Lymphatic drainage massage is a trend we hear quite a lot of lately, from celebrities as well as people who’ve tried it and swear by it. In this blog, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about this technique and its benefits to our health and well-being.
What is a lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a manual, gentle massage technique that helps blood and lymph fluids flow better throughout your body.
It was developed in the 1930s by Emil Voddel and was used to treat various medical diseases. Nowadays, lymphatic massage can be performed to fight conditions that block the regular functioning of the lymphatic system or cause lymph fluid build-up in various body parts.
How does it work?
During a lymphatic drainage massage, a therapist stimulates your lymphatic system through very light, long, gentle, and continuous movements to release any clogged lymph fluids and help with their flow around your body.
Some of the most common techniques followed by therapists during a massage session include:
Oval shaped movements with the tips of the fingers
Circular movements using the palm of the hand and the tips of the fingers
Spiral movements with the palm facing upwards
Elliptical movements using the entire hand
What are the benefits of a lymphatic massage?
Apart from helping lymph fluids move around your body, a lymphatic drainage massage has many other benefits. Let’s have a look at the most significant ones:
Enhances your immune system
By actively targeting lymph nodes around your body, a lymphatic massage enhances the function of your immune system and ultimately helps you fight any infections, the flu, or body inflammation.
Reduces water retention and swelling
Our bodies tend to retain water, making us sometimes feel bloated. The lymphatic drainage massage helps with the circulation of blood and fluids around your body and promotes the release of water retention.
Helps with weight loss
Better circulation of fluids across your body also helps your metabolic rate, meaning you’ll be able to burn calories more efficiently.
Reduces stress and fatigue
If you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, or fatigue, any kind of massage would sure help you relax. However, when it comes to lymphatic drainage massage, therapists apply the right kind of pressure to the right type of body parts, providing you almost instant pain relief and relaxation.
Speeds up skin tissue healing
The motions followed during this type of massage help with blood and lymph fluids circulation, giving you a healthy, regenerated skin. This improves the texture of your skin and helps your skin tissues heal faster.
Fewer migraines and less pain
If you’re suffering from chronic pain or migraines, a lymphatic drainage massage should definitely be at the top of your remedy list. Due to the circular motions, you will experience a significantly faster relief compared to other techniques, even right after your first session.
Fully-body relaxation and regeneration
After a full body lymphatic massage, you will feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Your body will be reactivated and energized, ready for any challenge!
How often should you get it?
It is recommended that you get a lymphatic drainage massage once every three months. Keep scheduling your appointments at this frequency until you start seeing results and reach your desired goals.
Can I perform a lymphatic massage on my own?
Yes, anyone can perform a full-body lymphatic drainage massage at home. However, getting it done by a professional therapist will get you faster and more effective results. You’ll be able to discuss your goals with a specialist and track your progress after your sessions. Also, don’t forget that a massage is always a fun and relaxing activity, so why do all the work yourself?
How about facial lymphatic drainage massages?
Of course! Getting a lymphatic drainage massage on your face reduces the signs of fatigue, prevents anti-aging, purifies the skin, and makes it look plumper. After your massage, you can continue with an at-home Gua Sha routine.
Can everyone get a lymphatic massage?
In short, yes. People who will benefit the most from a lymphatic massage are those suffering from lymphedema or some form of swelling, stress, anxiety, fatigue, or arthritis.
However, it is not recommended for people suffering from kidney or liver problems, have a history of stroke or blood clots, or have experienced heart failure.
So, is it worth the hype? We believe so.
The benefits a lymphatic massage offers are both physical and mental. From a healthier immune system and a higher metabolic rate to glowing skin and immediate relaxation, sounds like a must-try to us.
If you decide to give the lymphatic drainage massage a go at home, make sure you have the right tools and follow the correct steps and motions. If on the other hand, you opt for a treatment performed by a professional, discuss your goals with them and track your progress. You’ll definitely be surprised with the results; some of them will be visible even after your very first session.