FAQs
Do you accept health insurance?
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The practice is currently accepting patients with PacificSource and Regence health insurance plans. For others, our bookkeeper can provide you with a superbill as an out-of-network provider. You may then submit the superbill directly to your insurance. Please check with your insurance provider to find out more about your out-of-network coverage.
How can I best prepare for my lymphatic treatment?
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Please be sure to read about preparing for your session and planning for after your treatment. Before your session, take care of the following:
1. Detoxification support
Supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes prior to and after your lymph massage sessions can help you get the most out of your treatments. You may choose to increase nutrients or temporarily add herbs that support the liver and kidneys. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C are known to bind toxins, for example. You may wish to consult with your naturopath, doctor, or nutritionist before taking herbs and supplements.
2. Hydration
Arrive at your appointment well hydrated. Drink lots of water throughout the hours leading up to your session. Take electrolytes if needed, and drink other, non-sugary, healthful fluids. (Coffee doesn’t count. Neither do alcohol and soda pop.) Dehydration will impair your ability to detoxify and rebuild. Caffeine, alcohol, and sugar may feel watery but typically result in some level of dehydration.
3. Clothing
Dress in comfortable, fairly loose clothes. Expect to undress to your level of comfort. Note that the practitioner’s direct contact with your skin will aid in the healing process. Tight clothing and underwire bras can make it hard to get lymph moving.
If you choose to keep clothes on during your session, dress as follows.
Underwear: Wear cotton underwear.
Pants: Avoid pants with buckles, zippers, or pockets; yoga pants or yoga shorts are good options.
Shirt: Wear a V-neck T-shirt or tank top so your neck and collar bones can be accessed by your practitioner.
4. Food
Arrive with an empty stomach or eat a light snack prior. Drainage will be performed in the deep abdomen and organs, so a large meal before treatment isn’t a good idea.
5. Avoid lotions
Do not apply lotion, ointments, oils, or creams to your skin prior to treatment. Avoid antiperspirant if possible. Dry skin contact is more effective for stimulating the stretch response needed by your lymph vessels.
6. No alcohol or drugs
Do not drink alcohol or consume recreational drugs the nights before and after your session. Your liver processes these substances. The liver will be responsible for detoxifying much of what the lymphatic system collects during your treatment, so don’t burden it before your session.
7. Just before the session
Use the restroom prior to getting on the table. I will try to remind you. : )
What can I expect during my session?
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We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
1. Touch
The touch will often be very light to moderate (just enough pressure to stretch the skin) but the treatment should never elicit pain or discomfort. If something feels painful or uncomfortable, please let me know immediately so I can adjust pressure.
2. Areas of contact
I will concentrate on several key areas of your lymphatic system: neck, armpits/underarms, abdomen, and hips. Organs such as the liver and kidneys, lungs, and digestive tract will also be addressed, in addition to any areas of complaint.
3. What does it feel like?
You may experience sensations on the table as lymph fluids begin to move. Tingling, coolness in fingers and toes, digestive noises — these are good signs!
4. Is it like regular massage?
No. MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) is specifically focused on helping the lymph vessels increase flow of lymphatic fluid in the body. MLD feels light to the patient, using a skin-stretching massage that helps promote the movement of lymphatic fluid and toxins out of the body. It should not be confused with a traditional massage.
5. How will the session proceed?
Lymphatic therapy is applied to your unaffected areas first, making it possible for the fluid to move out of the affected area, to “decongest” the region of your body. I start with stimulating the deep lymphatic collectors first, then the trunk of the body, and then move out to the distal extremities. Through MLD, I significantly speed up the rate of lymphatic flow, improving the effectiveness of the body’s innate immune system and supporting detoxification.
5. Breathing
Deep breathing techniques to engage diaphragmatic breathing are often done at the beginning and end of each session. Diaphragmatic breathing helps open the deep lymphatic pathways. It feels relaxing and helps increase movement of fluid toward the heart.
What should I plan for after my treatment?
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Healthy, therapeutic responses may cause a temporary increase in symptoms during your detoxification process. You may feel tired, sore, or achey and therefore suspect that your lymphatic treatment is not working. In fact, these reactions are signs that your body is cleansing itself of toxins and impurities, just as intended. Plan to do the following:
1. Movement
Allow for a period of gentle movement immediately after your session. During lymphatic treatment, your lymph collects toxins and places them into the bloodstream for removal. Gentle movement and mindful breathing for 10 to 15 minutes aids in this process.
You could take a short walk before getting into your car after the session, walk your dog, go to the gym, or take a gentle yoga or qi gong class.
Stay cool. Do not allow yourself to overheat.
2. Rest
After the short period of movement, plan for a period of rest. For example, you might keep your schedule light that afternoon and evening. Your body’s resources and nutrients will go toward “cleaning up shop” in your body, and it’s best to give them adequate space and time to do their job.
You may experience an immune response to cleanse any bacteria or foreign cells that don’t belong; this process sometimes causes a sensation of tiredness or feeling “spaced out.” You may feel a need to urinate more often as well. Baths, naps, and quiet time can aid in this important healing process. Rest allows the body to regenerate and heal.
3. Support healing
Avoid alcohol and other intoxicants for at least one day following your session. Stay hydrated with plenty of water to help your body “clean up shop.” Opt for nutritious foods.
4. Sensations and reactions
Every patient is different, and every session is different as well. The list below includes several of the more common healing responses you may experience after your session:
• Feeling your body as “light and fluffy”
• Brain fog, feeling spacey
• Increased odorous urination
• Increased odorous bowel movements
• Temporary change in your body odor
• Increased sweat
• Deeper and more restful sleep
• Hunger or cravings for fats
• Thirst
• Tiredness, wanting to rest or nap
• Sinus drainage
• Ear drainage
• Reductions in swelling and headaches
• Reductions in swollen lymph nodes (2–7 days after)
• Shifts in sinus congestion, such as from one side of the face to the other
• Pressure changes in joints or areas where prior injury or trauma has occurred
How do patients feel on a longer term basis?
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Every patient and client experiences unique results from their lymphatic therapy and massage sessions. In the week following their first appointment, patients often report feeling lighter, healthier, and more energetic, with reduced pain and discomfort. Multiple therapeutic sessions over a series of weeks or months may produce cumulative results.