How often, just looking at yourself in the mirror, have you suddenly realized that you have lost your former shape a little? It’s not catastrophic, but you definitely don’t like yourself. And after that, the thought of diet immediately appears in my head. But don't rush. Perhaps your problem lies on the surface and can be solved much easier. Most likely, it’s just water and this problem can be dealt with quite easily with a massage.
How often, after a fruitful workout, feeling pain in every muscle, did you think: “I wish I could do something to make this discomfort go away”? However, we usually convince ourselves that such feelings are “correct”, because it indicates that the training was really good. But in reality this should not be the case. To make your body feel harmonious, you need to focus not only on cardio exercises or strength training, but also on recovery after. On days free from training, some go to the pool, others visit the sauna or bathhouse, others simply relax by taking a hot bath. But the best way of regeneration is considered to be massage.
These two problems can be easily solved with a simple massage. Home lymphatic drainage massage.
Manual lymphatic drainage massage
Manual massage can be performed superficially and deeply, as well as acupressure. Since lymph moves from the limbs to the heart, the massage is performed in this direction.
During the massage, special massage lines are used, which cannot be crossed, otherwise the result will be exactly the opposite of what was expected. But sticking to this rule is not at all difficult - the body itself will tell you where exactly you need to press.
- Superficial massage is performed throughout the body in the direction of lymph movement using gentle, smooth circular movements with light pressure. This type of massage improves the functioning of surface capillaries, stimulates the removal of excess fluid and waste, and prevents the formation of vascular spasms.
- Deep lymphatic drainage massage works deep muscles and tissues, circular movements and pressure are performed stronger and more energetically. Most often, this massage is performed where fat folds form: on the stomach, thighs and buttocks.
- Point lymphatic drainage directly affects the lymph nodes. The movements must be neat, precise and undulating, so as not to cause harm instead of benefit.
Types of lymphatic drainage
Various methods of lymphatic drainage to normalize lymph flow and rejuvenation are offered by specialists in salons.
They differ in the degree of impact on the human body and the results that women want to get under certain conditions:
- Mechanical by applying special sticks with your hands to problem areas on the skin. The goal is to remove waste and toxins and activate the lymphatic system.
- Vacuum . A can vacuum with reduced atmospheric pressure is used. Thanks to the difference between the pressure in the vacuum and the body, stagnant liquid begins to be removed along with toxins, and metabolism increases.
- Hardware . The device is brought to a certain segment on the body and creates pressure with compressed air. In the process, the balance of lymph flow and blood flow is restored, metabolic processes are activated, and waste and toxins begin to come out.
- Myostimulation with the application of electrodes with low-frequency electrical impulses to the body. They begin to work on nearby tissues and deep layers of the dermis, causing the muscles to tremble.
- Microcurrents are a gentle option for increasing tone and improving blood microcirculation.
- Biodrainage with the supply of biologically active additives to the body containing laxatives and diuretics. They begin to remove stains, remove stagnant fluid, toxins and waste from the body.
Lymphatic drainage is used for:
- face to even out the surface, eliminate acne, redness and scars, improve skin turgor;
- eyes and eyelids with the arrangement of many lymphatic and blood vessels in order to eliminate dark circles, bags;
- legs, if you are bothered by pain, swelling after a long walk or hiking;
- back along the spine to stimulate lymphatic drainage, relieve pain and spasms, reduce fat deposits, restore nerve conduction;
- buttocks, as an option for lymphatic drainage for those who want to eliminate cellulite, reduce the size of the butt and tighten the buttocks;
- abdomen, which is important for women after surgery, childbirth, cesarean section if they want to improve intestinal motility, normalize menstruation, and eliminate stretch marks.
Reference!
Each lymphatic drainage option targets specific problem areas of the body. For example, superficial techniques are performed with rhythmic stroking and patting in order to eliminate visible defects and relieve swelling. With in-depth techniques, movements around the body are more intense and provide a calming effect, which is important for varicose veins involving deep tissues and muscles. Anti-cellulite techniques are designed to fight cellulite, eliminate orange peel and hypertrophy of fat deposits, remove fluid and toxins, restore blood circulation, and restore microcirculation in problem areas.
