(Aging Untold) — While many people focus on diet and exercise for wellness, lymphatic health is equally important and closely linked to both. Lymphatic drainage massage is a specialized technique that can help the body reduce swelling and improve circulation.

The process focuses on the fluid running just under the skin.

Board-certified physician Dr. Rhea Rogers said the lymphatic system is an important part of the circulatory system.

“Well, it’s really important because you’re used to blood flow taking things to all different parts of the body, but the lymphatics is how you actually gather up and clear out toxins and that, and it doesn’t have its own pump,” Rogers said.

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For breast cancer survivors, this type of treatment can offer relief.

Rogers said radiation and other treatments cause scarring that affects drainage.

Expectant mothers are also good candidates for lymphatic drainage massage.

Lindsay Garrod, who is pregnant, said the technique is gentle but effective.

“It’s such a gentle technique, I think, I wasn’t really sure going into it what exactly it would entail, and it just sort of feels like the most gentle massage you’ve ever had but the results are absolutely incredible,” Garrod said.

Rogers said that pregnant women have different physiology that affects circulation.

“So, for pregnant women, you have a whole different physiology that’s going on basically. You know how when women are pregnant, they’re early on, and they get dizzy when they change positions and all of that. It’s because the blood flow doesn’t catch up with the heart,” Rogers said.

While hydration, movement and a healthy diet all support the lymphatic system, lymphatic drainage massage might provide additional help for the body.

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