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What is a Lymphatic Massage? | Lymphatic Drainage Massage

What Is a Lymphatic Massage?

Massage is a therapeutic practice that dates to 3,000 B.C.E. There are numerous reasons people choose massage therapy, from relieving muscle tension and aiding post-workout recovery to easing stress and curbing anxiety. If you’re dealing with inflammation, lymphatic drainage massage is one modality worth exploring.

If this technique is new to you, you might have questions about its benefits and what you should know before booking a session at the WorldSprings Spa. This guide outlines how lymphatic drainage massage works, how you can prepare for a session, and how to take care of yourself afterwards to see the best results.

How Does Lymphatic Massage Work?

Lymphatic System 101

Knowing more about the lymphatic system is essential to understanding lymphatic massage. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and includes lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue.

Think of these vessels, organs, and tissues as open corridors through which the watery substance lymph flows. Lymph acts as a delivery system, transporting protein and nutrients to cells and tissue. The lymphatic system filters waste and abnormal cells out of the lymph fluid before they flow back into the bloodstream.

Purpose of Lymphatic Drainage Massage

The lymphatic system works like a fine-tuned machine, but it can still experience performance issues. Infection, genetic defects, scar tissue, tumors, cancer, and related treatments are issues that could disrupt lymph flow. Instead of reaching the intended destination, the fluid settles in the extremities, neck, genitals, or abdomen. The pooling fluid causes swelling in the affected areas.

Lymphatic drainage massage redirects the fluid back to its intended course. Massage practitioners use gentle pressure to massage non-swollen areas, creating open channels for lymph to drain through.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage Benefits

Alleviates Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint inflammation. The associated swelling and pain can affect quality of life. Lymphatic drainage massage helps lymph drain away from joints to ease swelling and discomfort.

Aids in Post-Surgery Care

An operation can remove lymph nodes or damage them as a side effect of treatment. Lymph collects in other areas as a result. Lymphatic drainage massage decongests these areas to minimize post-procedure swelling.

Promotes Calmness

Lymphatic drainage massage can help you de-stress when paired with mindfulness techniques and a healthy sleep routine. Beyond moving lymph, the massage also gets blood flowing. Improved circulation can combat stress, and the gentle pressure of the massage can ease tense muscles to encourage relaxation.

Boosts Immune System Function

Eating a nutrient-rich diet and practicing good hygiene are two effective ways to fight off common infections. Add lymphatic drainage massage to the list. It is an excellent preemptive measure to avoid feeling under the weather. The massage stimulates toxin removal and lymph flow. The fluid carries immune cells to different areas to ward off infection.

How to Prepare for a Session

Remain Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water in the day leading up to the session will encourage lymph flow and urination to help rid your body of toxins. Remember to head to the restroom to empty your bladder before the session begins.

Skip Your Skincare Routine

We all have our daily rituals, but you should make a few adjustments before a lymphatic drainage massage. To start, skip putting on your go-to lotions. The products cause skin to become slippery, so your massage therapist won’t be able to manipulate the skin effectively. This could limit the impact of the massage.

Avoid Heavy Meals

While it’s important to be well-hydrated during a lymphatic drainage massage, you don’t want to be full from a large meal. Eating something heavy beforehand can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable during the treatment, which can limit its effectiveness.

Aftercare Tips

Continue drinking water after your lymphatic drainage massage to help keep fluids circulating properly. Avoid beverages that make you dehydrated quickly, like coffee and alcohol. Short, gentle exercise sessions, like a 15-minute yoga flow or walk around the block, can also facilitate the movement of lymph after a massage. Resting after a treatment is also essential for helping the body adjust and recover.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage & More at WorldSprings

Visit WorldSprings to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of massage and soaking in mineral hot springs in one location. The Spa offers lymphatic massage for detoxification and reduction of water retention while boosting energy levels. Additional spa services include LED light therapy and facials.

After pampering in The Spa, experience the mineral hot springs and enjoy the tranquil waters containing bicarbonate, magnesium, chloride, potassium, and other minerals that boost your sense of well-being. Plan your visit today, and prepare to feel like your best self.

Be part of the first wave of WorldSprings Ambassadors

on Sep 29, 2025 | 1 minute

We’re building a community of connectors who want to share WorldSprings and earn exclusive access in return. Ambassadors have a one-time sign up fee of $30, then your membership is free (Sunday–Friday access) — and stays free as long as you keep referring friends. All we ask? Share the love with your personal discount code. Here’s how it works: Apply to become an Ambassador here We review applications twice a month. If selected, our team will reach out. Pay your $30 sign-up fee (covers your first month of membership). Refer 10 guests within your first 30 days → earn 3 months of free membership. Referrals are counted based on soak reservations using your unique code provided after you've been approved as an ambassador. Keep referring 30 guests every 3 months → your free membership continues. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. We look forward to having you in our community!

