Lymphatic Massage for Weight Loss
According to the Weight-control Information Network, 68 percent of American adults age 20 or older are overweight or obese with a body mass index of 25 or higher. Treating obesity has become a major focus of health care and people are often willing to try anything.
According to the Weight-control Information Network, 68 percent of American adults age 20 or older are overweight or obese with a body mass index of 25 or higher. Treating obesity has become a major focus of health care and people are often willing to try anything. Lymphatic massage may aid your weight loss but not by massaging away body fat.
Identification
Lymphatic massage was first used in the 1930s to improve drainage in the human body. Your lymph system helps rid your body of waste and can sometimes become blocked or sluggish according to the Diamond Massage and Wellness Center in San Francisco. Lymph nodes are located throughout your body. This massage technique uses gentle, rhythmic strokes towards the lymph nodes to help rid the body of waste. Your muscles are not the focus in this type of massage.
Effects
Massages such as lymphatic massage can help reshape your body but does not permanently remove body fat. Instead, it can act as a diuretic to help rid your body of excess fluid so the weight you may lose is water weight and only temporary. If a massage is advertised as a weight loss massage, ask detailed questions about the procedure and expected results.
Benefits
While lymphatic massage does not produce permanent weight loss on its own it may aid you in removing excess body weight. It can help improve digestion and the removal of waste products from your body. It may also help boost your metabolism by ridding your body of wast products through your lymph nodes. Removing the excess fluid from your body can also improve circulation. With a sensible diet and exercise program lymphatic massage may help you gain better results.
Expert Insight
To permanently lose excess body weight you need to create a negative caloric balance in your body according to Dr. Len Kravitz of the University of New Mexico. Lowering your total caloric intake and increasing the amount of physical activity that you do produces significant weight loss compared to diet or exercise only programs. Make small changes over time and gradually increase the amount of activity you perform for sustainable life changes.
Considerations
While massage is beneficial for most people discuss it with your doctor if you are on medications and/or being treated for any chronic conditions. Your health and medications can also affect your body weight so talk to your physician about weight loss. They may be able to guide you on your approach and setting a healthy weight loss goal.