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Lymphatic Drainage

Val has had it suggested to her by an osteopath that having manual lymphatic drainage (not from the osteopath) might help with reducing water retention from Glivec.

Does anyone have any experience of that or whether it is OK to have manual lymphatic drainage with CML?

Any input will be gratefully received - otherwise we'll check with the Consultant on the next appointment.

David

Hi David,
I am in the US. Some time ago, I had some lymphatic massage done by an LMT (licensed massage technician). It is very gentle as the lymphatic system is just below the skin. The LMT said that my lymphatic system was sluggish and I got a feeling that that was where some of the Gleevec edema was. I was on Gleevec and doing a vaccine trial at the time....and I wanted to move 'stuff' through the lymphatic system. I did feel different, maybe 'lighter' after these Rxs.

There is also another way to influence the lymphatic system....it is a technique called 'dry brushing'....you can probably google that. There is a special brush made for this and you brush the skin lightly in a certain pattern (from the extremities back toward the trunk) and they suggest that you do this before taking a bath, to stimulate the lymphatics. I think this technique might be from Japan??

This type of stuff is often done post mastectomy when the lymph nodes are removed and there is a lot of swelling in the arm....so it is really not so far out.

I am a retired physical therapist.
Nancy C.

I did goggle it....lymphatics, dry brushing and here are some references:

Body WisdomDry brushing is a skin care technique that assists the skin in waste removal. ... in the underlying organs, connective tissues, and the lymphatic system. ...
www.balanceflow.com/bodywisdom.htm - 39k - Cached - Similar pages

Heal South Africa - Dry Skin Brushing - A project dedicated to ...In order to maximise the lymphatic benefits of dry skin brushing, the skin should be brushed according to the locations of the two lymph ducts. ...
www.healsa.co.za/dryskin.htm - 44k - Cached - Similar pages

M.E. Support - Lymph Drainage MassageThe Lymphatic capillaries take this fluid and transport it to the Lymph nodes. ... Benefits Of Skin Brushing. • Stimulates the circulation - Pumps blood ...
www.mesupport.bigstep.com/generic242.html - 38k - Cached - Similar pages

Lymphatic System HealthDry brushing is intended to exfoliate the skin, removing layers of dead skin cells and assist the Lymphatic Drainage. The Lymphatic Drainage refers to the ...
www.intentonchange.com/Lymph.html - 8k - Cached - Similar pages