Muscle Recovery Tips for Cyclists

on Sep 25, 2025 | 5 min

Whether you're clocking long miles in the Texas sun or spinning through a weekend hill climb, endurance cycling pushes muscles, tendons, and energy systems to their limits. And what you do after a ride can be just as important as your training. For cyclists in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and those visiting Texas on an active vacation, WorldSprings offers a science-backed approach to recovery. From hydrotherapy to personalized wellness circuits, we're here to help you reduce fatigue, ease muscle soreness, and prepare for your next ride. Why Recovery Matters After a Ride Post-cycling recovery is a crucial aspect of maintaining peak performance and long-term health. Proper post-bike ride recovery supports tissue repair, restores mobility, and reduces the risk of injury — all of which are key to achieving consistent, sustainable improvement on the bike.1 Seven Tips for Muscle Recovery Every Cyclist Should Know 1. Refuel with Carbohydrates and Protein Refueling after a ride is essential, as your body needs to replenish glycogen stores and rebuild muscle fibers. Within 30 to 90 minutes of finishing your ride, consume a meal or shake. It should be a mix of carbohydrates and protein in a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio.2 Eating during this window accelerates post-cycle recovery and reduces next-day soreness. Skipping this step can leave you exhausted and prevent you from doing your best on the next ride.3 Peanut butter and dried fruit are both nutrient-packed, post-ride snacks.4 2. Hydrate Drink water during your ride and continue for several hours afterward. Why? Even mild dehydration can impair recovery and increase muscle soreness. Add electrolytes if the ride was over an hour or occurred in hot conditions.5 Doing so will help replenish electrolytes lost during the long, strenuous trek. To avoid the complications that come from dehydration — which also include poor sleep and slow overall recovery — cyclists should drink plenty of water daily. Specifically, men should consume 3.7 liters, while women should consume 2.7 liters a day.6 If you need to refill your water bottle, no worries. You can also get hydration from different foods and other fluids beyond H2O. 3. Use Cold Immersion to Reduce Inflammation Muscle inflammation can cause soreness after a challenging ride, and cold plunges can help provide relief. The icy dip helps constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling to minimize muscle soreness. Experience the therapeutic power of an icy dip in one of WorldSprings' cold plunges, promoting recovery and helping to alleviate aches and pains. The frigid temperatures are intense, so start with a 30-second plunge. If you can tolerate a bit more chill time, don't exceed two minutes. For enhanced benefits (and to make the low temperatures more manageable), consider soaking in our mineral hot springs first. Contrast therapy (moving from hot to cold water) helps minimize muscle damage and speeds up the return of normal muscle function by getting rid of waste while improving circulation.7 4. Soak in Mineral‑Rich Water Soaking in mineral hot springs for their healing properties is a wellness approach that dates back centuries. You can reap the same rewards (with a modern touch) at WorldSprings with a soak in our waters. You'll find our hot springs in four globally inspired regions. Visit the Guatemala and Mexico area, where wading in the magnesium-, potassium-, and bicarbonate-infused water helps reduce inflammation. The bicarbonate, magnesium, and potassium in the Japan & Korea region is also ideal for athletes to aid muscle recovery. 5. Try Compression Therapy Compression boot therapy can be beneficial after intense training or a marathon. The boots apply rhythmic pressure to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and support lymphatic drainage.8 This hands-free massage may also help you become a stronger cyclist by improving your ankle and knee range of motion — allowing you to pedal faster. Book a compression boot therapy session at WorldSprings to give your lower body a much-needed reset. 6. Sit in a Sauna Many athletes incorporate sauna bathing into their post-cycling recovery regimen. Sitting in the heat aids heart health by promoting better circulation. The heat also dilates blood vessels, providing a clear pathway for oxygenated blood to get to tight muscles to ease tension.9 At WorldSprings, the dry heat in our Finnish saunas will help melt away muscle tension and expedite recovery after an intense ride. Plus, it supports relaxation and stress relief after a hard session. 7. Book a Targeted Massage In general, massage therapy eases muscle tension and promotes relaxation. Different techniques, however, offer targeted treatment to address various concerns. For instance, the gentle pressure of a Swedish massage helps release mild tension in superficial muscles caused by issues such as poor posture and repetitive motions while performing daily chores. A deep-tissue massage might be the better choice for cyclists, as the firm pressure targets deeper muscles as well as tendons and fascia (connective tissues) affected during strenuous exercise. WorldSprings' massage menu includes deep-tissue massage and other techniques to help visitors achieve their wellness goals. Personalized Recovery: The Mineral Method at WorldSprings WorldSprings is the premier post-cycling recovery destination for Dallas–Fort Worth cyclists and visiting riders alike. Whether you're coming off a long ride, active vacation, or endurance event, our holistic offerings help refresh body and mind. The Mineral Method, our wellness circuit, provides a tailored journey through contrast therapy, mineral soaks, sauna sessions, compression boot therapy, and spa services, including deep-tissue massage. Take the Mineral Method Quiz to find your ideal post-ride recovery path. Make reservations today! Sources Rutberg, J. (18 August 2021). Best Tips for Post‑Ride Recovery. USA Cycling. Retrieved September 8, 2025, from https://usacycling.org/article/best-tips-for-post-ride-recovery Walker, J. (24 April 2015). Sports Nutrition. Alive. Retrieved September 8, 2025, from https://www.alive.com/health/sport-nutrition/ A Guide to Pre and Post-Exercise Nutrition for Optimal Performance. KaleV Fitness Solution. Retrieved September 8, 2025, from https://www.kalevfitness.com/blog/a-guide-to-pre-and-post-exercise-nutrition-for-optimal-performance/ Housler, B. (8 May 2024). Top 10 Cycling Muscle Recovery Tips from Professional Racers. EVOQ .Bike. Retrieved September 8, 2025, from https://www.evoq.bike/blog/pro-cycling-recovery Keary, L. (7 August 2025). When to Drink Electrolytes, According to Experts. Men’s Health. Retrieved September 17, 2025, from https://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/a65616220/when-to-drink-electrolytes/ van Vugt, B. (16 January 2024). What are the hydration needs of cyclists? Hammer Nutrition Europe. Retrieved September 18, 2025, from https://www.hammernutrition.eu/article/what-are-the-hydration-needs-of-cyclists-151 (May 7 2024) 11 Unique Benefits of Contrast Therapy for Athletes. River Birch Nordic Sauna. Retrieved September 18, 2025, from https://www.riverbirchsauna.com/blog/benefits-of-contrast-therapy-for-athletes Martens, A. (18 December 2023). Your Complete Guide to the Benefits of Compression Recovery. Prevention. Retrieved September 8, 2025, from https://www.prevention.com/fitness/fitness-tips/g45912433/benefits-of-compression-recovery/ Kaloc, J. (25 October 2018). Why Cyclists Should Have a Sauna Regularly. We Love Cycling. Retrieved September 8, 2025, from https://www.welovecycling.com/wide/2018/10/25/why-cyclists-should-have-a-sauna-regularly/

