Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Migraines and Headaches

MIGRAINES- MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE CAN HELP!

If you have ever suffered the pain of a headache and especially a migraine, you know that it can be completely debilitating. Migraines can affect cognitive function, cause vision impairments, and reduce your ability to conduct your daily activities. Many people seek treatment from their doctors and end up seeing specialists to try and get control over the pain they are frequently experiencing.

As a last-ditch effort to avoid taking more medication, many people are seeking alternative forms of therapy to help combat their headaches & migraines. Even those who have found the right medications to help with the pain seek treatments that can help reduce the overall frequency and duration of each headache/migraine.

How Manual Lymphatic Drainage Works

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a specialized massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system to improve lymphatic drainage for migraines and other types of pain. It involves using gentle, rhythmic movements performed by a trained therapist. The primary goal of MLD is to clear obstructions within the lymphatic system, which can impede the proper movement and drainage of lymphatic fluid. Through specific hand movements that are light, slow, and rhythmic, the therapist applies gentle pressure and stretching techniques to stimulate the lymphatic vessels. This stimulation helps the vessels contract and move lymphatic fluid along their pathways.

The therapist begins by opening the lymphatic clusters in the neck, collarbone, and underarms, creating a clear pathway for the lymphatic fluid to flow toward these clusters. From there, the therapist applies the rhythmic strokes in a specific sequence, following the natural flow of the lymphatic system. These strokes are directed in the direction of lymphatic flow, guiding the fluid toward the lymph nodes for filtration and processing. As the lymphatic fluid reaches the lymph nodes, they filter out waste products, toxins, and pathogens.

How Lymphatic Drainage Can Help Reduce Migraine Pain

Manual Lymph Drainage differs significantly from the regular deep tissue Swedish massage. The light, sequential, repetitive movements provide an analgesic effect and have been shown to significantly reduce pain. Deep tissue massage can have the same effect, but Lymphatic Drainage Massage for migraines can further reduce pain and improve quality of life. For individuals with migraines, some research suggests a hyperexcitability of the sympathetic nervous system (your flight or flight response) due to dysfunctioning neurotransmitters, which can cause pain. MLD also helps suppress the sympathetic nervous system, reducing the pain signals being sent.

Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage

While manual lymphatic drainage can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines, it offers additional benefits for migraine and headache sufferers that help improve their quality of life:

Improved lymphatic circulation – Lymphatic drainage for migraines efficiently removes waste products, toxins, and excess fluid from the body. This can help reduce inflammation and alleviate migraine symptoms.

Detoxification and elimination of triggers – By enhancing lymphatic flow, MLD supports the body’s natural detoxification process, assisting in eliminating trigger substances that may contribute to migraines, such as environmental toxins or dietary irritants.

Stress reduction and relaxation – Stress and tension often trigger or exacerbate migraines. MLD utilizes gentle, rhythmic movements to induce deep relaxation, helping to alleviate stress and promote overall well-being.

Improved sleep quality – MLD has a calming effect on the nervous system, which can lead to improved sleep patterns. Adequate sleep is essential for managing migraines, as lack of sleep can trigger migraine attacks.

Enhanced immune system function – MLD boosts the activity of immune cells, helping to strengthen the body’s defence mechanisms. This can reduce the frequency of migraines associated with compromised immune function.

What to Expect from Your Treatment

Most patients find this type of treatment very relaxing, and quite often, patients will fall asleep. During the treatment, your therapist would treat any or all of the following areas: neck, head, face, ears, and the roof of your mouth (the hard & soft palate). Many patients report feeling their head feels lighter post-treatment. Rebound migraines can happen; however, patients say that post-treatment migraines are less intense and/or are not as frequent.

Your therapist will discuss treatment plans with you based on the severity and symptoms, but it’s usually recommended to come 1-2 times per week for an hour for the first 2-4 weeks. It’s always good to keep a diary of your migraines to keep track of the intensity and frequency. This is a great way to easily monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.

If you have any questions about Manual Lymph Drainage, please contact Karen Kingsley, RMT & CDT Therapist kkingsley@alphahealthservices.ca.

By Karen Kingsley, Registered Massage Therapist and CDT Therapist