Have you ever experienced a detox reaction after getting a Lymphatic Drainage session? It’s a pretty common experience, especially when you first start getting MLD.
Lymphatic drainage increases the flow of lymph fluids, and pulls accumulated waste and toxins from the cellular level of the fluid matrix in your body.
If your system is backed up for whatever reason, there can be a lot of gunk pulled out, which then needs to be safely eliminated from the body through the natural detox pathways: the liver, colon, and kidneys, and even the skin and lungs. Detox symptoms arise from these organs working hard to eliminate the waste and toxins.
Detox is not a pleasant experience, but it’s better OUT than IN!
After it clears out, most will feel better than they have in a long time. Then you can enjoy the substantial benefits of MLD, which can include:
- Reduced swelling and edema; enhanced immune system function;
- improved circulation and detoxification;
- Relief from pain and inflammation;
- Increased relaxation;
- Healthier skin and digestion;
- Improved hormonal balance;
- Faster recovery from surgery or injury; and
- Overall improvement in wellness and vitality.
Detox Symptoms: What to Expect
For some people, their first few MLD sessions may trigger “detox symptoms.” This occurs when there is a significant buildup of waste in the body, and your system begins working hard to eliminate it.
Common Detox Symptoms Can Include:
- Digestive changes: You might experience diarrhea, changes in stool color, or an odor change, as your liver and colon work to eliminate toxins.
- Increased urination: Frequent trips to the bathroom and changes in the smell of urine are normal, as your kidneys eliminate waste.
- Body odor or rashes: Sweating may temporarily smell different, and in rare cases, mild skin rashes can appear, as your body detoxifies through the skin.
- General symptoms of malaise: Headaches, body aches, or nausea. Perhaps even fever or flu like symptoms.
- Fatigue: Your body is working hard, so it will want to rest more than usual.
- Emotional release: Unprocessed emotions can surface as your body eliminates the “molecules of emotion” stored in tissues. Our emotions actually have chemical molecules associated with them, and MLD can pull these out. (See the book Molecules of Emotion by Candace Pert)
All these reactions occur because your body is working more than usual to remove the waste from your body, that has built up over time. Just remember that all of these symptoms are temporary and will normally clear up in a day or two.
The intensity of any symptoms normally decreases with each subsequent treatment, as your fluid system health improves and becomes less congested. You WILL get healthier at the cellular level if you continue on this journey, and there will be less to detox over time.
How to Ease Detox Symptoms
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after your session. Electrolytes can help support this process, ensuring toxins are flushed out efficiently.
- Eat clean, nutrient-rich foods: Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats before and after your session. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and excess salt.
- Prioritize rest: Ensure you’re well-rested both before and after treatment. After treatment especially, you may feel more tired than usual. Listen to your body, and take time to nap, relax, or go to bed early to aid recovery.
- Light movement: Gentle exercise, such as walking or stretching, helps keep lymph fluid moving without overtaxing the body.
- Other self-care practices to consider: Epsom salt baths, herbal teas like ginger, peppermint, or “detox” blends, and processing emotions through journaling, meditation, or counseling can all help.
By following these self-care tips, you can help ease any temporary detox symptoms and maximize the long-term benefits of your MLD sessions.
With each treatment, your lymphatic health will improve, and you’ll find yourself feeling lighter, more energized, and overall healthier as your body becomes less congested and more balanced.
A Note For Those With Chronic Health Conditions
For individuals with chronic health conditions, Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be modified to prevent overwhelming detox symptoms. One of the key strategies is to begin with shorter sessions. This gradual approach allows the lymphatic system to adjust without releasing too many toxins into the bloodstream at once, reducing the risk of intense symptoms.
Regular, more frequent sessions that are less intensive are often more beneficial than longer, sporadic treatments. This consistent, gentle stimulation can keep the lymphatic system functioning efficiently without triggering a large release of toxins.
Between sessions with me, I would also advise my clients to engage in light self-care practices such as dry brushing or gentle self-massage to maintain lymph flow between appointments.
Hydration, a clean diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, and the use of detox-supportive herbs or supplements (with professional guidance) can also help the body process waste more effectively.
To sum up, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a powerful, holistic therapy that supports the body’s natural detoxification processes while promoting overall health and vitality. Whether you’re seeking relief from swelling, pain, improved immune function, or simply a boost in relaxation and wellness, MLD offers a gentle but effective way to nurture your body at the cellular level.
While some may experience detox symptoms during their initial treatments, these reactions are temporary and can be managed with good self-care, hydration, and gradual treatment adjustments. As your lymphatic health improves over time, you’ll notice fewer detox reactions and more of the positive benefits that MLD can bring.
With consistent practice, MLD becomes a valuable tool for long-term wellness, supporting your body’s balance, healing, and vitality.