The technique of lymphatic drainage massage has gained popularity relatively recently. Only in the middle of the last century it was developed by the famous French doctor Pascal Cochet. Initially, this type of procedure was intended solely to relieve swelling in patients after surgery. Later, this method began to be used in the field of cosmetology and sports medicine.
Human lymphatic system
The lymphatic system is formed from two channels (lymphatic vein and thoracic duct), through which lymph flows, a clear liquid that is a type of connective tissue. Unlike the circulatory system, its flow is stimulated not by cardiac activity, but by the work of muscles and respiratory organs. When they contract, lymph moves through the body.
Lymph nodes located in the lymphatic system act as natural biofilters. Thus, the lymphatic system filters fluid in the body, cleanses it, eliminates metabolic products and prevents the effects of infections.
What is lymphatic drainage
Now this type of massage is very popular. After all, most modern people due to their occupation are forced to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Few people manage to devote enough time to walking or physical exercise every day. Because of this, lymph in the body stagnates, and vasospasm occurs. As a result, varicose veins, headaches, a feeling of fatigue and other unpleasant problems appear.
It is lymphatic drainage massage of the body that helps remove toxic substances, intercellular fluid and waste products from the body. After a procedure aimed at stimulating the lymphatic system, metabolic processes are activated, lymph circulation is normalized, the aging process is slowed down and the immune system is strengthened. The skin gains elasticity, becomes soft and smooth. This physiotherapy procedure is practically painless. Yes, during the first sessions there may be pain and even slight bruising on the skin. But such manifestations are mainly characteristic of anti-cellulite programs that require thorough treatment. After 3-4 procedures, the body gets used to it and the pain becomes comfortable.
During the procedure, pressure and stroking of varying degrees of intensity are performed. At the beginning of the session, all actions are characterized by delicacy and gentleness. By the middle of the session, the efforts made by the massage therapist increase. However, he continues to massage the body at a slow pace, avoiding sudden movements. Lymph flow is normalized only with the correct influence.
To get the desired effect, you will have to undergo a full course of body lymph massage. Usually it consists of 8-10 sessions, which are carried out with a break of 1 day. The duration is determined depending on the patient's condition.
Zones for lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic fluid accumulates in different parts of the body, which manifests itself as swelling or bags under the eyes. Therefore, there are areas on the human body where lymph stagnation is especially pronounced:
- Face area. Characteristic: redness, swelling, acne, problem cheeks.
- A very problematic area under the eyes. Massage of this part of the face is usually trusted to an experienced cosmetologist.
- Leg area. Swelling and capillary phenomena often occur.
Lymphatic drainage facial massage
Lymphatic drainage foot massage
Lymphatic drainage massage of the abdomen
Lymphatic drainage massage for cellulite
Doing lymphatic drainage of the abdomen
Often there is a phenomenon such as sagging and folds of the abdomen. The purpose of abdominal lymphatic drainage is to remove subcutaneous fat.
Here are the basic rules for lymphatic drainage of the abdomen: lie on your back and massage the abdomen from the navel to the sides to the inguinal folds clockwise. Gradually move to the armpit area through the sides. It is necessary to pinch the stomach, pull back the folds of the abdomen, kneading them with your free hand. We return to the stomach area. Let's relax..
If you follow the recommendations of a specialist, then in just seven days you can remove some of the subcutaneous fat, and in a month you can determine the size of your waist and hips.
Fight cellulite.
Cellulite – orange peel You can fight it with lymphatic drainage massage. By massaging the abdomen and thighs, the lymph is actively involved in its work, and blood flow is activated. Decay products are removed from the body, and fluid also leaves the body naturally. Swelling disappears. This procedure removes cellulite even in advanced stages. The skin takes on a natural look and becomes smooth
Types of lymphomassage
Massage that has a direct effect on the lymphatic system is usually divided into three categories:
- Superficial - aimed at activating lymphocapillaries.
- Projection - involves the areas in which the lymph nodes are located.
- Deep is a type of therapeutic massage.
In addition, lymphomassage is further divided into two types:
- Manual. Performed directly by a massage therapist manually for 1 hour or more. Relaxes and calms. Helps open skin pores, remove fluid, and activates lymph flow.
- Hardware. In turn, it is divided into several subtypes depending on the special equipment used. This type of massage takes much less time.
Indications for physiotherapy
If the functioning of the lymphatic system is disrupted, breakdown products are no longer completely eliminated from the human body. This leads to intoxication, enlarged lymph nodes, swelling and the appearance of inflammatory processes. All this, in turn, provokes the occurrence of pathologies.
When understanding how lymphatic drainage massage is useful, it is important to find out in what situations it is appropriate to use it. In addition to improving lymph flow and relieving swelling, this massage helps:
- get rid of excess weight;
- eliminate cellulite;
- strengthen the immune system;
- relieve tension and pain in the head area;
- normalize sleep;
- improve skin condition;
- solve problems with the gastrointestinal tract (with complex therapy);
- remove fine wrinkles, stretch marks, shallow scars.
In addition, lymphatic drainage is often prescribed to women during the postpartum period (4-6 weeks after childbirth). Its general strengthening effect helps the weakened body recover faster.
Features of lower limb massage
A distinctive feature of leg lymphomassage is that most often it is used not for the purpose of treatment, but specifically to combat cellulite deposits. After a course of lymphatic drainage massage, the epidermis will become smoother and tighter, tubercles and irregularities will disappear. The result is achieved due to the fact that the lymph flow in this area is normalized, which will have a positive effect on metabolic subcutaneous processes.
