At Classical Beauty Spa, we believe healing begins with awareness, comfort, and care. If you’ve experienced surgery, cancer treatment, or lymph node removal, you may be at risk for a condition called lymphedema. While the word may sound intimidating, there are gentle and effective ways to reduce your risk and support your body’s natural lymphatic flow.
In this blog, we’ll share practical lymphedema precautions you can take at home and during spa treatments—so you can continue to nourish your body and spirit with confidence.
What Is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is the swelling of a limb or other body part due to a blockage or damage in the lymphatic system. It most commonly occurs after cancer treatments that involve lymph node removal or radiation (especially breast, gynecological, melanoma, or prostate cancers).
Early signs may include:
- A feeling of heaviness or tightness in an arm or leg
- Visible swelling
- Changes in skin texture
- Decreased flexibility or discomfort
According to the National Cancer Institute, lymphedema may appear weeks, months, or even years after treatment [1].
Wellness-Focused Lymphedema Precautions
Whether you’re receiving a massage, facial, or simply relaxing in your daily routine, the following precautions can help protect your lymphatic health:
1. Protect Your Skin from Injury
The skin is your first line of defense. Even minor cuts or bug bites can lead to infection and swelling in vulnerable areas.
Spa Tip: We avoid deep exfoliation, microdermabrasion, or aggressive extractions on areas at risk. We also use calming, barrier-repair products rich in aloe, calendula, and hyaluronic acid.
At Home:
- Use sunscreen and insect repellent
- Wear gloves when gardening or cleaning
- Moisturize skin daily to avoid cracks
- Reference: Mayo Clinic—“Lymphedema” [2]
2. Be Mindful of Compression
Tight pressure can block the natural movement of lymphatic fluid.
Spa Tip: We avoid tight wraps, constrictive clothing, and massage techniques that involve deep pressure on at-risk limbs. We offer manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) instead, a gentle form of massage that supports fluid movement and detoxification.
At Home:
- Avoid tight bra straps, watches, or sleeves
- Don't carry heavy purses or bags on the affected side
- Never allow blood pressure or injections in the at-risk arm
Reference: American Cancer Society—“Lymphedema: What Every Woman with Breast Cancer Should Know” [3]
3. Avoid Extreme Heat
High temperatures can cause blood vessels to expand, increasing swelling and stress on the lymphatic system.
Spa Tip: We do not recommend hot stone massage, saunas, or steam treatments for guests with lymphedema or those at risk. Instead, we use warm towels sparingly and offer cooling, hydrating therapies to promote circulation without heat exposure.
At Home:
- Skip hot tubs and prolonged hot baths
- Use lukewarm water for showers
- Avoid heating pads on the affected limb
Reference: Cleveland Clinic—“Lymphedema Risk Reduction Practices” [4]
4. Support Lymphatic Health Through Movement
Movement is medicine. Gentle activity helps lymph fluid move throughout the body naturally.
Spa Tip: We offer light mobility-based treatments, yoga therapy, and breathwork to help stimulate lymphatic flow and relaxation. Our certified therapists can also refer you to trained lymphedema specialists if needed.
At Home:
- Walk regularly
- Practice diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing)
- Talk to a professional about using compression garments if recommended
- Reference: National Lymphedema Network Position Paper [5]
Wellness Spa Services That Support Lymphatic Flow
At our spa, we take a compassionate, informed approach to every client’s needs. These services are especially beneficial for lymphatic wellness:
- Gentle facials with lymphatic flow techniques
- Gentle body treatments with lymphatic flow techniques
- Aromatherapy and stress relief sessions
- Permanent Makeup: Microblading/Powder Brows, Lips, & Eyeliner
- Breathwork and restorative yoga classes (coming soon)
Please always inform your therapist if you’ve had lymph node removal, surgery, or radiation. Our goal is to make every treatment safe, comfortable, and supportive for your body’s healing.
In Closing
Lymphedema may be a long-term condition, but it doesn’t have to limit your well-being. With education, gentle care, and smart precautions, you can protect your health while still enjoying the luxury of therapeutic touch and self-care.
If you have questions or want to book a lymphedema-safe service, we’re here to support you—body, mind, and spirit.
References:
- National Cancer Institute. "Lymphedema." https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/lymphedema
- Mayo Clinic. "Lymphedema: Symptoms and Causes." https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphedema
- American Cancer Society. "Lymphedema: What Every Woman With Breast Cancer Should Know." https://www.cancer.org
- Cleveland Clinic. “Lymphedema Risk Reduction Practices.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org
- National Lymphedema Network. “Position Papers.” https://lymphnet.org
