What direction should lymphatic massage strokes follow?
Written by
Robert Kelly
Reviewed by
Prof. Benjamin Murphy, Ph.D.It is essential to direct the flow in the right direction if drainage is to be encouraged. Your lymph fluid flows towards the heart in specific channels, and if you follow it along these channels, rather than against it, your stroking will prove most effective. In other words, make sure that you are always stroking in the right direction; this is half the battle.
Limb Technique
- Start at fingers or toes
- Move consistently toward shoulders or hips
- Use light C-shaped strokes
- Never reverse direction mid-sequence
Torso Approach
- Begin at outer ribcage/sides
- Flow inward toward breastbone
- Apply feather-light pressure
- Follow natural lymphatic watersheds
Your neck also needs some love. When practicing downstrokes only, start underneath your chin and make your way toward your collarbones. Avoid pressure moving upwards as it can push fluid into a forbidden area - I actually had a client email me in horror post-holiday because she'd reversed this sequence on her trip and ended up with facial swelling.
Facial Draining occurs between the center outward, then downward. Start at the center of the eyebrows and work towards the temples. Then, move from the nose to the ears, and from the ears, take the fluid down the neck. This technique occurs similarly to the way original fluid flows naturally in the body and won't damage delicate vessels. Pressure should never be moved inward against the direction of flow.
Stay consistent with direction throughout an entire session. Shifting direction mid-stroke causes eddies that 'trap' fluid. Finish a sequence a while before moving on to an adjacent area. If the cape is properly hydrated before starting, the fluid will move easily along its intended track to its destination.
Read the full article: Lymphatic Drainage Methods: Complete Guide
