Lymphatic drainage massage - a method of freeing the body from toxins through accelerating lymph flow, varieties, features of doing it at home, indications and contraindications, video review of technical techniques

What is lymphatic drainage of the body?

Before understanding the essence of lymphatic drainage massage, it is necessary to understand what lymph is. It is a clear, colorless liquid that flows through the lymphatic vessels. There is about 2 liters of it in the body. It ensures the removal of accumulated toxins, viruses, microbes from the body, improving the functioning of all its systems and internal organs.

Lymph is a type of connective tissue. It contains lymphocytes - the main cells of the immune system, responsible for our immunity. In addition, it is closely connected with the circulatory system. If the movement of blood is ensured by the work of the heart, then lymph is provided by muscle contraction in the lymphatic vessels. That is why their tone is so important for the body.

This is where lymphatic drainage massage comes to the rescue - a technique of manual influence on tissues and blood vessels, increasing the speed of lymph flow, which means time to cleanse the body of sludge and toxins.

Attention! To normalize the functioning of the lymphatic system, you need to drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day.

Asahi massage procedure

The most notable development of the new century was Tanaka's lymphatic drainage facial massage. This ancient Japanese method is an intensive study of acupuncture points, a deep effect on connective tissue, muscles and even bones. Thanks to it, facial contours are corrected, pronounced wrinkles disappear, and all layers of the skin are detoxified. To perform it correctly, you need to study the book “Facial Massage” published by Tanaka Yukuko or go to a beauty salon.

Asahi (Zogan) lymphatic drainage facial massage requires strict adherence to the rules of implementation. In order to create the correct lymph flow, you should study the localization of lymph nodes and the paths of lymph flow using a special atlas. Each of the exercises has a strict direction of movement. The impact is quite intense, but the pain is unacceptable. Each exercise, with a few exceptions, ends with a finishing move. Three fingers on both sides simultaneously press on the parotid points in the area where the lymph nodes are located. Pressure should be applied with the entire plane of the fingers and held for about 2 seconds. Then the fingers are calmly moved down towards the collarbones. This is a key massage technique that improves the drainage of lymph from facial tissues.

A feature of the lymphatic drainage technique is the opposite direction of massage movements. If classic massage is based on movements from the periphery to the heart, here it is often the opposite. Another feature of the execution technique is that it involves only two or, less commonly, three fingers - the middle, ring and sometimes index fingers.

Japanese lymphatic drainage facial massage requires following certain rules. Before starting the procedure, you need to peel your face, cover it with any oil, oat milk, foam or cream suitable for the skin. Hands should glide well over the surface of the face. An insufficient amount of massage base can cause the opposite effect. The treatment is carried out only on slightly warmed skin. Each of the movements is performed three times. The final part of the procedure should consist of patting movements. The optimal frequency of execution is once a week.

The essence of the technique

It's simple, really. The main effect of manual therapy in this case is aimed at increasing the speed of lymph flow, that is, stimulating the muscular elements of the vascular wall. What does that require? Of course, knowledge of the anatomical structure of the lymphatic system, the location of the lymph nodes and the direction of movement of the lymph.

For what? So, the massage is carried out exclusively along the lymphatic vessels, in the direction of the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes themselves are not massaged, since they accumulate and neutralize viruses and bacteria that have entered the human body. It is impossible to provoke their release into the blood through massage.

A massage that improves lymphatic drainage frees the muscles in the wall of lymphatic vessels from waste and toxins. In return, they receive oxygen and nutrients and restore their tone. As a result, the speed of lymph flow increases.

Attention! Lymphatic drainage massage of the body is a completely painless and even pleasant process, consisting of stroking and light pressure.

What is lymphatic drainage massage?

Today, lymphatic drainage massage is performed using a specific technique, taking into account the location of the lymphatic pathways that stimulate lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage is, in principle, any deep massage that can be performed by a professional massage therapist.

All massage techniques, whether cosmetic or therapeutic, are based on the lymphatic drainage method. It is usually performed with smooth circular movements of the fingers along the lymphatic vessels - from the periphery to the center. Before starting the procedure, watch the video about lymphatic drainage massage to know what to prepare for.

