Neuro-Lymphatic Therapy

Please note: Neuro-Lymphatic Therapy is not a massage. It is a specialized protocol combining manual lymphatic drainage, craniosacral holds, and myofascial release.

First discovered in 2012, the Glymphatic System is responsible for removing waste from the central nervous system, like the lymphatic system does for the body. The term "glymphatic" is a blend of "glia" and "lymphatic" because it uses a unique system of Aquaporin-4 water channels on astroglial cells to manage fluid flow.

The glymphatic system plays a critical role in brain detoxification, cerebrospinal fluid circulation, and metabolic waste clearance. When glymphatic flow is disrupted, toxins like Amyloid-Beta and Tau proteins accumulate, leading to increased cranial pressure, neuroinflammation, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Neuro-Lymphatic Therapy is a specific protocol designed to encourage the flow of the glymphatic system and cerebrospinal fluid, helping to clear pathogen and protein build-up, improve fluid circulation, decrease inflammation, and calm the nervous system.

At Align, Neuro-Lymphatic Therapy is offered by Tracy River, our Certified Lymphedema Therapist and Licensed Massage Therapist, who brings advanced training in lymphatic and craniosacral techniques to this specialized protocol.

What to Expect

This is a gentle, hands-on treatment that supports the connection between the brain, nervous system, and lymphatic system to increase lymphatic clearance of the brain, reduce intra-cranial pressure, and decrease stagnant proteins and plaques from the brain.

This protocol incorporates gentle manual lymphatic drainage strokes with craniosacral and myofascial release holds. Neuro-Lymphatic Therapy is performed fully clothed, lying face up on a massage table. Caregivers are welcome to attend sessions.

Choosing the right amount of time and frequency for best results can vary depending on individual needs. Listed below is a general guideline.

• 90 minutes — The entire Neuro-Lymphatic protocol, including craniosacral holds, myofascial releases, and facial and deep abdominal lymphatic drainage.
• 60 minutes — Focuses on the most essential parts of the protocol to move the deep lymphatics of the cranium and abdomen.
• 30–45 minutes — An abbreviated treatment for those that are unable to lay for an extended period or those who are receiving 2–3 treatments a week.

For neurodegenerative disease, it is recommended to receive therapy 2-3 times a week for 4 weeks followed with monthly or bi-monthly therapy for optimal results. For periods of flare-up, fastest results can be achieved with treatments 2-3 times a week until symptoms abate then continue with one treatment monthly to reduce severity and frequency of future flare-ups.

Benefits

• Enhance the glymphatic system's waste removal in the brain
• Reduced neuroinflammation
• Reduced cranial pressure
• Reduced ocular fluid build up
• Reduced symptoms of migraine headache
• Reduce length and severity of autoimmune flare-ups
• Slow down the progress of neurodegenerative disease

Conditions That May Benefit

Conditions that may benefit from Neuro-Lymphatic Therapy include:

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson's Disease
• Alzheimer's
• Dementia
• Traumatic Brain Injury, Concussion
• Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration
• Epilepsy/Seizures
• Stroke Recovery
• Chronic Fatigue, Long Covid
• Autoimmune Disorders