Lymphatic drainage massage: drainage of lymphatic fluids to counteract edema and swelling
The lymphatic drainage massage is a natural and manual drainage. Its purpose is to drain the lymph by stimulating the lymphatic circulation through various manipulation techniques depending on the chosen method. It acts on lymphatic vessels to eliminate or reduce swelling and edema. By reading this article you will discover all the techniques of lymphatic drainage massage. If you think it's just the body, get ready to change your mind by discovering the benefits of this massage on the face too!
Various types of lymphatic drainage massages: official and non-official medicine.
To facilitate the drainage of lymphatic fluids and reduce stagnation there are various types of lymphatic drainage massages with specific manipulations. As a medical therapy, the most used and best known is manual lymphatic drainage (DLM), that is, lymphatic drainage, which is very effective in draining stagnant lymph. The best known techniques are the Vodder method and the French Leduc method, which differs from the first mainly for the shorter duration of the treatment with the same results, helps to lighten the heart, also stimulates blood circulation together with the lymphatic one and is particularly suitable for leg and face treatments. In the 1930s, Dr. Vodder experienced that by massaging the swollen lymph nodes in the neck of some patients, their chronic respiratory tract infections improved. In fact, when the lymph nodes are unable to purify the lymph, it stagnates and causes many disorders, which can be eliminated by reactivating the lymphatic circulation thanks to the lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage according to the Leduc method is based on different maneuvers depending on the type of disorder accused by the patient. In cases of severe lymphedema, an occlusive bandage is also added after the massage. In this technique the so-called call maneuver, which serves to reactivate the vascular path in order to absorb excess fluids and which is practiced on the lymph node stations and in the areas of the leg where there is no swelling, is followed by the resorption maneuver. These methods should only be practiced by highly trained physiotherapists. In fact, it is not enough to know only the technique of these massages, but also in depth the functioning of the lymphatic system, in order to act on the suitable points to make the treatment safe and at the same time really effective.
Phenekam is a lymphatic drainage massage that manages to eliminate swelling, toxins and water retention. Another method, to prevent other ailments as well as problems related to lymphatic circulation, is the Namikoshi massage, a particular style of Shiatsu. The type of Chinese oriental massages also includes the Tui Na massage, with which lymphatic drainage is favored with particular kneading and extension manipulations that stimulate and regulate the circulation of lymph and blood. Even for these massages, experts must be used to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Other types of massage, the holistic one, the Californian one and the Lomi Lomi are not confirmed by adequate scientific studies and thus their effectiveness and safety (especially if practiced by non-professionals). Lymphatic drainage, on the other hand, is practiced as an official therapy prescribed by doctors.
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The benefits of drainage, precautions and contraindications.
In addition to facilitating normal lymph drainage in areas of the body where it has accumulated, a well-done lymphatic drainage eliminates or reduces stagnation and especially edema, the swelling caused precisely by poor lymphatic circulation. In addition, it can be relaxing and improve the state of tissues and muscles. It is applied in the medical and aesthetic fields. In the medical field, lymphatic drainage is mainly aimed at improving defective lymphatic circulation. For example, it is effective for reducing the effects of lymphedema or even for relieving the effects of fluid accumulation in a pregnant woman, due to excessive weight or more serious problems, such as the onset of gestosis. Lymphatic drainage is contraindicated in acute phlebothrombosis and varicophlebitis. Elastocompressed bandages and elastic stockings can be added to the manual lymphatic and venous drainage to make the results achieved by therapies last longer in the presence of overt edema. The drainage of liquids also in aesthetic medicine serves not only as a treatment to relax the body and mind, but also to combat the stagnation of liquids that many manifest after interventions such as liposuction or liposculpture. As a precaution it is necessary before undergoing a lymphatic drainage to consult your specialist and listen to his opinion, especially if you suffer from particular pathologies. In fact, lymphatic drainage is contraindicated in cases of tuberculosis, cancer, asthma, hyperthyroidism, heart failure or renal failure, infections and according to some also in cases of hypertension or hypotension.
The beneficial effects of lymphatic drainage on the legs and stomach are multiple and evident in a short time. The lymphatic drainage technique must be gentle and slow (the lymphatic vessels are very fine): making circles with the fingers and pressing the thumbs to slowly move the lymph, with a spiral rotational movement on the lymph nodes, in the direction of the lymph stations, the armpits, the groin, the base of the neck.Pressotherapy is often done after drainage, always relying on specialized personnel; involves the use of leggings on the legs. It is not recommended if you have large varicose veins or phlebitis. All the techniques that act on the lymph nodes must be performed with skill and in-depth knowledge of the subject. Many people familiar with the technique self-massage with circular movements, moving the lymph even with very soft bristle brushes upwards. The preferable treatment is always the professional one, which can be total, for the whole body or sectorial, such as the one on the legs for cellulite or sedentary lifestyle, especially if you walk infrequently and for short distances. The legs benefit greatly, they deflate with an analgesic sensation and incredible lightness.
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Lymphatic drainage and aesthetic medicine.
In addition to promoting the drainage of lymphatic fluids, it reduces weight, detoxifies and shapes the body. Lymphatic drainage is excellent for stress, acne, allergic dermatitis, burns, scars and especially for cellulite, which is an edema of fat cells, as it reduces swelling on legs, abdomen and buttocks. It also has an analgesic and relaxing function. Lymphatic drainage can also be a useful treatment to deflate the abdomen, it makes the stomach flatter by a few centimeters after just one treatment and also the arms swollen by lymphedema. The lymphatic drainage massage of the face is excellent and very appreciated by men and women, which reduces bags under the eyes, an unpleasant imperfection, which greatly ages those who suffer from it, weighing down their appearance and giving them a tired and sleepy image, whose attenuation with drugs or cosmetics for the eye area it is often short-lived, sometimes just a momentary facelift. As an aesthetic and healthy therapy, lymphatic drainage counteracts cellulite very well, a problem that afflicts many women, difficult to solve and linked to water retention and poor lymph circulation. This is the best remedy to combat this imperfection. After the treatment, anti-cellulite cream can be applied. However, treatment alone is not enough if it is not combined with a healthy lifestyle and appropriate nutrition. It is very useful to travel at least two kilometers, even if not sustained pace, daily, also to promote the umlaut as well as the blood and lymphatic circulation and to eat in a balanced way, without excesses or deficiencies of necessary foods. The expert masseur does not use creams and oils, sometimes only a little talcum powder, but works exclusively with the hands, with circular movements of the fingers, without pressing too hard, so as not to have the opposite effect. The massage must always be performed from the bottom and upwards or from the outside to the inside with very slight pressure and release in order to push the lymph from the stagnation areas to the lymphatic stations and expel toxins. The light pressure of the fingers is beneficial for the circulation and for the reactivation of the lymphatic system. There are no mechanisms to replace the manual massage, which lasts about two hours.
A treatment, therefore, also for the beauty of your body as well as for its health.
