Lymphatic Drainage
Traditional Chinese Medicine
About Chinese Medicine Treatments
Chinese medicine treatment is a customized, comprehensive, and holistic treatment designed upon each patient’s individual needs and conditions. It may include several Chinese medicine therapeutic modalities such as bodywork, dietary therapy, exercise therapy, and herbal consultation. This treatment is best suited for new patients, those with chronic conditions or complex health histories, and any patient who is looking for a treatment that will address the whole person.
***Chinese medicine treatment does not typically include acupuncture as a modality. If you are interested specifically in acupuncture, please book an acupuncture appointment. TCM Acupuncture appointments are 90 minutes and ensure there is plenty of time for both acupuncture and other modalities that are utilized in Chinese medicine treatments.
Chinese medicine, an ancient healing system with a history spanning thousands of years, continues to play a significant role in healthcare today. Rooted in a holistic understanding of the body and the interconnectedness of its various systems, Chinese medicine offers a unique perspective on health and well-being.
Exploring the Ancient Wisdom of Chinese Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Health
What is Lymphatic Drainage?
Typically, the lymphatic system collects and returns the watery fluid that moves through the lymphatic system, but when the process is disrupted, the fluid can be collected in the arms, ankles, legs, or other parts of your body, causing inflammation or making them swell.
Lymphatic Drainage is the process of redirecting excess fluid out of swollen limbs or other areas of the body where there is excess fluid buildup away from your tissues and toward the working lymph vessels and nodes so they can discard the toxins in the body.
TCM Modalities for Lymphatic Drainage
Tui Na 推拿
Tuina is a specific form of massage based on Chinese medical principles. It involves deep tissue manipulation often along acupuncture points and meridians, stretching, and manipulation of the muscles, joints, and tendons. This modality is great for dissolving stagnation and improving circulation.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping involves placing glass or plastic cups on the skin to create a vacuum, which helps improve blood circulation and alleviate muscle tension. The negative pressure created by the warmed cups pulls stagnant lymph and metabolic waste from the deeper tissues up to the surface. This action helps move excess fluid that has accumulated.
Gua Sha 刮痧
Gua sha uses gentle, scraping motions with a stone or spoon to move stagnant lymphatic fluid towards the lymph nodes. This process can help reduce puffiness and fluid buildup by encouraging the body’s natural detoxification and waste removal system. The scraping motion also increases blood flow, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine utilizes a vast array of plant, animal, and mineral substances to restore balance and treat various health conditions. Herbal formulas are tailored to the individual and often combined for maximum effectiveness.
Dietary & Exercise Therapy
Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet and movement in maintaining health. The lymphatic system relies on body movement because it has no central pump like the heart, which makes gentle full-body movement and breathing exercises important. Diet is also an important factor; specific foods are categorized much the same way as Chinese herbs and can be recommended based on an individual's constitution and health condition.
TCM Lymphatic Drainage
30 or 60 Minute Appointments available
TCM Lymphatic Drainage
30 or 60 Minute Appointments available
FAQs
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Lymphatic drainage can help if your lymphatic system is not functioning as it should. Some symptoms that may suggest that there is. congestion in the lymph system are:
Bloating
Brain Fog
Chronic Sinus Infections
Fatigue
Headaches
Puffy or swollen ankles and hands
Skin conditions like acne, dryness, and rashes
Swollen Lymph nodes in the neck
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Lymphatic drainage can alleviate tension and pain, increase circulation, reduce inflammation and treat symptoms related to conditions like:
Fibromyalgia
Rhematoid Arthritis
Lipedema
Autoimmune conditions
Lymphedema
Chronic Headaches
Skin conditions
Cosmetic surgery recovery
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Modalities like Fire Cupping and Gua Sha can leave temporary marks on the skin.
For example, Cupping often leaves bruises in areas where cups are applied. These bruises are not painful, and may last anywhere from 1-2 days up to 7-10 days, and depends upon many factors. Immediately following the session, areas where cups were applied may be slightly raised. This will subside quickly. Most patients leave the session feeling decreased muscle tension and increased relaxation.