The Types of Skincare Treatments You’ll Find at WorldSprings

on Sep 21, 2025 | 5 min

Skincare is one of the most rewarding forms of self-care. As the body’s largest organ, skin plays an important and often overlooked role in your overall well-being. And it’s no secret that feeling smooth and looking glowy helps you feel good and boosts your confidence. WorldSprings offers several skincare treatments to help you feel your best. From personalized facial treatments to body care, we invite you to visit our spa to enjoy head-to-toe pampering through the following services. Our Facial Care Services: Fire and Ice Signature Facial If you are a fan of switching between thermal soaks and cold plunges, then you will be drawn to our Fire and Ice Signature Facial, a dynamic treatment that invigorates and soothes. Unlock purer, rejuvenated skin with this specialty service combining warming and cooling sensations. First, a double cleanse using Manuka Honey and Marshmallow Probiotics. Then, following, you’ll receive a targeted red-light therapy session, a treatment designed to fight inflammation, boost circulation, and stimulate collagen production. Coupled with cooling and soothing Marshmallow Cream, this facial will warm and chill your skin, leaving soothing results. Together, each of these treatments work to hydrate and renew your skin. Procell Microchanneling Facial Target fine lines and enhance your skin tone with our Procell Microchanneling Facial, an innovative technique that delivers regenerative ingredients deeply into your pores. Fine, vibrating needles create tiny openings in your skin, a process known as controlled injury that can prompt collagen formation. While traditional microneedling also creates tiny perforations, the needles in microchanneling are smaller to create shallower channels for a gentler and effective approach. Following this step, your aesthetician will inject a special serum containing hyaluronic acid and bone-marrow-derived growth factors. This multipronged technique addresses many skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation1. Glo2Facial The Glo2Facial is an advanced three-step service that includes oxygenation, exfoliation, and infusion to deeply hydrate the skin, resulting in immediate and lasting effects. We start with a unique Oxfoliation™ technique that triggers a controlled reaction between the OxyPods and Primer Gel to stimulate the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your face. Next, we use a light ultrasound experience (LUX) to deliver micro-vibrations, preparing your skin’s surface for a specialized serum based on your unique skin type and concerns. Powerful ingredients—like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants—nourish your skin for glowing results. Lastly, we perform a lymphatic massage to detoxify and massage serums deeply into your skin. Consider this service if you prefer a soothing experience that leverages the skin’s natural responses over manual extraction2. Sculpting Facial As with our other facial treatments, the sculpting facial uses a multi-step process that refreshes your skin. This treatment uses unique sculpting techniques, including the traditional Chinese approach known as Gua Sha, to stimulate circulation, alleviate tension, and minimize inflammation. If your concerns include puffiness or inflammation, consider booking this service to feel rejuvenated and sculpted. LED Therapy Choose LED therapy as a standalone treatment to deliver a wealth of benefits to your skin. Performed via mask or wand, LED therapy encompasses a range of light colors, including red light, to address skin issues. From fighting acne-causing bacteria by strengthening your skin’s immune defense to aiding in the production of collagen for age-fighting results, the advantages of this powerful skin treatment span far and wide3. Our Body Care Services: Back TreatmentsYour back deserves as much care as your face, and WorldSprings now offers two specialized treatments designed to deliver it. The Customized Back Facial deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates to target congestion, uneven texture, dryness, and breakouts with a tailored mask and precise extractions. For a more advanced option, the Glo2Facial Back Treatment uses Oxfoliation™ technology to exfoliate, oxygenate, and infuse nutrient-rich