Lymphatic drainage massage: techniques, indications and contraindications

The lymphatic system plays an important role when it comes to human health. It is involved in the transport of chemicals throughout the body and also affects immune function. Therefore, when lymph stagnation occurs in certain areas of the body, it immediately affects well-being. Stagnant lymphatic phenomena are called lymphostasis. In addition to the negative impact on health, problems with lymph drainage also affect appearance: swelling appears, and an increase in body volume is observed. Most often this happens in the thighs and calves, as well as on the face. If such problems occur, a course of lymphatic drainage massage will help, which is aimed at freeing the lymphatic ducts and accelerating the outflow of lymph.

Indications

The procedure is based on restoration of metabolism at the cellular level. That is why it is successfully used for both cosmetic and medicinal purposes.

Main indications:

• treatment and prevention of all forms of cellulite;
• figure correction, as an aid to fat deposits;
• getting rid of dark circles and bags under the eyes;
• tightening of facial skin, reducing the depth of age wrinkles;
• stimulation of the immune system;
• relieving tension, normalizing the psycho-emotional state;
• normalization of metabolic processes, treatment of edema by removing excess fluid from the tissues;
• relieving symptoms of varicose veins (swelling, feeling of heaviness in the legs);

Suitable for women of any age. With the help of massage, you can improve the condition of the skin and maintain its youth, slowing down the natural aging processes of the body.

Learn more about the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage from the video.

How many sessions will it take?

The result of lymphatic drainage massage is usually assessed individually. The required number of sessions is determined based on what goals are set and what state the body is initially in: the degree of swelling, whether there is cellulite, its stage, whether it is necessary to reduce the volume, etc.

Accordingly, if we are talking about manual massage, which is done for preventive purposes, then it will be enough to carry out three or four procedures with an interval of 1-2 days, and if it is necessary to correct a figure with severe cellulite, then 12-15 sessions will be required. The interval between them will be 2–3 days. Typically, a schedule of two sessions per week is assumed. Hardware lymphatic drainage is also done according to the same plan. Regardless of its specific type, to achieve a visible effect, it will be necessary to carry out 10–15 procedures.

Contraindications

Like any other cosmetic procedure, lymphatic drainage has its contraindications.

Experts do not recommend this in the presence of such pathologies:

• skin diseases, the presence of purulent inflammations, burn wounds, cuts and other injuries on the surface of the skin;
• pathologies of blood vessels, including increased capillary fragility;
• malignant neoplasms of the skin and internal organs;
• inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) and other diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• endocrine diseases, thyroid dysfunction;
• diabetes;
• thrombophlebitis of the upper and lower extremities;
• infectious diseases in the stage of acute inflammatory process.

And of course, it is not recommended for women during pregnancy.

In what areas can it be used?

The procedure is performed on any part of the body, depending on the existing problems and the desired result.

1. Face, décolleté and neck. The procedure allows you to get rid of bags under the eyes, small facial wrinkles and a double chin.
   Even two minutes a day will make your complexion more even and healthy, and your skin will become elastic and toned. Since the procedure has a pronounced rejuvenating effect, it is recommended for those aged 25+. The procedure is not advisable on young skin.
2. Stomach. Massage allows you to normalize metabolism, get rid of sagging skin in the abdominal area, make it more elastic and toned. It is used primarily for weight loss purposes.
3. Back. Lymphatic drainage is effective for relieving vascular spasm, activating the immune system and normalizing blood pressure. It fights stress well and improves overall well-being.
4. Legs. Massage solves the problems of dry skin, swelling and cellulite.
   Due to its tonic effect, it acts as a prevention of varicose veins. It can also be prescribed to reduce symptoms in the early stages of varicose veins. With regular use, it helps to tighten the leg muscles, reduce the volume of the hips and buttocks.
5. Hands. The procedure allows you to tighten sagging skin, relieve tension and fatigue after prolonged work at the computer.
   In addition, in this area of ​​the body there are several lymph nodes and many nerve endings, the impact of which relieves stress and normalizes the functioning of the nervous system.

