Eastern Body Sculpture is a full body treatment using Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques, traditional Eastern tools such as bamboo poles and cups, meridian acupressure, cupping therapy, and essential oils. This combination of techniques promotes movement of lymphatic fluid and blood. It also balances the energy of the organs, and increases oxygen flow for a healthier internal and external environment.
What is the lymphatic system?
You can think of the lymphatic system as the sewage system of the body. The main function of the lymphatic system is to drain lymph fluid from tissues in the body and return the fluid to the blood. The blood then transports it to the appropriate organs to be processed and excreted from the body.
The lymphatic system is a massive component of our immune system, and involves many areas and cells across the body. The lymphatic system carries white blood cells and nutrients around the body. It does this to tackle nasties such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and transport them to the circulatory system where they can be disposed of. White blood cells in the lymph nodes filter out germs and destroy them. Clean lymph fluid and white blood cells travel around the body via the lymphatic system, to help fight infection and keep us well.
Why is it important to keep the lymphatic system moving?
There are 12-15 litres of lymph in the body, and it MUST filter!
Lymph is a clear fluid that travels around the body in lymph vessels. Lymph vessels have valves, meaning the fluid can only travel in one direction. If the vessels become constricted, lymph fluid begins to pool because it has nowhere else to go. This can lead to swelling, or oedema, which can become painful if left untreated.
This is where the ‘body sculpture’ comes in! The aim of this treatment is to open the lymph nodes before encouraging lymphatic fluid to flow through them. We work carefully to open the nodes first. Next we massage in specific directions around the body, working in the direction of the valves, and toward the nodes. The lymphatic system is stimulated and fluid begins to drain as it is supposed to. The treatment must carried out in a specific sequence for this to happen successfully.
Does it hurt?
Light, medium, and deep pressure is important in this treatment, because there are hundreds of lymphatic nodes at varying depths within the body. It may feel a little uncomfortable in some areas, but your therapist will apply less pressure if necessary.
Will I see results straight away?
Many clients notice a difference immediately, however a course of 3-4 treatments is highly recommended. There is so much lymph in the body which needs to be filtered, and it often takes more than one session to encourage – but more importantly, sustain – healthy flow again.
This treatment can also improve the appearance of cellulite – a minimum of 3 treatments is advised (one per week). Simple lifestyle changes, carried out alongside the course of treatment, improve your results even further since your body is given the prime conditions to detoxify and restore vitality at a cellular level. Your therapist will advise you on the extra steps you can take.
Will I feel results straight away?
Quite possibly! If there is an accumulation of lymph fluid (swelling) around a nerve, it will compress it and comprise its function. This can cause pain, but also inhibit the function of the nerve and the part of the body it connects to. Stimulating the movement of lymph can relieve the pressure and pain, and nerve function may be restored.
If you have been unwell recently, you may feel a little under the weather after the treatment as the remnants of the germs are flushed through the lymphatic system and your immune system works hard to kill them, as it is designed to do. You may feel revitalised and energised due to the increased blood flow around the body.
You may experience a release of emotions, and a more balanced outlook as the energies within the body are brought into a state of homeostasis.
Certain parts of the treatment work on the neck, which produces a relaxation response through engagement of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve runs from the brain stem to the colon. When the vagus nerve is relaxed, your entire parasympathetic nervous system feels the benefit. This serves to bring down the heart rate, relax the breathing, and brings the body into ‘rest and digest’ mode.
Scientists now understand that body responds to any inflammation by releasing of certain biochemicals (cytokines) to trigger an immune response, to help reduce the cause of the inflammation. When cytokines cross the blood-brain barrier, they have a negative effect on serotonin levels in the brain. It is scientifically proven that any amount of inflammation may (depending on the individual) cause some level of depression or low mood, due to the chemical changes that naturally occur in the body and brain.
Eastern Body Sculpture treatment will nourish and support the immune and lymphatic systems, helping to flush these chemicals around the body and promote faster healing of the point of inflammation.
There are only 2 things that naturally move lymph: breathing and movement! Skeletal, intestinal, muscular, and respiratory movement all support lymph flow.
Take your health into your own hands! Enquire about breathwork sessions with Daily Holistics to learn how to support your lymphatic and immune systems.