Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What is a contraindication for lymphatic drainage?

1. Chronic fatigue syndrome

2. Auto immune disease

3. Generalized anxiety disorder

4. Seasonal allergies

The correct answer is: Auto immune disease

Lymphatic drainage is a therapeutic technique aimed at encouraging lymph movement and reducing swelling. However, certain medical conditions can make this treatment inappropriate or potentially harmful. Autoimmune diseases involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues, which might be exacerbated by stimulating lymphatic flow. In such cases, the increased activity might intensify symptoms or lead to unwanted reactions as the treatment could activate immune responses in an already compromised system. In contrast, chronic fatigue syndrome, generalized anxiety disorder, and seasonal allergies, while they may have complexities, do not inherently carry the same risks involving the lymphatic system's interaction with the immune response as autoimmune diseases do. Thus, lymphatic drainage is typically not contraindicated for those conditions but should be approached with caution and personalized consideration when it comes to autoimmune diseases.