement through your system, you should massage with light pressure.
A 2021 study of 17 studies discovered that MLD can be used in the early stages after breast cancer surgery to prevent lymphedema from progressing to clinical lymphedema. However it may not be effective for mild to severe lymphedema.