Lymphatic Drainage therapy is a specialty of Melissa Gallagher, trained Lymph Therapist and Naturopath.  Melissa works with clients to promote better lymphatic flow throughout the body.  

Lymphatic Drainage is useful for:  

Improper lymphatic flow is common recognized as swelling, water retention and even nasal congestion. The lymphatic system absorbs fluid, macromolecules, microorganisms, toxins, waste products and foreign substances from the interstitial tissue. Numerous substances (electrolytes, proteins, hormones, toxins, debris) and immuno-competent cells (lymphocytes, macrophages) pass through the regional lymph nodes, where this fluid is filtered, purified and concentrated.

The lymphatic flow can stagnate for many reasons, such as swelling, chronic inflammation, lack of physical activity, stress, fatigue, emotional shock, age, poorly fitted brassieres, or brassieres worn for an excessive amount of time. When lymphatic circulation slows down, the regeneration of cells becomes less effective. This condition allows toxins and proteins to accumulate around the cells, causing cellular oxygenation to decrease and tissue regeneration to diminish.

Through the use of an electro lymphatic drainage tool, Melissa is able to assist the body in managing excesses of lymphatic fluid that reduces swelling, stiffness and maximizes the body's natural detoxification process. 

Lymph Drainage Therapy also alleviates numerous conditions related to pregnancy, including engorgement, sore nipples (transient, chronic), plugged ducts, wounds, fissures, ulcerations, bruises and dermatitis (eczema). This therapy also can provide relief from chronic inflammation and pre- and post-surgical applications, and can be used for cosmetic applications, such as mastoptosis, scars and traumas.

Our clients come to us from a variety of physician and health care provider referrals.  Cancer patients, plastic surgery patients, surgery patients as well as Immunology patients all greatly benefit from their work with Melissa.  A series of therapy sessions are often all that is necessary to provide the healing the body needs to motivate and de-congest the lymphatic flow.  

Circulation of lymph, blood capillaries, veins, interstitial liquids and cerebrospinal and synovial fluids (in-directly) is activated. This action helps to reroute stagnant fluid in the skin (i.e., edema, primary and secondary lymphedema), mucosa, muscles, viscera, joints, cranial sutures, periosteum, chambers of the eyes and cochlea.

- Toxins are removed, making lymphatic drainage especially effective in tissue regeneration. Scars, stretch marks, wrinkles and fracture, or surgical-incision sites, are improved. Many therapists also use LDT as part of detoxification and anti-aging regimens.

- Macromolecules (proteins) are drained, which helps to eliminate protein-rich fluid from the extracellular tissues and aid the reabsorption of edema.

- Fats are evacuated through lymphatic vessels. These vessels are located in virtually every area of the body where fats may accumulate.

- The functioning of the immune system is stimulated through increased lymph flow. The additional flow carries more antigens to the lymph nodes, thereby increasing antibody/antigen contact. This has been found to help with chronic or subacute inflammatory processes -- chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune disease, bronchitis, sinusitis, amygdalitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, arthritis, acne and eczema.

- The functioning of the parasympathetic system is bolstered and sympathetic tone is diminished with stimulation of the lymphatics -- the "fight or flight" response. This can be very helpful in dealing with stress, depression and sleeping disorders.

- Chronic pain is reduced as the drainage alleviates tissue-fluid stagnation and possibly inhibits nociceptors (pain receptors).  Fibromyalgia (FMS) sufferers greatly benefit from this therapy. 

- Voluntary and involuntary muscle spasms are reduced, proving helpful in cases of constipation and other muscle-related maladies.
 

Radiation therapy, used in the treatment of various cancers and some AIDS-related diseases (such as Kaposi-Sarcoma), can damage otherwise healthy lymph nodes and vessels, causing scar tissue to form which interrupts the normal flow of the lymphatic fluid. Radiation can also cause skin dermatitis or a burn similar to sunburn. It is important to closely monitor the radiated area for any skin changes, such as increased temperature, discoloration (erythema) or blistering which can lead into the development of lymphedema. Be sure to keep the area soft with lotion recommended by your radiation oncologist.

Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue that causes swelling, most often in the arm(s) and/or leg(s), and occasionally in other parts of the body. Lymphedema can develop when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired (primary), or when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes removed (secondary).  Read more about Lymphedema.

When the impairment becomes so great that the lymphatic fluid exceeds the lymphatic transport capacity, an abnormal amount of protein-rich fluid collects in the tissues of the affected area. Left untreated, this stagnant, protein-rich fluid not only causes tissue channels to increase in size and number, but also reduces oxygen availability in the transport system, interferes with wound healing, and provides a culture medium for bacteria that can result in lymphangitis (infection).

Lymphedema should not be confused with edema resulting from venous insufficiency, which is not lymph-edema. However, untreated venous insufficiency can progress into a combined venous/lymphatic disorder which is treated in the same way as lymphedema.

Our clients who suffer from Lymphedema often experience a lifetime full of therapies, medications and suffering.  Treatments of Lymphatic Drainage Therapies are often prescribed by physicians and health care providers to manage the accumulation of lymphatic fluid.  Compression garments only can do so much to manage lymph-edema.  Thus, it becomes necessary for specific lymphatic drainage sessions with a Lymphatic Therapist like Melissa.

Melissa works with clients in both our office as well as our client's home.  Our goal is providing greater comfort, reducing swelling and maximizing the body's natural detoxification process.

Call to schedule your first appointment. Mention this article and we'll offer a free 15 min consultation.  Take our Lymph Test to see if you are a lymph release candidate. 

Lymph Release  (30 min)  $35

Lymph Release  (60 min)  $70

Lymph Release Mini Package  3 (30 min) sessions  $99


Lymph Plus Package:  $70

Maximizes lymph flow and alleviates congestion and detoxifies the body in one session.

(1) 30 min Lymph Release

(1) 24 min Detox Foot Spa