Lymphatic drainage is indicated not only for cellulite, but also for swelling of any origin, heaviness and pain in the legs, the initial stage of varicose veins (lymphatic drainage massage of the legs removes spider veins), vascular disorders, dark circles under the eyes, for the prevention of atherosclerosis. This is an excellent procedure for relaxation and raising vitality. For healthy people, it will help maintain normal metabolism (metabolism) due to the removal of stagnant lymph, that is, a decrease in the level of sludge in the body.

Indications

Lymphatic body massage is prescribed by a doctor to improve the beneficial functioning of lymph. What is its use? In a variety of positive effects.

IN COSMETOLOGY

Normal functioning of the lymphatic system guarantees:

Losing weight.
Disappearance of pastiness, acne, improvement of skin color, reduction or disappearance of scars.
Rejuvenation: restoration of elasticity, disappearance of fine wrinkles.
Slender body contours.
Slowing down the aging process.

FOR PREVENTIVE (HEALTH) PURPOSES

Lymphatic drainage provides:

Prevention of cellulite and excess weight gain.
Restoring water-salt metabolism and water balance in the body.
Activation of metabolism, saturation of blood and tissues with oxygen.
Prevention of varicose veins by increasing the tone of the vascular wall.
Increases immunity and resistance to colds.

IN MEDICAL PRACTICE

Lymphatic drainage helps cope with the symptoms of many diseases:

Relieves swelling and muscle spasms in various diseases of the peripheral nervous system, restoring normal nerve conduction.
Restores the contractility of veins and valve apparatus in case of varicose veins.
It is part of the complex treatment of obesity of varying severity.
Smoothes the symptoms of premature skin aging associated with hereditary or acquired diseases.

Attention! Lymphatic drainage helps during the rehabilitation period after serious illnesses and operations.

Types of lymphatic drainage

Lymphatic drainage is carried out in different ways.
The type of impact on the human body in order to normalize lymph flow depends on them. MANUAL (MECHANICAL)

Known for hundreds of years. It is carried out by hand using special sticks, which are applied to a specific place on the skin, controlling the force of pressure. The point is to activate the lymphatic system of exactly that segment of the skin that is associated with a specific organ. This is how it is liberated from impurities and toxins.

VACUUM

This is local activation of lymph flow using a cup vacuum - pressure tens of times lower than atmospheric pressure. It is precisely because of the difference between the body’s own pressure and the vacuum that metabolism increases and excess fluid is removed along with toxins and waste.

Carefully! Lack of vacuum means the possibility of bruising at the site of the can.

HARDWARE

Using various devices, pressure is created with compressed air, which is formed in the device, on the surface of the skin. This is a targeted effect on a specific area of the human body. It activates metabolic processes, restores the balance of blood flow and lymphatic drainage, and removes decay products and accumulated fluid.

LYMPHODRAINAGE MYOSTIMULATION

Electrodes are connected to the surface of the human body, which, using an electrical low-frequency pulse, work through all layers of the skin and underlying tissues. The speed of the current is constantly changing, which causes the muscles to “rattle” and quickly release excess moisture. Ultrasound is also used according to this principle.

MICROCURRENTS

This is also the use of currents, but already close in their characteristics to human biocurrents. A soft, painless option that improves microcirculation, increases muscle tone, and promotes the rapid removal of toxins. Microcurrents and ultrasound are similar. The doctor decides what exactly to use.

BIODRAINAGE

This is the name given to the removal of waste and toxins from the body under the influence of biologically active substances. Essentially, these are diet pills that contain natural diuretics and laxatives. Therefore, they remove swelling without any doubt.

Attention! Lymphatic drainage is indicated for everyone whose body mass index exceeds 20 - 21 units (that is, people with normal weight, except for very thin people).

Coverage areas

Excess liquid does not ask our permission where it can accumulate. She has her own favorite areas: face and legs. They are the ones who give us a lot of trouble. But there are other areas that require attention:

Lymphatic drainage of the face eliminates pastiness. Redness and acne disappear, skin turgor improves, its surface (wrinkles, scars) is evened out. The procedure makes the skin clean, gives it a pleasant shade, and makes it glow from the inside. Lymphatic drainage of this area also includes the neck.
The area around the eyes (eyelids) can only be entrusted to a specialist . The fact is that this is the most delicate skin on the human body; there are many blood and lymphatic vessels. The force of pressure on this area is strictly dosed. You can't overdo it! But the main thing is to keep your eyes close.