Hardware lymphatic drainage massage
For this type of massage, special devices are used. For example, vacuum massage is performed using both conventional cans and special equipment.
This includes LPG devices for vacuum and vacuum-roller therapy.
Vacuum lymphatic drainage accelerates the movement of blood and lymphatic fluid, removes excess lymph from the intercellular space.
The following types are also widely used using special equipment:
- electrotherapeutic lymphatic drainage massage,
- galvanic massage. Under the influence of microcurrent, immune metabolic processes are activated, which relieves tissues of excess lymphatic fluid.
- electroiontophoresis. With this type of exposure, a useful complex of drugs and vitamins is introduced under the skin using electric current.
Advantages
Lymphatic drainage sessions are recommended if you are concerned about heaviness and pain in the limbs due to varicose veins, swelling under the eyes, on the face and neck.
The procedure is also:
- eliminates redness, facial wrinkles, acne;
- improves complexion;
- gives the skin a fresh, healthy look;
- accelerates the movement of lymph and blood;
- reduces body weight and volume;
- stimulates metabolic processes;
- makes you look young.
Preparation for the procedure
In order for the massage to be effective, it is advisable to adhere to the following recommendations:
- on the eve of the procedure and during the entire course, do not drink alcohol or smoke;
- do not drink a lot of liquid at night;
- conduct a session three or more hours after eating;
- Before the procedure, clean the skin and take a shower;
- After the massage, immediately drink a glass of clean water.
- Lie down for 15 minutes after the procedure.
It is advisable to increase the course of lymphatic drainage massage procedures to 10-12 sessions. After 6-12 procedures, results will appear: headaches will disappear, constant fatigue will disappear, the skin will become smoother, elasticity will appear, metabolic processes in tissues will improve.
Lymphatic drainage of the abdomen
For a sagging belly and folds, the purpose of self-massage is to eliminate subcutaneous fat.
For the procedure:
- lie on your back;
- massage the peritoneal area with light circular movements, starting from the umbilical dimple, from the sides clockwise;
- move to the groin area, armpits;
- carry out movements using patting, non-pressing movements;
- gradually accelerate the intensity;
- walk with rotational movements from bottom to top;
- go to the hanging areas, massage from the sides to the center of the abdomen;
- grab the folds of fat from the left side, pulling it down, kneading the fat, with your free hand - make identical movements with the right area;
- pinching the stomach;
- stroke, starting from the bottom and sides, moving towards the stomach;
- relax.
If you follow the recommendations, you can improve the condition of the skin in the abdominal area in 7 days. In just 1 month, get rid of excess volume at the waist and stretch marks, normalize stool, and improve the digestion process.
Indications
- Loose, sagging skin on the hands.
- Numbness, muscle weakness.
- Presence of excess fatty tissue.
- Swollen hands.
- Excess fluid, cellulite.
- Weakened immune system.
- The skin is in poor condition.
- Impaired blood circulation.
Memo for the patient after surgery
Is there a need to stay in intensive care?
Very often, patients ask me whether or not they must be in the intensive care unit; many even insist on being under intensive observation. In general, the answer can be given as follows: in patients with a high risk of postoperative complications from the heart, lungs, and nervous system, staying in the intensive care unit is advisable. In patients who are not burdened with concomitant diseases, in cases where general anesthesia is calm and the patient tolerates it well, a stay in the intensive care unit may take several hours.
When is general health restored?
On the 2nd day after surgery, I recommend carefully sitting down in bed and getting up. If you feel dizzy, it is better to stay in bed. If your health allows, you should move carefully. On the second day after surgery, you can independently visit the toilet and move around the ward. By 3-4 days, your health is almost completely restored.
How bothersome can pain be after surgery?
At rest, patients usually report discomfort. There may be pain when moving. It can be harsh with sudden movements.
How is pain relief performed after surgery?
On the first day after surgery, narcotic drugs are administered every few hours. On days 2-3, I prescribe strong painkillers, usually in the afternoon and evening.
Can I use my own painkillers?
