Do you struggle with sinus pain? Postnasal drip and a stuffy nose? Does bending over make your head pound? Chronic Sinusitis is no fun. People are likely to feel fatigued and general malaise as the body is trying to fight off an invader. Manual Lymphatic drainage is a non-invasive and relaxing solution that may not only alleviate your symptoms but can support your immune function overall.

The normal response to infection in the nose and throat is for mucous membranes to swell and increase secretion to wash away invading bugs. The lymph system is responsible for cleansing our bodies, if the inflammation has built up around the sinuses, and nodes (glands) have swollen to fight infection, the areas become partially blocked and poor drainage occurs. Lymphatic drainage helps with sinusitis by relieving the congestion, so drainage of the fluid in the inflamed area can occur. Relief may be felt within the first 30-minute session.

As the name implies sinusitis is inflammation (itis) of the mucous membranes of the sinuses. It can be due to infectious or noninfectious causes.  The sinuses are hollow areas lateral to, above and behind the nose.

They lighten the weight of the head, provide resonance for the voice and filter air. (1) When a toxic antigen such as an allergen, virus or bacteria is breathed in the mucous membranes of the nose are the first line of defence, causing the trapped pathogens or foreign matter to be expelled rather than reaching the lower respiratory system. The mucous membranes of the nose and sinuses are lined with cilia and lymphoepithelial tissue which contains white blood cells. These lymphocytes generate antibodies to the invader this time and help prepare the body for the next time it is invaded.  

They are the first line of defence to airborne pathogens. When the cilia break down or become overburdened inflammation can occur as the body triggers an immune response.  This can happen due to a viral or bacterial infection or environmental irritants such as pollen; dust, smoke, mould or spores etc.    

There are 2 major types of s

1. Non-infection sinusitis. Allergic rhinitis or hay fever. It is often distinguished from infectious sinusitis by the lack of congestion and the quality of nasal discharge. The discharge tends to be runny and thin. As the sinuses are inflamed it puts them at risk of secondary infection, non-infectious sinusitis may be chronic for week or months at a time,

2. Infection Sinusitis is a pathogenic invasion that creates a vicious cycle as the inflamed membranes create excessive mucus that may make drainage difficult. (1)

When a virus, bacteria, allergen, etc. enters the body through the nose, it hits the body's first defence system; the mucus linings trap and destroy potential invaders.  This lining has lymphoepithelial tissue which contains lymphocytes. These lymphocytes (white blood cells) react & develop antibodies in the lymph nodes specific to this particular “invader.” So, the next time the invader enters the body, it encounters a mounted defence. This process dilates the blood vessels in the nose, causing swelling and increased mucus secretion. This may lead to blocked drainage and congestion. (2)

How is the lymphatic system involved?

Our lymphatic system is the body's waste control and cleansing system. If the inflammation has built up around the sinus area, the local lymphatic vessels system may become overloaded and swelling may occur (oedema), so the area can not be cleansed. Local lymph nodes can become inflamed. They are filtering, recycling and immune defence stations for this network. Many of them are located in our heads and neck. (3)

So how can lymphatic work help? 

Nearly 100 years ago Emil and his wife Estrid Vodder were working in France where many English people travelled to escape the British weather and recover from chronic coughs and colds. They discovered that when swollen lymph nodes were worked on painful sinuses, coughs and colds started to clear up.  (4)  

The goal of lymphatic work is to get bodily fluids flowing, either because they have become blocked or simply to accelerate flow.  Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) reduces congestion and speeds up the elimination of waste products from our tissues. MLD has a relaxation effect on the whole of the body, clients often report that they have the best sleep they have had for a while after a session, it also stimulates the immune system. (4)

“Chronic sinusitis and rhinitis respond well to MLD treatment, because of its edema-reducing effects on the mucus membranes as well as the positive influence on the immune system. It also reduces the symptoms in cases of therapy-resistant allergic pollinosis (hay fever) “ (4)

When not to have lymphatic drainage

Firstly it is important to ensure that you do not have an active acute (green/yellow mucus)  infection or an acute allergic reaction i.e. hay fever.  Just as you would not wish to draw an infection through the body neither would you wish to pull through the histamine from the local allergic response through the body.  There are other important contraindications that I will run through with you before we meet.

What happens in a session?

A treatment session for chronic sinusitis or rhinitis is 30 mins long. We work with your neck and face area. The movements used are very light and unlike a normal massage, they are designed to help clear your lymph nodes and stimulate the movement of edema in the sinus area.  If you have had your condition for a while, regular sessions close together work best. Often relief will be gained within the first session, with pain and swelling greatly reduced in this half an hour session.

 You can book this alone or add it on to another session.

References 1. Werner, Ruth. A massage therapist's Guide to Pathology,. 7 ed., Books of Discovery, 2019. 2. Foldi, M. Foldi’s Textbook of Lymphology. 2 ed., Urban & Fisher, 2006. 3. Chikly, Bruno. Silent Waves, The Theory and Practice of Lymph Drainage Therapy. 3rd ed., Chikly Health Institute, 2017 4. Kasseroller, R. Compendium of Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage. Haug, 1998.

References 1. Werner, Ruth. A massage therapist's Guide to Pathology,. 7 ed., Books of Discovery, 2019. 2. Foldi, M. Foldi’s Textbook of Lymphology. 2 ed., Urban & Fisher, 2006. 3. Chikly, Bruno. Silent Waves, The Theory and Practice of Lymph Drainage Therapy. 3rd ed., Chikly Health Institute, 2017 4. Kasseroller, R. Compendium of Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage. Haug, 1998.