One careless move and something irreparable can happen. In general, this is part of a professional vacuum massage of the entire face. With its help, they get rid of bags and dark circles under the eyes. The skin becomes elastic, smooth, velvety.

But, like all procedures, lymphatic drainage of the eye area has limitations. It cannot be done if there are pustules on the skin, tumors, or diseases of the facial nerve.

The body is freed from waste, toxins and water by stimulating lymph flow as part of special anti-cellulite programs or a set of figure modeling measures. The basis is the balance between the flow of blood, which saturates the tissues with nutrition and oxygen, and the outflow of lymph, which removes waste products.
Lymphatic drainage of the legs is the salvation of everyone who suffers from swelling in the evenings, after walking in heels, or hiking. It relieves the feeling of heavy weights on your legs and makes your gait light and beautiful. The session can be carried out as a separate procedure, or can be part of a general body massage. Limitation – thrombophlebitis!

Stimulation of the lymphatic drainage of the back is carried out by massage along the spine, without affecting the spinal column itself, as well as by working out the lower back. This technique is most often used after injuries. With its help, they relieve spasms, pain, reduce fat deposits, and restore nerve conduction.

Lymphatic drainage of the buttocks is a purely aesthetic pleasure. This is where hardware techniques come into play. Reduce size, tighten buttocks, get rid of cellulite - the client’s desire: law!
The procedure for lymphatic drainage of the abdomen for aesthetic purposes is also similar. But there is also a need for therapeutic intervention in this area: getting rid of stretch marks after childbirth, improving peristalsis during constipation, normalizing menstruation.

Application in practical cosmetology

Lymphatic drainage is widely used in therapeutic cosmetology. Thus, lymphatic drainage facial massage activates the natural function, due to which the skin gets rid of the ballast of dead cells and toxins, which improves its elasticity, appearance and eliminates fine wrinkles. In the light of the fight against cellulite, the lymphatic drainage massage technique is recognized as the most effective way to remove excess intercellular fluid, which is the cause of the formation of the so-called “orange peel”. It will be useful for people suffering from varicose veins, because dilated veins compress the lymphatic capillaries, thereby preventing the movement of lymph.

Lymphatic drainage massage comes in several types:

manual;
hardware (LPG), which is carried out with a vacuum-roller automatic massager;
anti-cellulite.

Experts who perform lymphatic drainage massage at home recommend taking a large amount of liquid before the session during the course, this will improve the effect. Lymphatic drainage can be carried out simultaneously with other cosmetic procedures, for example, with seaweed wraps and therapeutic mud or lipolysis, which effectively deals with denser formations in the form of fatty deposits, melting them.

In any case, the effect after lymphatic drainage massage will not take long to appear. After the first procedure, you will feel lightness, well-being and improvement in the appearance of your skin, which indicates the high effectiveness of this method of combating cellulite.

After a course of 10 procedures you will see noticeable results. The skin will smooth out and become more elastic, swelling will go away and body weight will decrease. The effect of anti-cellulite therapy using lymphatic drainage lasts for at least six months. To keep yourself in shape, you need to undergo such a healing session at least once a month. And don’t forget: active movements, an active lifestyle, a healthy diet and the absence of bad habits will help you cope with the problems of stagnation of intercellular fluid throughout the body.

Technicians

Depending on the problem areas, there are:

Decongestant lymphatic drainage , which removes “excess” water from the body, corrects the figure, and prevents varicose veins.
Anti-cellulite , smoothing out the “orange peel” - hypertrophy of adipose tissue. It not only removes fluid from the body, but also loosens the structure of fat deposits, restoring local microcirculation of the problem area.
Lipolytic – eliminates lymph stagnation, affecting subcutaneous fat. Reduces fat layer.
Modeling – the most popular, combines several lymphatic drainage techniques. Effectively and painlessly works all layers of skin and muscles, covering several different areas in one session.
Lifting is an ambulance after childbirth or sudden weight loss. Normalizes metabolic processes, stimulates collagen production, increases skin elasticity, and slows down its aging.

