Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage in The Luteal Phase

It is extremely common to read now and then about the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage in the luteal phase because it is well documented^[1] that with the pre-menstruation days come monthly struggles for women. They range from normal stomach cramps to heavy lower abdomen aches, while more symptoms including bloating, tenderness in the breast, mood swings, fatigue, and so on are included in the list too. These start normally 3-4 days before the menstrual cycle begins. This is called the luteal phase of your monthly cycle.

Many women are so used to these monthly struggles of their luteal phase that they have stopped complaining; however, if you’re among those who have not given up yet and have been searching for a gentle natural way to get rid of these issues, then you must explore all benefits of lymphatic drainage massage in the luteal phase.

In this blog, we are going to dive into it all: the luteal phase, lymphatic massage, benefits of lymphatic drainage massage in the luteal phase and how this works for your monthly struggles during your menstrual cycle

Calculating The Luteal Phase

The luteal phase^[2] is a term used for the pre-menstrual days. According to the normal 28-day menstrual cycle, the luteal starts on the 14^th day and ends when the period begins. This start day might vary if your cycle has less or more than 28 days.

The physical and emotional symptoms are common during the luteal phase. The hormonal level changes during this period as this is the phase when the uterus prepares itself for pregnancy. Thus, the changes lead to all the painful symptoms and mood swings.

Let’s Discover, What is Released During the Luteal Phase?

The cervical mucus, or discharge, changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Just before the ovulation, it is clear and slippery because of the level of estrogen in the body.^[2] This texture is naturally released at this time to help sperm reach the egg smoothly and this changes once ovulation occurs.
During the luteal phase, the discharge thickens and dries out and cannot support sperm in the flow. However, this thick mucus acts as a guard against bacteria in case pregnancy commences and needs to protect the fertilized egg.

What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Lymphatic drainage massage^[3] in the luteal phase is very popular among women for its amazing benefits in promoting their overall well-being. Many consider this as a boon to their darker days of the menstrual cycle as it helps soothe the pain and gives a sigh of relief to all symptoms of pre-menstruation

Lymphatic Massage follows a gentle massage to comfort the mind, body, and soul of women. Many testimonials prove that with lymphatic massage, women have experienced improved health and overall well-being. In simple words, it is not like the regular massage, where deep pressure massages the muscles. In the lymphatic drainage massage technique, light pressure is used while massaging since this lymphatic system lies on the surface of the skin.

There are professionals and healthcare experts to do this as this massage focuses on the key lymphatic areas of the body. The purpose of this is to increase the lymph fluids circulation in the lymphatic system. These fluids when are more actively flowing help in detoxification and this reduces swelling, lessens bruising, and encourages healthy lymphatic flow.

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage

In weighing the pros and cons, there was an incredibly long list of benefits related to lymphatic massage_^[3]. With this, your body starts to reduce fluid retention and therefore presents us with the following benefits.

• Get rid of inflammation
• Encourage hormonal balance
• Improve digestion
• Speed up the process of healing and post-surgery recovery
• Assist muscle recovery
• Improve immunity,
• Blood circulation
• Purification of the body, and many more!

Is it good to do Lymphatic Drainage Before or After period?

It has been proved that lymphatic massage not only gives relief from pre-menstrual symptoms but also helps women’s bodies after the period is over. During periods, the body undergoes many changes and so with massage, it feels relaxing, and comfortable.

While it reduces the bloating, cramps, and other remaining symptoms before the period, it also helps maintain the balance with the after-effects of the period through improved circulation, toxins removal, and reduced bloating

Can you have a Lymphatic Drainage Massage During Period?

The answer to that is yes. You can enjoy the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage when you are on your period. You get rid of the cramps and bloating, and also the flow improves. With lymphatic drainage massage, removes the excess body fluids, and this further reduces swelling, improving menstrual flow. Hence, abdominal muscles relax and give us minimum cramps and discomfort.

How long does Lymphatic Drainage Massage Last?

The positive effects of a lymphatic drainage massage can be visible for days, or even up to one week. On the other hand, good, healthy lifestyle habits combined with regular sessions may be what is needed to maintain it. However, because the body is always producing lymph fluid, the benefits derived from the massage cannot be permanent; maintenance might need to be done on a routine basis.

Is Lymphatic Massage Good for Fertility?

There is a variety of evidence that proves massage therapy can increase one’s chances of conceiving. This is because lymphatic drainage massage may directly take effect on a hormone imbalance. One of the very well-known purposes of women’s hormones is to control the menstrual cycle.

Since the lymphatic system circulates blood flow and hormones throughout your body, it needs to be working effectively if it is to deliver the reproductive hormones highly necessary for one’s fertility.^[4] Because of this, doctors may prescribe lymphatic drainage massage so that it can assist the conception methods.

When to do Lymphatic Drainage Before an Event?

Lymphatic massage is great before a big event because it de-bloats the body so one feels their best. It’s also great for improving stress levels. Since everyone is different with this particular treatment, it’s recommended not to have your first lymphatic treatment within a week prior due to possible side effects. For better results of this massage, it is advised to get the lymphatic massage frequently.

When to Avoid the Lymphatic Drainage?

Here are a few major health conditions in which you must avoid this massage^[3].

• Blood Clot – In cases of a blood clot, lymphatic drainage massage might cause clots to dislodge, which circulate in the body, sometimes producing severe complications.

• Heart Disease – Conditions of heart diseases or at least symptoms of heart problems aren’t recommended for lymphatic drainage massage. If the heart doesn’t function correctly, then manual lymphatic drainage circulates more fluid than the poor working heart can handle effectively.

• Cancer Patients – Cancer treatments usually have rules concerning massage therapies under which lymphatic massage is completely contraindicated.

• Cellulitis – When cellulitis is present, a lymphatic drainage massage is prohibited because it might just spread the infection and aggravate the condition.

Conclusion:

Gone are the days when monthly cycles were considered dark days in women’s lives. If your luteal phase gives you loads of struggles with its symptoms on a monthly menstrual cycle, introduce the lymphatic drainage massage in your routine and live stress-free even during your period.
Light, therapeutic touch, and lymphatic drainage massage can have dramatic effects on the body’s capabilities of healing and balancing. It is also truly relaxing; these gentle sweeping motions combined with increased lymph flow often work wonders at easing tension throughout the body.

So, if you are feeling pent-up, you can lie back and let your practitioner ease away stresses-while receiving all the above benefits. And do remember to consult with your healthcare expert before beginning your lymphatic drainage massage, especially if you have certain medical conditions.

References

1. [1] John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Painful menstrual periods, Review Date 4/16/2024
2. [2] Rachel Reiff Ellis. What Is the Luteal Phase? Medically Reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD on May 08, 2024
3. [3] Cleveland Clinic. Lymphatic Drainage Massage Last reviewed on 09/02/2021.
4. [4] Uma Clinic. Lymphatic Drainage for Fertility, 7821 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103