Lymphatic Drainage Massage may sound somewhat scary, but it is actually one of the gentlest forms of massage techniques out there.  Our lymphatic system carries our excess interstitial fluid and passes it through a series of filters before releasing it into our subclavian veins.  These filters are designed to destroy foreign bodies such as viruses and sometimes get swollen or clogged when we are sick or our system is overloaded with toxins.  The main nodes are located at the base of the neck, just below the ears, in the armpits and the groin area.    Lymphatic Drainage Massage was developed specifically to focus on "unclogging" those nodes and encouraging the flow of lymphatic fluid so that the body rids itself both of toxins and excess fluid.  Since the vessels lie just underneath the surface of the skin, the massage is light and rhythmic and follows the direction of the lymphatic flow.  It is a very relaxing, almost hypnotic experience.  Despite the light pressure of the massage, most of my clients remark that they feel lighter, clearer, and overall much better at the end of the session.    Why do they come?  The main reasons clients come for lymphatic drainage massage are for sinus problems, swelling of feet, legs, or hands, bloating, chronic colds or flus, and a general feeling of toxicity or low energy.  Sometimes people doing a detox or a diet will reward themselves with a lymphatic drainage massage at the end.  Whatever the reason, one should be especially careful to increase their water intake both before and after a lymphatic drainage massage.    Here at the Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing, we customize our massages to help you meet your health goals.  This means that I can include a 10 minute lymphatic drainage massage for your sinuses in with your regular deep tissue session.  I can also add a castor oil pack for digestive issues into your lymphatic drainage session.  I also offer a combo session which begins with lymphatic movement and is followed by a swedish massage that maintains the direction of the lymphatic flow.  Whatever your health concerns are, we can discuss them and put together a session that supports your needs. In honor of National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, Call the Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing TODAY at (412)242-4220,  and receive a BONUS 30 minute Massage add-on to a regular 60 minute lymphatic drainage massage!  This means 90 minutes of massage for only the price of a 60 minute massage!! Offer Valid ONLY on appointments scheduled from calling today, 10/27/09.