What Is Lymphatic Drainage?

One of the supposed benefits of whole body vibration is lymphatic drainage. And this is something we are looking for--with my sedentary job and Jen's classwork equally motionless, our lymph nodes don't get a good workout.



What Is Lymphatic Drainage?: Lymphatic drainage is a holistic approach to promoting a healthy lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels and ducts that move fluid throughout the body and is responsible for moving toxins away from healthy cells and carrying germ-fighting materials to cells when they are under attack by viruses. Though fluid moves through the lymphatic system, it does not have its own pumping mechanism. Lymphatic drainage is a type of therapy that is intended to help the body produce a free-flowing lymphatic system.

This type of therapy consists of a manual massage, performed by a lymphatic drainage therapist. Such a massage primarily focuses on specific lymph nodes and points of the body, as well as the natural flow of the lymphatic system. To help lymph fluid move through the body, special rhythmic hand strokes are used, which many patients consider very relaxing. Proponents of lymphatic drainage believe that the process will reduce blockages of the lymphatic system, which in turn promotes a healthier body.

Whole Body Vibration On The Tyra Banks Show *Hot* - YouTube

Video (from the Tyra Banks show--I can honestly say the first time I've seen any part of the show) with a good demo of an oscillating type whole body vibration machine.

Whole Body Vibration On The Tyra Banks Show *Hot* - YouTube

What benefits are We Seeking?

My wife and I would like to:

1. lose weight
2. gain strength
3. improve cardio
4. improve lymphatic drainage
5. improve flexibility

In no particular order.

We have a sinking suspicion that the 1% have some secret workout regimen that keeps them healthy (but they seem to die anyway--I guess money can't buy you immortality (yet)).

Good breakdown of the two main types of vibrating exercise machines.

This is where I start to get confused, what type of machine do I need? Here is a good breakdown. Let's see what I can find out.

 

Whole Body Vibration Machines And How They Work

An oscillating platform machine has a base plate which has a center fulcrum point.  Much like a see-saw that children play on, the platform rises at one end while the other end lowers.  This movement closely mimics the motion of the human legs when walking, while also involving the hips and lower back into the motion, unlike treadmills. The amount of lift or drop on the platform is very short, typically less than one inch at the outside edge.  This range of motion or ‘amplitude’ may not seem like much, but it is crucial because this distance is reaching the limit of movement that a fast twitch reflex muscle is capable of moving.  This movement will maximize the amount of fat burning calories that the fast twitch reflex muscle is capable of burning.  This particular style of movement will also incorporate the fast twitch muscles in not just the legs, but also throughout the hips, back, and waist area.  The speed settings on these machines are typically measured in hertz (Hz). Which is how many times per second the platform will travel from highest point of travel through lowest point and back to the highest point again.  Most machines will have speeds in the neighborhood of 1-20 Hz.  This oscillating type of machine is better suited for people who are looking for weight loss, as opposed to those who are looking for muscle gain, which is where the other type of machine, the Tri-phasics are better suited.  Remember that larger range of motion combined with lower speeds will make you lose weight, and shorter range of motion combined with higher speeds will build muscle strength.

Tri-phasic or tri-planar machines do not have a center fulcrum point like the oscillating machines, they do not wobble from side to side.  The platform which you stand on moves up and down in one solid continual motion.  In fact they actually move up and down, side to side and front to back all at the same time.  This ‘three dimensional’ range of movement is where the term tri-phasic or tri-planar originates.  These machines typically have a very small range of motion or amplitude.  Usually measured in millimeters, they typically have amplitudes of 1mm – 5mm.  These tri-planar machines have less motion than the oscillating machines, however the tri-planar machines have speeds that are considerably higher than their oscillating counterparts.  The speeds on these machines are typically between 20 Hz. to 50 Hz.  The differences in the two types allow the tri-planar machines to be more effective at increasing muscle strength as opposed to burning fat. You would still get a great workout on the tri-planar machines, but if weight loss is the primary concern the oscillating machines will perform a little better. The tri-planar machines are also going to be more effective at achieving bone density increases because they put a bigger load on the muscle groups.  Both types of machines are going to help with blood circulation and lymphatic drainage issues.  The tri-planar machines are typically more expensive than the oscillating machines.  Most professional sports teams and athletes, celebrities, rehab facilities and chiropractors and doctors use the tri-planar styles of machines.  With the higher price tags you usually get bigger, stronger, heavier, more durable machines which may be better suited for commercial use, such as in a gym.

From the Mayo Clinic--not that helpful

Whole body vibration training: An effective workout? - MayoClinic.com

Whole body vibration also may have a role beyond sports and fitness. Some research shows that whole body vibration, when performed correctly and under medical supervision when needed, can:

• Reduce back pain
• Improve balance in older adults
• Reduce bone loss

Still, if you want to lose weight and improve fitness, enjoy a healthy diet and include physical activity in your daily routine. If you choose whole body vibration, remember to do aerobic and strength training activities as well. And because whole body vibration can be harmful in some situations, check with your doctor before using it, especially if you're pregnant or have any health problems.

Why this blog?

I create blogs to help me organize projects and information. In this case my wife and I are very interested in vibration technology for exercise. She's been going to her acupuncturist and he has a vibration machine that she really likes. She thinks it'd be great for us to have one at home. Unfortunately the one she has been using is an $8,000 machine--a little out of our league, so I'm looking into options. There are lots of other machines that range from a couple of hundred dollars to $1,000+. I need to know if they are worth it or just pieces of junk. This blog will help me to determine if I want to buy one or not. And I'm always welcome to input and feedback.