Yes, you can. The only exception is aspirin. If you took it before the operation, you can continue; if not, then you cannot take it without my prescription. Aspirin is a drug that causes increased bleeding and this can lead to bruises.
I usually recommend using painkillers such as Ketanov, Solpadeine, Efferalgan (paracetamol) 1-2 tablets per day.
What can you eat after surgery?
There are no dietary restrictions caused by the intervention itself. If you have chronic diseases, such as cholelithiasis and chronic cholecystitis, and you have followed a diet, then, of course, you must continue to follow it. You should definitely follow a diet if you have diabetes. In this case, I believe there should be no relaxation.
I recommend that you drink enough fluids after surgery. Often patients are afraid to drink water or juice for fear that they will feel sick, so I recommend doing it in small portions.
After surgery, I recommend paying attention to pomegranate juice (3-4 or more glasses per day), citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit). They contain essential vitamins that help restore blood after surgery.
When is the drain removed?
The drainage is removed 3-4 days after surgery. The Unovac drain can be removed 3-4 weeks after surgery.
Why does fluid accumulate in the wound?
During the operation, the lymphatic pathways are crossed, and therefore the lymph enters directly into the wound. It takes time for the tissues to gradually begin to eliminate the fluid on their own, so punctures can be performed after surgery.
What to do if fluid accumulates after discharge?
I usually recommend seeing your local doctor or nurse for a puncture (recommendations for these are usually on the back of the statement). If this procedure is not feasible or the patient can come for dressings, I prescribe dressings in our department.
How to treat a wound after surgery?
There is no need to specially treat the scar after discharge. To soften the scar or remove crusts, you can use baby cream. To reduce the scar, you can use Contractubex gel.
What is fenestration (“hole”)?
In case of abundant accumulation of fluid in the wound (more than 200 ml per day), or the presence of infection, open drainage is recommended - making a hole in the skin of the axillary area. The accumulated liquid is evacuated outside. For 3-4 weeks, it is necessary to keep the armpit area clean and place a clean (not necessarily sterile) diaper.
Dmitry Andreevich Krasnozhon, last edition July 29, 2014
Clinical picture of lymphedema
Lymphostasis after mastectomy and/or radiation therapy has four successive stages. At the stage of preclinical manifestations, the only sign of the disease is a slight increase in the volume of the arm on the affected side. Then the swelling of the upper limb becomes more noticeable, periodically appearing and disappearing, while maintaining mobility of the skin over the changed areas.
As the disease progresses, the edema becomes permanent, gradually transforming into fibroedema (irreversible changes in connective tissue). In addition, the following symptoms are added:
- pain;
- skin hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis;
- paresthesia;
- limited mobility or complete loss of motor function in the joints of the upper limb;
- changing the appearance of the hand.
In addition, pronounced trophic disorders may occur, and infectious complications (purulent trophic ulcers) may occur. [1], (sections 1.5, 1.6 and 2.1)
Home drainage recipes
There seems to be nothing better than home-cooked food. Having chosen homemade recipes, you are free to choose the composition for yourself, select the best ingredients and exclude what will not benefit you.
Drink with honey and lemon
Simple in ingredients, but requires temperature control. Bring 200-250 ml of ordinary drinking water to a boil, cool it to 40 degrees (no more, this is strict!), and add 10 grams of honey and 10-20 grams of lemon juice.
Sassi water
It’s almost like “water with lemon,” but the composition is more interesting. Grate 1 cm of ginger root, cut half a lemon and a medium cucumber into thin slices. Add all this to a jug of water (about 1 liter) and add a bunch of mint. Infuse the drink overnight in the refrigerator.
Fruit and vegetable cocktail
Take a couple of apples, half a peeled beet and 3 medium cucumbers. Chop all the ingredients and pass through a juicer (you can also use a blender). Drink immediately after preparation.
Unfortunately, there is no remedy that could make you skinny in a couple of minutes with the help of a magic pill. Just as you have been eating up the kilos for years, they should go away gradually. Drainage cocktails will help you remove excess fluid and cleanse the body, but you need to burn fat through a combination of sports, proper nutrition and a daily routine. Drainage cocktails will help you, but they won't do all the work for you.
