There is hope for the seasonal and year round allergy sufferer.  It's a tough time when yellow pollen has painted our cars, porches, sidewalks and driveways yellow.  As a seasonal allergy sufferer, I've come to terms with the time when my eyes are itchy and my nose is sore and tickly.  As a naturopath and lymph therapy specialist, I routinely use and recommend lymphatic therapy for my clients who have major allergy flair ups.

I'd like to tell you a little about the lymphatic system and just how it can reduce allergies and minimize the inflammatory response that produces nasal stuffiness, mucus, sneezing and post nasal drip.

What is the lymphatic system?

It is a complex network of ducts and vessels that transfer white blood cells and antibodies to your organs and tissues. These cells and antibodies arm your immune system and help your body combat infections. Unlike the circulatory system, which uses the heart to pump blood to vital organs and tissues, the lymph system must rely on hundreds of muscular units, your body movements, and water intake to move the lymph through the vessels. Normal lymph movement in the body can be reduced by stress, fatigue, inactivity, cold temperatures, infection, chemical or food additives, even one's age and heredity.

How does lymphatic drainage massage help relieve allergies?

This is where lymphatic drainage therapy comes into play. It's basically a type of holistic therapy that gives your lymphatic system a "tune up." By manually stimulating the increased flow of lymphatic fluid, it can reinvigorate your immune system and sweep out harmful toxins.

Using very light rhythmic vibrational massage to increase circulation and lymphatic flow, lymphatic drainage therapy concentrates on specific lymph nodes under the jaw line. The main lymph nodes for facelift massage are pea size and under the mandible. During a face therapy, muscles are "pre-warmed" and the lymph nodes stimulated to open and enhance circulatory and lymphatic flow. A skilled therapist will use his or her hands to feel the body's lymphatic rhythm, direction, depth, and quality. This helps the therapist assess the overall lymphatic circulation and the best way to drain stagnant fluids.

Why should I try lymphatic drainage therapy?

Lymphatic drainage can be helpful in addressing a wide range of conditions. It can reduce fatigue, menstrual cramps, cellulite and water retention, even sinusitis and hayfever allergies. When one suffers from hayfever, the body's immune system goes into high gear as it over reacts to pollen, mold spores or other foreign body invaders. The result is irritation and inflammation of the sinuses. Lymphatic drainage massage through sinus tapping can relieve these hayfever symptoms.

How does lymphatic drainage reduce allergy symptoms like congestion, pressure and mucus?

For those suffering from sinus infections, Lymphatic drainage procedures can remove much of this congestive material from around the facial area. It allows the body's own healing system to do what it is intended to do.