A little history

Emil Vodder, author of manual lymphatic drainage
The Danish doctor Emil Vodder is considered the creator of lymphatic drainage massage. In the early 30s of the last century, he and his wife opened a physiotherapy clinic in Cannes, where they treated patients with swelling of the limbs and neck that developed as a result of poor lymphatic drainage. A little later, the new technique began to be used for cosmetic purposes - to improve facial contours, as well as in the field of dentistry - to reduce toothache. In 1934, Vodder published a book in which he described the proposed technique. After this, lymphatic drainage massage became widely recognized and began to be practiced by physiotherapists and massage therapists.

Some attribute the authorship of the technique to the Frenchman Pascal Cochet, but his merit lies not in the creation of a new type of massage, but in the use of this technique in the treatment of certain diseases associated with lymph stagnation.

Technique

The main condition for the effectiveness of the procedure is strict adherence to the technique of its implementation. All of the above results can be achieved only if the movement of the lymph is started, and not by chaotic fingering over the skin.

Manual

Manual lymphatic drainage massage is based on smooth gliding along the lymphatic vessels and gentle pressure on certain areas of the body.

There are three types of manual equipment:

• superficial to stimulate metabolism in skin cells and restore blood circulation at the level of small capillaries;
• deep - influence on large lymphatic vessels to normalize the outflow of stagnant fluid;
• internal - a procedure that directly affects the lymph nodes.

Now in more detail about each part of the body.

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Face

In the facial area, the lymph nodes are located directly in the center under the lower jaw, on the right and left under the chin, as well as in the temporal zone.

The vessels descend to them from the central part of the face. Accordingly, all movements performed must be directed towards the contour.

Recommendation! To make the procedure as comfortable as possible, it is recommended to use moisturizing cosmetics.

It would be a good idea to pre-make a steam bath with an infusion of herbs.

Technique:

1. Place your fingertips together in the center of your forehead. With a smooth movement, spread your arms to the sides of your temples.
2. In the area of ​​the bridge of the nose, connect the second and third fingers of both hands. We spread our hands towards the temples, moving from below in a semicircle.
3. Massage the eyelids with your fingertips. Performed with eyes closed, in the direction from the nose to the temples.
4. The next movement is along the nasolabial fold and to the large lymph nodes located under the jaw. The massage is performed using the index fingers.
5. Apply gentle pressure in the center of the chin with your thumbs, then slowly spread them along the lower contour of the face.
6. Perform light stroking movements from the top of the chin down to the lymph nodes.

Each exercise should be performed approximately 5-7 times. The total duration of a lymphatic drainage facial massage is about 15 minutes.

Neck

The cervical lymph nodes are responsible for cleaning the lymph that enters the general bloodstream.

The ability to remove toxins and breakdown products from the body will depend on them.

1. Using your fingers, perform light pressing movements on the back of the neck. All movements are carried out in a circle within the occiput and trapezius muscle. Thumbs are not involved in the massage.
2. Using a rotating motion, move up the vertebrae, returning down the outside of the neck.
3. To relieve stress on the lymph nodes, massage the upper neck area, paying attention to the areas behind the ears. Then move to the middle of the neck, ending the massage with circular movements at the base.

Rib cage

Lymphatic drainage in the chest area is a good prevention of cystic formations in the mammary glands and mastitis.

For the best effect, it is recommended to carry out the procedure in conditions of complete relaxation.

So if you have the opportunity to entrust a massage to someone in your household, take advantage of it.

1. Using light circular movements, massage your breasts from the center to the lymph nodes, then return in a circle to the starting point.
2. Using gentle pressure between the ribs, lift yourself up, then lower down. Complete the massage on this area with dynamic strokes.
3. Close your fingers and apply light pressure from bottom to top.

During the execution, you need to place your hands behind your head. If the procedure is performed independently, to fulfill this condition, massage each breast in turn.

Stomach

Dispersal of lymph in the abdominal area allows you to restore the functioning of the abdominal organs.

For a comfortable experience, be sure to use oil or moisturizer.

