One fun thing about being in the wellness field for over a decade is seeing modalities evolve. When I first took my lymphatic drainage course in 2001 it was still relatively new and not requested by very many of my clients. I am now pleasantly surprised, years later that it is something I'm able to do often because of...I don't know, probably many reasons. Clients have a better understanding of their bodies or at least a curiosity of how to do better for themselves. Lymphatic drainage takes a detour from a massage therapists obsession with muscles and focuses on the lymph nodes of the body. Awakening the lymph nodes can have a great impact on edema. Many clients come in saying their doctor told them to have lymphatic drainage post operation. Slight swelling can sometimes get "stuck" and having a trained hand guide toxins, fluid and lactic acid to the areas mostly likely to quickly dispose of them can hasten recovery.
Clients come in for other reasons too. This long hard winter can repress immune systems and lymphatic drainage is a gentle but powerful way to wake up a sluggish body. Feedback I get is often surprise of how such a gentle massage can have clients get off the table with drained sinuses and a refreshed feeling. They will also say it stays with them for a few days, like something in their body got "kick started".
I personally like it for a reason not too well known or requested. It has a profound effect on the central nervous system. Lymphatic drainage puts the body in a parasympathetic state which slows heart rate and breathing, relaxes muscles and allows organs to resume normal functioning. The rhythmic pumping is soothing and gives other systems in the body a break from all the work they do.
This just scratches the surface of lymphatic drainage. I've enjoyed studying and practicing it over these years. If you are curious of other modalities of massage but never knew what kind to try, I truly think lymphatic drainage is one that can benefit almost anyone.  Curious yet? Try a session