Traveling & Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Traveling to cool new places sounds amazing, right? But before you actually get there, you might deal with some not-so-fun stuff like swollen feet, feeling sick, and jet lag, particularly if you're not used to long flights. It can be a real hassle, especially for newbies. 

But even with all that hassle, people still hop on planes for fun trips, work, family get-togethers, and parties. So, generally they tough it out and try to figure out a way to bounce back once they land. One way to help with the post-flight struggle is to get a manual lymphatic drainage massage (MLD), which can really ease those jet lag symptoms and help you feel normal again.

So, what’s jet lag?

Jet lag is basically a temporary sleep mess you get when you fly across different time zones. 

When you travel far away, your brain’s usual clock gets tossed out of whack trying to keep up with the new local time. That’s why you might feel like snoozing during the day and wide awake at night—it’s like your brain is still stuck on the old time. 

Besides feeling all mixed up with sleep, jet lag can also come with a bunch of other annoying stuff like:

- Mood swings

- Stomach issues like upset tummies, constipation, or diarrhea

- Hard time focusing

- Feeling tired

- Being super sleepy

Jet comprimises your body's internal clock, which is what helps keep everything in sync, like how you feel and function. 

This internal clock, called circadian rhythms, runs on a 24-hour schedule, guiding you on when to sleep and wake up. For instance, your body just knows when it’s time to hit the hay and when to rise, thanks to natural light signaling whether it’s time to rest or get up.

When you travel through two or more time zones, your body gets all confused and can't adjust properly. That's why you end up feeling queasy, can't sleep, or feel super tired. Jet lag usually kicks in about a day or two after your flight.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage, often called MLD, is a gentle and soothing massage technique that uses light, rhythmic hand movements. This special method was created back in the 1930s by the talented Danish duo, Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife, Estrid Vodder. The primary goal of MLD is to help the lymph fluid move freely throughout the body, reducing any buildup in the tissues. 

Typically, your lymphatic system circulates about three times a minute, but with MLD, that can jump to around thirty times a minute! This boost in lymph flow helps to prevent any blockages that may lead to swelling in areas like your legs, neck, hands, face, and ankles. One of the fantastic benefits of MLD is that it can even help relieve the discomfort of jet lag!

MLD is a fantastic, natural way to tackle jet lag from long-haul flights! When you're stuck in a seat for hours at a time, it’s common for your feet, hands, neck, and ankles to swell up due to a lack of movement, which slows down the flow of lymph fluid in your body. This can lead to excess lymph fluid building up in your tissues and clogging the lymph vessels, causing those pesky swellings during your flight.

To get the most out of MLD, it's super important to stay well-hydrated both before and after the treatment. Aiming for at least 1.5 liters of water is a great goal for long-haul travelers, especially if you’re planning to enjoy MLD when you land. Drinking plenty of water afterward can also really help speed up your recovery from jet lag.

The MLD session kicks off with soft hand movements on the face, neck and head, usually without any oils, to target your lymphatic system. This slow and soothing pressure helps clear out the lymph vessels, letting the lymph fluid circulate freely throughout your body. It’s a wonderful way to alleviate swollen spots and symptoms of jet lag.

More and more people are discovering the benefits of MLD, and Lara Henderson Bodywork here to provide this wonderful technique for those looking to feel their best after a flight.

One of her regular clients states: 

“Lara's lymphatic massage is very subtle but very effective. I can actually feel, not just "think I feel" a lessening in pain and discomfort around the areas of concern on my body, in particular around surgical scars. I highly recommend Lara as a skilled and compassionate practitioner who closely listens, and offers ideas and solutions that can be very impactful.” 

MLD offers a bunch of wonderful benefits beyond just being a natural remedy for jet lag! For starters, traveling can be pretty stressful with all the packing and prep that goes into it. That's where MLD comes in—it helps long-haul travelers unwind and enjoy some deep relaxation before they fly.

On top of that, manual lymphatic drainage massage gives your immune system a boost by helping with detoxification. It enhances lymph fluid circulation, which moves dead cells, fats, proteins, water, and salt from your body tissues back into your bloodstream, where they can be processed by your liver or kidneys. The result? Glowing skin and an overall healthier you!

And let's not forget how MLD promotes better sleep! After long flights, many people struggle with insomnia thanks to jet lag, but MLD can help you relax and fall asleep like a baby. Plus, it makes adjusting to the local sleep schedule much quicker and easier.

This is all to say...while traveling can be a blast, jet lag often steals the spotlight and can dampen the experience for those returning from long trips. Fortunately, manual lymphatic drainage massage can help ease the effects of jet lag. This technique uses gentle, rhythmic strokes to promote lymph fluid movement, which helps reduce swelling and alleviate other jet lag symptoms. If you find yourself landing in the Denver metro area (and don’t mind a short travel north) after a long journey, Lara Henderson Bodywork—a licensed massage studio, and licensed lymphedema treatment provider —offers MLD services specifically for travelers like you!