If the technique is carried out properly, taking into account all the recommendations, a woman will not only be able to get rid of the hated cellulite, but also make her legs more toned and attractive.
The procedure is recommended in the following cases:
- laxity of the epidermis;
- pronounced “orange peel”;
- increased volume of lymph nodes;
- genetic tendency to varicose veins.
Lymphatic drainage massage: contraindications
Despite the pronounced benefits of this procedure, we must not forget about the existing contraindications to its implementation. So, this method of influencing lymph flow lines is not recommended for:
- fragility of blood vessels;
- acute course of thrombophlebitis;
- pathologies of hematopoietic organs;
- diseases of the lymph nodes;
- oncology;
- pregnancy and lactation period;
- pain in the head area of unknown etymology;
- diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
- kidney problems;
- diabetes mellitus;
- skin pathologies;
- infectious diseases;
- varicose veins (in an advanced stage);
- epilepsy.
What to choose: home or professional massage?
If possible, doctors strongly recommend choosing a professional massage. The fact is that a specialist can perform a full-fledged deep massage, which is prohibited at home. If you ignore the recommendations and do intensive lymphatic drainage yourself, there is a risk of damage to the lymphatic capillaries and vessels, which can lead to serious disturbances in lymph flow.
Professional massage should definitely be chosen for lymphostasis, but to prevent the development of problems with the lymphatic system and increase skin elasticity, you can choose home procedures.
Face
Lymphatic drainage massage of the neck and face helps to quickly relieve swelling and redness. Eliminates sagging skin, makes it elastic and gives a natural healthy tone. It is an effective remedy in the fight against acne and fine wrinkles.
Benefit
Lymphatic drainage acts in several directions at once:
- corrects body contours;
- reduces wrinkles;
- increases skin tone and elasticity;
- enhances regenerative properties;
- reduces swelling;
- reduces excess fat deposits;
- eliminates cellulite;
- normalizes metabolic processes;
- removes toxins and waste;
- increases immunity;
- treats varicose veins.
All these beneficial properties of the procedure are actively used for cosmetic and health purposes.
How to prepare for a massage
This physical procedure does not require any special preparatory measures. But a number of conditions that must be adhered to before going to the massage room still exist:
- exclude alcohol during the massage course;
- limit the amount of liquid you drink (especially at night);
- Plan to visit a massage therapist in the evening, a few hours after eating.
By following these simple recommendations, you can achieve the desired effect much faster.
How to do lymphatic drainage of the body: step-by-step instructions
The procedure involves the step-by-step implementation of a number of actions:
- Preparatory activities. First of all, the massage therapist selects the optimal course program for his patient depending on the existing problems. For prevention, 6-12 sessions are usually prescribed every other day.
The client takes off his clothes and sits on the couch. Using a cleansing composition, the massage therapist removes impurities from the surface of the skin, then applies massage oil or cream. If you plan to use special equipment, the skin is preheated manually.
In order for the patient to be able to relax normally, all the necessary conditions and a comfortable temperature regime in the office are created.
- Massage. Lymphatic drainage technique is based on the rules of the usual procedure. The session begins with an impact on the lymph nodes; subsequently, all manipulations are carried out along the lymph flow in the direction of the nearest lymph nodes. Massage movements are performed at a slow pace, softly and delicately. The duration of the procedure depends on the purpose of the physiotherapy and can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- The final part. At the end of the procedure, the massage therapist cleanses the client’s skin of any remaining oil or cream and lubricates it with a moisturizer.
Results of the procedure and possible side effects
The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage are noticeable even after the first procedure. A pleasant lightness appears in the body, pronounced swelling subsides. A course of 6-12 sessions allows you to get the following results:
- body weight decreases, mainly due to the elimination of excess fluid from the body;
- pain in the head area will disappear;
- the constant feeling of fatigue disappears;
- the skin becomes smoother, firmer and more elastic;
- general well-being improves significantly;
- the body's immune system is strengthened;
- metabolism in tissues is resumed;
- figure defects are eliminated.
If there are no contraindications to the procedure, you are unlikely to experience any serious side effects after the massage. However, minor bruising may be observed in the directly treated areas after the session. Such marks appear due to increased fragility of blood vessels. This pathology is mainly characteristic of heavy smokers. Mild bruises do not cause much concern to patients and disappear fairly quickly.
To protect yourself from possible undesirable consequences, you should consult your doctor before signing up for a course of lymphatic drainage.
Don't forget - each case is individual. You may not know about the presence of contraindications to the procedure, but you may feel great before going to the massage room. To avoid unwanted consequences, it is better to consult a doctor in advance.
Preparation
To increase the effectiveness of drainage massage, a number of recommendations must be followed. They represent rules that must be followed before, during and after procedures:
- It is important to steam the skin before the session - take a bath, shower using a scrub. This will not only cleanse the dermis, but also improve the absorption of the massage products used (oil, cream).
- It is necessary to adjust your diet. Massage will not help you lose weight if you constantly exceed the required number of calories.
- It is recommended to carry out the procedure in the evening.
- You should not eat or drink 2 hours before and after the session. The day after the procedure, you should drink at least 2 liters of water.
- You must abstain from alcohol and nicotine for the entire course.
- After lymphatic drainage, it is recommended to rest for at least 10 minutes.
- You can enhance the effect of a massage using wraps. This will increase the duration of the increased lymph flow.