Lymphatic drainage massage: who needs it?

Lymphatic drainage is a massage that affects the deep layers of the dermis.
The combination of pressing, stroking and vibrating movements of varying intensity allows you to stimulate cellular metabolism, normalize blood flow, and accelerate lymph drainage. As a result, the skin renews itself faster, acquires a healthy color, elasticity and density, and swelling disappears. Properly performed lymphatic drainage massage can:

tighten the oval of the face;
soften nasolabial and nasolacrimal folds;
eliminate bags under the eyes and open your eyes;
get rid of a double chin;
smooth out small wrinkles;
improve skin perception of creams, serums and other cosmetics.

Lymphatic drainage massage tightens flabby skin and helps reduce swelling.
The effect will be noticeable after the first sessions. Massage can quickly tone and rejuvenate sluggish, flabby, stretched skin. Cosmetologists recommend carrying out lymphatic drainage massages in courses of 10-12 procedures, followed by a break. In the process, you can use basic plant and essential oils, combine massages with peelings, deeply nourishing masks or tightening serums.

Salons offer a variety of lymphatic drainage massage options. Follow the most popular Spanish, Zogan (Japanese), vacuum. Hardware techniques are also actively used, deeply working all layers of the dermis and subcutaneous fatty tissue. However, not everyone has the opportunity to constantly visit the salon. Girls who do not want to regularly go to a massage therapist can learn basic techniques by studying detailed diagrams and watching several video tutorials posted on thematic blogs.

Among the main benefits of massage at home:

ease of implementation;
versatility;
takes a little time;
the ability to combine with other care procedures;
quick results.

Home treatments can save you a lot of money. Prices for lymphatic drainage massage in Moscow salons start from 3,000 rubles.

The maximum benefit will come from procedures using a combined technique. They combine techniques from different techniques; the duration of treatment of each area depends on the characteristics of the face. Cosmetologists recommend paying special attention to problem areas: the lower jaw and chin, cheeks, and upper neck.

Tapping and pinching movements will help improve tone.

Drainage massage: manual and hardware

The lymphatic drainage massage technique can be performed by hand or with special equipment. It all depends on the method of exposure, the degree of tissue development. One technique often complements another.

MANUAL

This is manual therapy of the lymphatic areas of the human body . A delicate, precise method of tactile stimulation to relax the body, accelerate lymph flow, and normalize metabolic processes. Movements are always from bottom to top. The intensity of pressure increases gradually, which allows the lymph to slowly change direction and speed of movement.

Contact between hands and skin is carried out using sliding movements along the lymphatic vessels. Use special oils or massage drainage cream. Based on the force of pressure, they are distinguished:

Superficial (capillary) manual lymphatic drainage massage affects only the capillary network. It is carried out with light circular movements towards the lymph nodes. First, remove muscle tension with stroking and gentle rubbing.
Internal (point or projection) lymphatic drainage affects the area of the lymph nodes. It is carried out according to indications, carefully, slowly. The goal is to activate lymphatic drainage from the organ that projects to the lymph node. Free it from toxins, “excess” liquid, saturate it with oxygen and nutrients
Deep (vascular) lymphatic drainage activates the deep layers of muscles. Carried out with the greatest possible effort. Movements in the direction of the lymphatic vessels, towards the lymph nodes. This massage dilates blood vessels, which promotes the free movement of lymph in the intercellular space.

This is how toxins, viruses, and microorganisms are removed. They increase muscle tone, modeling the figure, removing cellulite and excess volume. This is the highlight of any anti-cellulite program.

HARDWARE

The name speaks for itself. Lymphatic drainage hardware massage requires a preliminary clinical examination in order to identify contraindications and avoid unnecessary complications. The undeniable advantage of the techniques is the simultaneous breakdown of fat and restoration of sagging skin. The most in demand are the following:

Vacuum . The LPG device is the most innovative and effective, but complex device for vacuum massage. It affects the lymph by creating negative pressure, penetrates deeply into the tissue, working all layers of muscles. Just a few sessions and you can forget about cellulite.
Pressotherapy . The procedure itself is similar to measuring blood pressure, only with a “bigger” cuff. This is a whole suit that is put on the problem area. The principle of operation is compressed air pressure from two microprocessors. With its help, extra pounds are lost very quickly, the volume of the buttocks, abdomen, hips, arms, and legs decreases.