1. Using massaging movements, walk along the abdomen, starting from the bottom right, gradually moving clockwise to the starting point.
2. Place your fingers under the navel and rub the skin. As in the previous version, movements are carried out clockwise.
3. Using stroking movements, disperse the lymph, directing it first to the inguinal nodes and then to the axillary nodes.
4. Finally, tap across the entire abdominal area.

Back

The procedure is performed while lying on your stomach. At the initial stage, it is recommended to warm up the muscles by stroking without using moisturizers.

After this, you can apply the cosmetic product to the skin and distribute it evenly, moving away from the spine.

1. With your palms pressed tightly to your back, move down along the spine. Return to the starting position through the sides.
2. Fix the second and third fingers of each hand at the spine in the lumbar region. Move up symmetrically, returning to the starting position through the ribs.
3. Place your palms with an edge near your spine and move to the sides at a slight angle, as if drawing a Christmas tree.
4. Place your fingers along the vertebrae, with the pads between the ribs. Like a rake, spread your arms to the sides. Go down a little and repeat the movement. Perform massage movements along the entire length of the spine, reaching the sacral region.

Hands

The main indication for lymphatic drainage of the hands is the rehabilitation period after surgery. But to maintain general health, the procedure will not be superfluous.

Perform a massage with your free hand:

1. Stretch one hand in front of you, slowly stroke it with your free hand, moving from the wrist to the elbow joint. Do 5 repetitions, then change hands.
2. Repeat the previous movements, only now move from the elbow to the armpits. Do 10 repetitions first on one arm, then on the other.
3. Rub your hands, performing massaging movements from your fingertips to your wrist. The massage is done with the thumb of the free hand.

Legs

The leg technique is performed while sitting on a chair or on a sofa. To completely relax the muscles, you need to stretch your leg in front of you and place your foot on a second chair.

1. Start by stroking, moving from the ankle to the knee and then to the thigh. Repeat the procedure first on the inside of the leg and then on the outside.
2. Continue the massage, increasing the intensity of the strokes and alternating them with pats.
3. Rub your feet vigorously from toes to toes. Reducing the pressure, continue rubbing to the knees.
4. Once you reach your knees, relax your fingers completely and gently slide up your inner thighs.

Hardware

Hardware lymphatic drainage can be performed using various equipment.

Depending on this, the following techniques are distinguished:

• Galvanization. The procedure is performed using low voltage alternating current. Under the influence of impulses, metabolism in skin cells is activated, promoting the removal of excess fluid.
• Electroiontophoresis. The procedure is performed using electrodes. Under the influence of weak impulses, it improves the permeability of the skin, making it more open to the penetration of beneficial substances and moisturizing compounds.
• Pressotherapy. The peculiarity of the method is the improvement of fluid circulation in tissues throughout the body at the same time. Lymphatic drainage is performed using a special suit that creates a certain pressure on the tissue. Under the influence of this pressure, a natural process of removing excess water occurs.
• Vacuum massage. The vacuum lymphatic drainage method is based on enhancing the outflow of lymphatic fluid by creating negative pressure in the tissues.
• Lymphatic drainage using microcurrents. An exclusively cosmetic procedure that causes increased contraction of facial muscles under the influence of weak electrical impulses. Used to get rid of age-related wrinkles on the forehead and lip area.

Japanese technique

This technique is applicable to facial skin. The principle of the Japanese lymphatic drainage technique is a forceful effect on the skin.

All movements should be clear and intense, but not cause severe pain. If noticeable discomfort occurs, reduce the force.

The classic technique is chosen for execution. But at the same time, each appointment ends in the area of ​​the lymph nodes located near the ear.

Press on this area with three fingers, fixing the pressure for a few seconds, and smoothly move down to the collarbone with stroking movements.

The Japanese technique is recommended for relieving swelling and normalizing complexion.

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Body massage

Without confident knowledge about the structure of the lymphatic system, you should not undertake lymphatic body massage, especially with the use of special equipment.

First of all, the muscles are warmed up with careful movements throughout the body. The edge of the palm is drawn along the lymph flows, moving to the lymph nodes. Upon completion, take a contrast shower.

The body's lymphatic system cleanses the organs of waste and toxins. One procedure per week is enough to obtain a therapeutic effect.

