Lymphatic Massage
Learn about the Lymphatic System (below) on this page.
Treatments are for Therapeutic and Wellness Purposes Only.
90 Minutes | $170
A powerful, full body treatment that gently and rhythmically encourages the natural movement of lymph across the body, that reduces swelling and congestion, stimulates the healing process, and enhances immune system function. Manual Lymph Drainage is used to treat Lymphedema, and post-surgical: swelling, waste removal, and minimizing scar tissue formation. It is also used to treat symptoms of auto-immune diseases, head and neck congestion, migraines, Lyme disease, orthopedic injury (sprains and strains), dermatological issues (acne, cellulite), pregnancy induced swelling, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Add on a Castor Oil Pack to use during your treatment or to take home.
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If you are focused on recovering from a specific injury, post-surgical reconstruction and/or cosmetic surgery, custom treatment plans are available. Please contact me directly to discuss at 434.989.4736.
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75 Minutes | $150
Restore a healthy glow to your skin with this one of a kind facial. Detoxify and decongest the skin's surface with a deep cleanse and enzyme exfoliation, followed by detoxification of the deeper tissues using manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). This gentle, rhythmic massage helps to improve circulation, promote lymphatic flow to remove the excess fluid, and push the toxins and waste from the lymph nodes, improving dull, puffy & congested skin. This treatment is beneficial for many conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, sinus congestion, lymphedema, & fluid retention.
The Lymphatic System
What is Lymph & How Does it Move?
Lymph starts as extracellular fluid that has escaped from the cells, veins, and arteries. It is made up of water, immune cells, foreign bodies, toxins, cellular debris, fats, hormones, minerals and proteins from blood.
Why is Moving the Lymph Necesary?
The lymphatic system does not have an organ like the heart to pump fluid around our bodies. Therefore, it relies on movement by way of exercise, deep breathing, muscle contraction, bandaging/compression, and manual lymphatic drainage. If we don't have proper lymph flow in our bodies the lymph fluid in the tissues can build up (this not only contains water, but toxins and proteins). We may appear puffy, experience pain or allergies, have swelling, and many more conditions, including lymphedema.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is swelling caused by an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid between the tissue layers. Primary lymphedema is a congenital form of lymphedema caused by a malformation of lymph vessels or nodes. It may present itself at birth or later in life. Secondary lymphedema can occur after surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, infection, lymph node removal, some forms of liposuction, and trauma.
Treatment is necessary to not only move the fluid out of the area, but also the protein. If it goes untreated, the lymphatic vessels will stretch out permanently and external compression and treatment will be necessary for a lifetime.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The Lymphatic system (below in green) is made up of lymph fluid, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphoid organs.
What is Manual Lymphatic Massage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a powerful, yet gentle, non-invasive manual technique that uses specific movements that act as an external pump to direct lymphatic fluid through lymph channels and enhance the release of toxins. It re-routes the lymph flow around blocked or compromised areas into healthy lymph vessels that eventually drain into the venous system. The lymphatic system is vital in regulating the immune system, which protects the body against infection. Lymphatic Drainage also has a soothing and analgesic effect on the body. Although often used with the term 'massage' it is not massage in the traditional sense of the word.
Who can benefit from Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is used to treat Lymphedema, and post-surgical: swelling, waste removal, and minimizing scar tissue formation. It is also used to treat symptoms of auto-immune diseases, head and neck congestion, migraines, Lyme disease, orthopedic injury (sprains and strains), dermatological issues (acne, cellulite), pregnancy induced swelling, and neurodegenerative diseases. It can also be used on a healthy lymph system to boost immunity and help keep it healthy.
Who should NOT receive Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Those with
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Decompensated cardiac insufficiency
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Untreated Congestive Heart Failure (CHF - cardiac edema)
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Untreated Cancer
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Acute inflammation caused by pathogenic germs (bacteria, fungi, viruses). The germs could be spread by the manual lymph drainage, with - resulting blood poisoning (sepsis).
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Acute renal failure
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Acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT)/blood clots
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Fever
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Acute Cold/Flu
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MAKE THIS A SLIDE ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE
It is important to consider some things before booking your Manual Lymphatic Drainage session. Make sure you schedule at a time that you are able to go home and rest for the remainder of the day. Also, it is not recommended that you come after a big meal. The deep abdominal work that I do can be uncomfortable after eating.
My Credentials
Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist, Monarch Continuing Education (2023)
Holistic Rituals for Body, Face, & Mind
3054 Berkmar Drive, Suite B Charlottesville, VA 22901 Simply Skin is located across the street from the Seminole Trail Fire Department. Enter the parking lot with the "Village Offices" sign and make an immediate left. We are nestled within Healing Hands Chiropractic (3054B). ​There is ample parking and we are wheelchair accessible.