First, lymph nodes can not be massaged because of the peculiarities of technique of massage. The fact that the hands of the masseuse during the procedure move in a certain direction, their force is always toward the nearest lymph node. For example, during a massage of cervical and head the positive effect will be achieved only when moving the arms from above downward, meaning in the direction of the subclavian lymph nodes, when massaging hands the direction of the effort goes to the axillary and cubital lymph nodes, foot to the inguinal and popliteal, lumbar to the inguinal. When massaging the chest, the lymph drainage goes to the axillary lymph nodes. It turns out that the load on them increases sharply, because in the normal state of the body the lymph flows into the nodes with a low speed.
Lymph node are not designed for prolonged contact with the external mechanical stimulus (in this case, the pressure when massaging). Most commonly used kneading, effleurage and squeezing. And the structure of lymph nodes is such that the pressure is easily violates the microcirculation within it. In the end, because of the pressure ducts are damaged node, which moves the lymphatic fluid, and it gets in the tissue. There, the lymphocytes begin to attack the cells of the organs, mistaking them for foreign agents, which leads to organ dysfunction and severe swelling.
Second, along with impaired movement of blood and flow of lymph in the lymph node occurs and mobilization, i.e. spontaneous output the blood vessels immature lymphocytes. The immune system is not able to recognize them and determine how "friendly" to the body cells, so it begins to actively destroy them. The consequence of this is rapidly developing inflammation of lymph nodes and damage.
In addition to the above, the reasons for prohibiting the massage of the lymph nodes exists such as the accumulation of pathogens. During the massage the lymph begins to move faster through the body and thus spread the bacteria to all organs, which leads to the spread of infection. As a consequence, the disease becomes more severe and prolonged.