Direction of lymph movement: neck - chest; wrists - shoulders; lower abdomen - hip joint. Clusters of lymph nodes are located on the sides of the neck, under the armpits, on the bend of the elbow, in the middle of the chest.

results

What results can be expected from a course of lymphatic drainage massage? First of all, women note a healthy complexion, toned and velvety skin. Dark circles and bags under the eyes disappear, you look fresh and rested.

There is also weight loss and a significant reduction in the appearance of cellulite. As for your general health, a course of lymphatic drainage will make you more active and energetic, strengthening your immune system and relieving chronic nervous tension.

To consolidate and maintain the achieved results, it is recommended to combine massage with moderate physical activity and a balanced diet.

What is the lymphatic system

This is an element of the human vascular system. In its importance, it is no less important than the circulatory system. The lymphatic system is entrusted with the function of cleansing the body of internal “garbage” and protecting it from pathogenic microbes and viruses. It also plays an important role in metabolism.

The fluid circulating in the lymphatic vessels is called lymph. In terms of its chemical composition, it is close to blood plasma, but differs from it in the smaller amount of protein, potassium and calcium ions.

Failure in its operation leads to lymphostasis, which is caused by:

• stress;
• unbalanced diet;
• sedentary lifestyle.

As a result, lymph flow slows down. The lymphatic system stops cleaning the intercellular fluid properly. Some of its functions are taken over by the kidneys and the circulatory system, but waste waste products are still not completely eliminated from the body, but accumulate in it, leading to intoxication. This immediately affects a person’s health and appearance in the form of:

• swelling;
• dark circles under the eyes;
• sallow complexion;
• varicose veins;
• excess fat deposits;
• hypertension;
• decreased immunity.

Impaired lymph flow leads not only to health problems, but also to aesthetic skin defects. As a result, tone disappears and skin sagging and cellulite appear.

Recommendations

Manual lymphatic drainage massage can be done at home. To achieve the desired result, we recommend paying attention to some nuances:

1. Each part of the body should be given at least 10-15 minutes. It is not necessary to completely treat all areas every day; distribute the time throughout the week, alternating zones.
2. All movements must follow the patterns described above to accurately follow the drainage of lymphatic fluid.
3. The procedure should be performed on cleansed skin and using moisturizers.
4. Complete relaxation even if you perform the massage yourself. Choose a moment when no one will distract you and you can completely immerse yourself in your sensations.

If these conditions are met, you can achieve visible results after 8-10 procedures.

Description of the lymphatic drainage procedure

Lymphatic drainage massage is a physiotherapeutic procedure that can remove toxic formations and excess fluid from the human body. The main effect of this procedure is aimed at increasing the speed of lymph flow . This process allows the organs to remove waste products as quickly as possible and receive as much oxygen and nutrients as possible. When carrying out lymphatic drainage, it is necessary to take into account how the lymph nodes are located on the human body, as well as where the movement of lymph is directed. This procedure is absolutely painless; it is based on pressure and stroking.

Prices

The average cost of each lymphatic drainage massage procedure is 800 - 4000 rubles. depending on the level of difficulty and body part. More information about prices for various clinics:

• galvanization - 600-1500 rubles;
• electroiontophoresis – 550-1500 rub. (excluding the cost of drugs);
• pressotherapy – 1400-2000 rubles;
• lymphatic drainage using microcurrents – 1600-1800 rubles;
• vacuum massage – 1800-2200 rub.

Prices are per session and are approximate. Most often, when paying for the full course, clients are given a discount on procedures.

The video demonstrates the technique of performing lymphatic drainage body massage.

Should you be afraid of negative consequences?

Lymphatic drainage massage is an absolutely safe procedure, of course, if you carefully study the existing contraindications and do not neglect them. As a rule, if any consequences appear, they boil down to unpleasant sensations in muscles that are not accustomed to massage influences, as well as the appearance of bruises. For example, this happens after a vacuum massage. You shouldn’t be scared right away, but if there are a lot of hematomas after each session, it’s better to interrupt the course of lymphatic drainage.