ingredients, leaving your skin radiant and refreshed. Plus, you can pair either treatment with a 3-hour soak—wellness that truly has your back. Mineral Massage Indulge in soothing full-body relaxation with our Signature Mineral Massage, which begins with a hot towel compress infused with magnesium salts, followed by a salt stone massage with oil infused with magnesium. When applied topically, the mineral can reduce muscle aches and joint pain, promote better sleep and relaxation, reduce inflammation, and produce softer, well-hydrated skin4. Dry Brushing Dry Body Brushing is a targeted enhancement that can be paired with our other spa treatments. In this Ayurvedic technique, your massage therapist will sweep a bristled body brush over your skin, invigorating the tissue and delivering benefits ranging from enhanced circulation to increased lymphatic drainage and deep exfoliation. If you intend to enjoy a soak in our Mineral Springs, sloughing away dead skin cells is beneficial, as smoother skin absorbs valuable nutrients more easily5. Mineral Spring Soaks As with our body care and facial treatments, our mineral springs soaks can be enjoyed all on their own or paired with other services for an enriching spa day. Inspired by real mineral springs scattered around the globe, our pools offer rich concentrations of beneficial minerals. For example, potassium (found in pools in Iceland, Italy, Bali, Australia, Guatemala, Mexico, Japan, and Korea) is known for its ability to support the skin’s natural barrier and balance hydration6. Inflammation-fighting magnesium is likewise found in numerous pools on our property, as is bicarbonate, a powerful mineral with the potential to help with a wide range of irritating skin concerns7. No matter which of our waters you’re drawn to, our mineral spring soaks have compelling benefits to offer. Known as balneotherapy, soaks in mineral springs have been associated with effective absorption and benefits for the skin. Some noteworthy advantages include hydration for supple, smoother-feeling skin, delivery of antioxidants, and enhanced microbiome balance, or the ratio of healthy and unhealthy bacteria dwelling on your skin. In other words, soaks in our springs don’t just feel great, but do wonders for your body, too8. Whether you’re seeking a single service to target a specific skin concern or want a full day of pampering, the spa and mineral pools at WorldSprings offer customizable approaches to achieve your personal self-care goals. Start by booking a spa service on our website and be sure to mention any skin concerns you have during your initial consultation. From our Customized Facial service to treatment add-ons, our team is ready to tailor your service for an exquisite spa experience. Sources Ourisman, J. (24 January 2023). What Is ProCell Microchanneling? I Tried It to Find Out. PopSugar. Retrieved August 14, 2025, from https://www.popsugar.com/beauty/procell-microchanneling-49067908 Pai, D. (3 November 2023). Glo2Facial: What You Should Know. RealSelf. Retrieved August 14, 2025 from https://www.realself.com/nonsurgical/glo2facial Migala, J. (25 September 2024). What Is Red Light Therapy? A Detailed Beginner’s Guide. Everyday Health. Retrieved August 14, 2025, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/wellness/red-light-therapy/guide/ Hill, K. (16 June 2025). Benefits and Uses of Magnesium Lotion: Tips to Choose the Right Product for You. Health. Retrieved August 14, 2025, from https://www.health.com/magnesium-lotion-11735937 Blanton, K. (20 October 2022). The Benefits of Dry Brushing Go Beyond Exfoliation—Here’s What You Need to Know. Prevention. Retrieved August 14, 2025, from https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a41714326/dry-brushing-benefits-how-to/ Potassium PCA. Paula’s Choice Skincare. Retrieved August 14, 2025, from https://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/ingredient-potassium-pca.html Whelan, C. (31 October 2019). Is Baking Soda Safe and Effective for Skin? Healthline. Retrieved August 14, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/baking-soda-for-skin de Bellefonds, C. (17 November 2020). Is Thermal Water the Secret to Healthy, Hydrated Skin? Healthline. Retrieved August 14, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/thermal-water

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