Shaking Things Up

BY: Nora Snyder

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Is it safe?

It’s never a bad idea to check in with your doctor before trying anything new. I recommend using a registered nurse who is certified in MLD (mine uses the Vodder Method). A few contraindications to keep in mind are: 

Acute cellulitis/erysipelas
Severe cardiac insufficiency
Hepatic cirrhosis with abdominal fluid (ascites)
Unstable hypertension
Renal failure
Untreated tuberculosis or malaria
Superior vena cava obstruction

I’m not exactly sure what brought me here (and by here, I mean “in the waiting room”) honestly. My memory is extra bad on extra bad days which is probably good. It was bad enough to drive me out but not bad enough to keep me from driving. 

Sometimes I just can’t bear to involve my primary (PCP). God love him, he tries. But sometimes I just want peace and comfort, not a new drug to contend with, not another fact-finding mission. I booked myself at a “medical spa” situation thinking, I could possibly be infused with something…? 

I think I looked rough because the clinician’s eyes looked wider than natural while I stumbled through how I felt, why I was so crumpled and lost. One of the most wondrous parts of this visit was the genuine human-ness I was met with. She didn’t push hard for clarification, she didn’t steer me toward her own conclusions, or seem disappointed or not impressed in my presentation. 

My shoulders gradually worked themselves down from my ears. I drooped and cried and was happy for someone else to hold my pain and confusion for just a little bit. Is there anything here that might help me? Even for just a little bit. I live in small chunks of time. I can’t depend on anything, I can’t trust myself, I can’t plan for the future so “just a little bit” is everything.

She recommended Lymphatic Drainage Massage, or MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage)

What is it:

MLD is a light, stroking massage that helps promote the movement of lymphatic fluid. It should not be confused with a traditional massage, there is no deep tissue or muscle involvement here which for me, is a relief. MLD is specifically focused on the lymph vessels. Therapy is applied to “decongest” the regions where there is a fluid build-up. MLD helps open the remaining functioning lymph collectors and move protein and fluid into them, as well as to help speed up lymph fluid flow through the lymphatics. I like to call it “shaking up your system” (gently).

I often feel a sense of stagnation in my body- edema, heavy legs, not eliminating as much as I think I should, sluggish digestion, brain fog. The intention behind MLD is to augment the rhythmic contractions and stimulate the lymph nodes to improve their activity in order to reroute stagnant lymphatic fluid. For most people, the lymph is adequately mobilized throughout the body with movement, exercise, deep breathing, hydration, etc. Lymph is one of our waste management systems- carrying pathogens, bacterias, waste products and white blood cells. It seems intuitive that one would want to keep this system robust and functioning optimally.

Deep breathing techniques called diaphragmatic breathing is done at the beginning, end, and throughout a therapy session to help open the deep lymphatic pathways. It is relaxing, and it helps increase movement of fluid toward the heart. Now that I have had many sessions with my therapist, I feel very participatory in my massage. I can “breathe along” almost in synergy with her hands and it is very empowering. Most medical treatments are very much the opposite. My person also incorporates essential oils and a series of glorious moves called “head holds”.

I think my poem below captures the effects of MLD on my being. The first night I tried explaining it to my mom (who I think should try it) and I could only describe a sense that “stuff inside me moved”, I often feel like I need my insides to “shift” or be “jiggled”. It is so frustrating to try and capture in words. My only relatable experiences are having participated in sound bowl or gong meditation- the sound’s vibration is a similar (although a less powerful and less widespread) sensation.

How long does it last? 

 That’s a hard question and I’m sure it’s a bit different for everyone. I’ve decided not to collect data on this aspect. It makes me feel good and I make an appointment when I feel it’s time and that loose process works for me. I have picked up a few habits that support MLD (and I assume lengthens the time between sessions).

Dry Brushing

How I do it: Using a stiff-bristled brush (made specifically for this purpose, I ordered mine at amazon), I use light, quick, circular strokes towards my heart starting at my feet right up to my neck. I do this before I shower. It is invigorating, moves the lymph and even helps clear the pores of the skin so waste can leave more easily.

Hydration

Yeah I know, obvious. However, I have elevated my hydration game. I only drink filtered water. I am drinking more teas and juices and drink supplements that help inflammation (turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, lemon, mushroom, etc.). And I am incorporating more brone broth sipping and I am reducing sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.

Movement

I added another yoga class so there’s not so much time between sessions (I will write more about this at some point). I re-examined some strategies from my favorite pain management book by Rachel Zoffness. A key concept is to NOT avoid movement for chronic pain. It is hard because there is a part of me that wants to “freeze” as part of my fight or flight response to pain. So it requires some real intentionality. I’m not talking about running around the block- more like flexing, stretching, puttering..

Meditation

Meditation is definitely a muscle to be built. If I practice regularly, I can more easily get to that level on the massage table and my session is more profound. Diaphramatic breathing is much more a focus since I started MLD. It is good for the mind and body. Breathing is another thing I forget to do when I hurt, but man, it makes me feel strong when I remember.

My legs have been trying to speak to me for a long time. Growing pains, clumsiness, slowness, bruises of unknown origin as a child then venal insufficiency, swelling, varicose veins, mobility issues and cramping as an adult- but my legs and I need couples therapy because we have yet to understand each other. But I’m still trying. In this season of Thanksgiving, despite all the pain and discomfort, I am very thankful for this body, these legs.

How about you? What kind of relationship do you have with your legs? What kind of healing epiphanies or shifts have you made recently? What are the ways in which you “shake up your system”?

These Legs

I will wake them
Greet them
Rub them up 
Brush them toward my heart
Elevate them on the 
Cool windows
Sun breaking through my toes
My feet scoured down
To sensitive pinkness
Their true selves
Not muffled or numb 
With aching gait and heavy
Veins
But radiant, purposeful
Free 
Thighs kissing under sundress
Light
Souls in contact with life
Stems carrying me all the way

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I’m not even a great patient. So do your own research and consult your care team. I wish you the very best with this unbelievably hard stuff of just trying to maintain some quality of life. xoxo

Sources: Physiopedia, St. Jude’s Wellness Center, and GLO Aesthetics websites, and the Pain Management Workbook by Rachel Zoffness MS PHD.

Nora Snyder is a poet, performer, organizer, collector, and free-range librarian.
Her work is diverse in topic, but is often image heavy and heart forward free-verse serving to elevate the human experience while knitting in lots of interesting connections and humor.
Nora has participated in many events, readings, workshops, and open mics in her former home on the middle finger of the Fingerlakes in Ithaca NY and now in her new desert town of Sierra Vista.
Two chapbooks of Snyder’s work, The Bee, the Bear, and the Blossom and Spilling Pools of Light, are available on Amazon and her website illuminousflux.com. Read more about Nora on “Our Contributors” page!