Before and After Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

Many individuals note beneficial changes like weight loss or body sculpting effects in 1 – 3 (30 minute) sessions. Tone returns to places where skin was loose and sagging particularly in the neck, breasts and arms.

In short Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) makes you feel better and gently detoxifies the body.

Clients report before LDT

• Lack of energy
• Immune system challenged
• 10 – 20 lbs overweight
• Mild – Moderate depression
• Can’t seem to loose weight
• Clothes fit tight at bust and around waist
• Allergies have progressively worsened over past 2 years

After LDT

• Have more energy
• Improved immune function
• Begun loosing lbs &/or inch’s
• Think clearer, more upbeat
• Making nice changes
• Down a bra and pant size everything is fitting looser
• Now if I get sick its much milder & clears quicker

If Lymphatic Drainage Therapy appeals to you, sessions are available at our Institute Monday – Saturday by appointment.

Kim Krost is the owner of the Integrative Healing Institute. She has been a licensed massage therapist for 15 years and massage therapy instructor. She is a Lymphatic Drainage practitioner and is co-creator of Natural Reflex Therapy, a natural wellness technique that focuses on the neuro-lymphatic points on the body to encourage health and well being.

5 Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

What is the Lymphatic System?

Just under our skin lies an intricate system of tributaries that make up our lymphatic system. We commonly think of our bodies as bone, muscle, organs and skin, but our bodies are 60 – 70% water.

The health of our bodies depends largely upon the optimum function of the lymphatic system including: all of the organs, glands, lymph nodes and lymph vessels located throughout the entire body.

Lymph fluid, also called interstitial fluid, bathes tissues and helps to deliver nutrients and oxygen to our cells. The main functions of the Lymphatic System are:

• Defending the body against disease
• Cleansing the body of toxins and
• Ridding the body of excess fluid

Specially trained therapists are able to work directly with the lymph system.

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT)

1. Reestablishing healthy flow patterns for:

• Stagnant fluid (noticeable under arms, around breasts, in midsection, in the neck, arms, thighs and ankles
• Edema (swelling) in skin muscles, joints and throughout the body

2. To Drain Toxins

• To promote tissue regeneration for scars, stretch marks or wrinkles; or where the client has had an injury, surgery and may also be used for anti-aging applications
• To reduce fat. Most every time fat content is present in the tissue, lymph vessels are available to help evacuate them
• To help eliminate protein-rich fluid (macromolecules) from extracellular tissue

3. To Stimulate the Immune System

Lymphatic drainage techniques have been found helpful for chronic and sub-acute inflammation processes including:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Auto Immune diseases
• Arthritis, bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, acne, eczema etc.

4. To Stimulate the Parasympathetic System

This can be very helpful for those dealing with stress, depression or sleeping disorders.

5. To Reduce Pain

LDT helps alleviate tissue fluid stagnation and inhibits type C nociceptors that trigger pain.

Plantar Fasciitis: Why Do My Feet Hurt?

Plantar fasciitis ("PF") involves pain and inflammation of a thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia, which runs vertically across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes.  Plantar = sole of the foot.  Fasciitis = inflammation ("itis") of the fascia.  PF can affect one or both feet and is a common cause of heel pain or pain in the arch that can range from mild to debilitating.  Pain is often worse in the morning and after sitting for a length of time.

Not every case of PF finds relief from medical procedures such as cortisone shots and surgery.  Reflexology is a form of bodywork applied to the feet that is a tool worth considering for its non-invasive nature and holistic approach to wellness.  Doctors often recommend friction massage to the bottom of the foot, but a reflexologist looks further at how PF affects the entire body and may apply a broader approach with attention to other areas

Holistic Approach for Helping Plantar Fasciitis (“PF”)

If you have been diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis, you’ve likely tried conventional methods of treatment from physical therapy to medications.  These may provide temporary relief but the pain often returns weeks, months or even years later.  What’s missing?  Addressing the cause and effect.

Causes and Aggravants

• ·      Increase in physical activity (walking, running, standing, exercise equipment)
• ·      Non-supportive footwear (high heels, slippers, flip flops, extremely flat sandals)
• ·      Faulty foot/leg structure, injuries, weak arches, improper gait
• ·      Excess body weight.  A force of 3x our weight is absorbed through legs and feet with each step.  So, a 200 lb. body exerts 600 lbs. of pressure into the feet.

Reasons PF Symptoms Return:

• ·      Band-aid treatments (drugs, braces, shots), not seeking the causes
• ·      Inconsistent treatment or stopping short of frequency to get results
• ·      Lack of self-care with exercise, stretching, ice therapy, etc.
• ·      Lifestyle habits remain that cause or aggravate or worsen PF
• ·      Maintenance sessions aren’t schedule for preventative measures
• ·      Use of medications that mask pain and give a false sense of resolve

How Can Reflexology Help PF

With the application of specific techniques, reflexology can improve circulation for lower legs and feet, reduce adhesions in fascia, help to ease muscle tension and provide pain relief.  Lymphatic techniques reduce soft-tissue inflammation.  Reflexology stimulates endorphins to reduce pain overall.  Cold therapy reduces inflammation while heat therapy reduces pain.

Dr. Andrew Weil, MD comments on reflexology:

“Reflexology is a foot-focused therapy…a health-supporting treatment.  I’ve prescribed reflexology for plantar fasciitis and foot and ankle problems with good result.”

If you have PF, consider adding reflexology to your regiment of care.  Call (210) 967-4400 for more information or to schedule your appointment.

Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Chakras

The 5th Chakra is located at the throat, is known as the Throat Chakra and is associated with the color blue. Physical symptoms arising from a blockage of this chakra include:

• Lung and Throat issues
• Hearing and Neck problems
• Allergy and Jaw issues

Emotional symptoms of the Throat Chakra include:

• Rage and mental confusion
• Stubbornness & Repressed emotions
• Fear of speaking and Anguish over communication
• Self loathing

The 6th Chakra is the Third Eye Chakra, is located on the forehead between the eyebrows, and is associated with the color purple. This chakra's physical symptoms include:

• Eye and Ear problems
• Headaches and Allergies
• Anxiety and Insomnia
• Fatigue and Dizziness
• Hormonal imbalances and Development issues

Third Eye Chakra emotional symptoms include:

• Feeling overwhelmed and isolated
• Problems coping with anger
• Anxiety and Lack of joy
• Scattered thinking and Self criticism

The 7th Chakra is the Crown Chakra, is located at the top of the head and is associated with the colors gold and white. Physical symptoms of the Crown Chakra include:

• Alzehimer's and Parkinson's
• Schizophrenia and Depression
• Dizziness and Epilepsy
• Psychosis and Neurosis
• Headaches and Dizziness

Emotional problems may include:

• Lack of self understanding
• Major depression
• Lack of direction