Press massage can be pulsed, which increases the elasticity of blood vessels, and compression, which reduces the volume of blood gases. It all depends on the type of device and the choice of the doctor.

Galvanization (microcurrents) works with low voltage, is close to biocurrents, and therefore is pleasant to humans. It gently removes toxins and water, increases muscle tone, and rejuvenates the skin.
Electroiontophoresis is another hardware technique. Used in cosmetology. Uses galvanic currents, which are introduced into the body using electrodes, to stimulate lymph flow in the upper and middle layers of the skin.

Attention! Indulgence in fast food, strong coffee, and tea leads to the deposition of adipose tissue in the hips and buttocks due to metabolic disorders.

Procedure algorithm

It's simple:

Preparation. In a room with a temperature of at least 25*, the patient is asked to undress and is placed on a special massage table. The massage therapist warms up and disinfects his hands. The patient's skin is cleansed with an antiseptic gel and then lubricated with cream or oil.
The session itself depends on the area being treated, but begins with the area of the lymph nodes, and then the entire body is massaged in the direction of the lymph flow.
Completion. A moisturizing cosmetic is applied to the treated surface. The patient is allowed to rest under a warm blanket.

Attention! To maintain the effect of lymphatic drainage, you need to repeat this procedure regularly, at least once a week. At the same time, between sessions you need to drink a lot of clean water and give up bad habits.

Technique for performing lymphatic drainage facial massage

Lymphatic drainage massage cleanses tissues of toxins, eliminates dark circles under the eyes, wrinkles on the skin, fills the skin with health and radiance. Start the procedure with cleansing: only clean skin is ready for tactile influence.

Manual massage begins with warming up the cervical lymphatic trunk. Before the facial massage, do a short warm-up and self-massage of the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle. The massage itself copes well with swelling and age-related changes in the muscles and skin of the face.

Lymphatic drainage facial massage: detailed technique

Of course, after one procedure a miracle will not happen, but the effect of regular lymphatic drainage facial massage will not be long in coming.

Lymphatic drainage facial massage Masterweeks

Margarita Levchenko. Lymphatic drainage facial massage

Lymphatic drainage at home

It must be said that lymphatic drainage massage at home is not an idle question. Salon techniques are not affordable for everyone, and they require a lot of time. However, before you try to perform at least a few elements on your own, you need to be well prepared theoretically and be sure to consult a doctor.

Then, you need to study the location of the lymph nodes and understand the principle of lymph movement. And only then – try. First, you need to prepare medicinal oils and creams. Never massage after eating. The best time is evening. Before the procedure, you need to warm up, take a hot bath, pat your skin with a towel and lubricate it with oil.

After that, start stroking the problem areas. There is no need to knead them.

Gentle touches are replaced by pats, but all movements are only in the direction of the lymph flow. Make sure it doesn't hurt. And so no more than 30 minutes. At the end - rest, observation of sensations. Home lymphatic drainage massage is performed once a week.

Attention! Self-massage requires limiting food and liquid intake before bedtime on the eve of the session.

Manual lymphatic drainage facial massage

Manual lymphatic drainage is a special technique based on circular movements of the hands in the direction of lymph flow. It eliminates the above problems associated with fluid stagnation in the body. Manual massage is performed regularly using special massage lines, otherwise the procedure will not have positive results. This massage must be done for 15-20 minutes in 2-3 series with a week break to achieve a noticeable result. This type of lymphatic drainage massage most effectively relieves swelling from the face in just a few procedures.

Manual massage is performed without auxiliary tools; only fingers should be used in the process. Massage lines on the face must be remembered in order to correctly follow the technique and not harm yourself.

move from the center of the forehead to the temples;
from the wings of the nose to the temples;
from the tip of the nose to the center of the forehead;
from the corners of the mouth to the center of the ear;
from the center of the chin to the earlobes.

These are general recommendations for performing lymphatic drainage facial massage. Below is a more detailed and specific technique for performing lymphatic drainage. source