Lymphatic drainage body massage: what it is, indications and contraindications, technique

Lymphatic drainage massage is a special technique of manual or hardware influence on the body, which allows you to influence the movement of lymph in the body. In addition to the cosmetic effect, lymphatic drainage massage has a healing effect on the body: removing toxins, improving blood circulation, strengthening the immune system. The procedure using this technique must be done in a course of 7-13 procedures, 3 times a week and repeated 2 times a year. In the article we talk about the correct techniques, indications and contraindications for lymphatic drainage massage, which will help you look 5-10 years younger than your age without the use of expensive cosmetics and painful injection procedures.

When is lymphatic drainage body massage needed?

You feel lethargic, you are tormented by poor health, insomnia, and increased fatigue.
You notice swelling and bags under your eyes. Hands and feet swell not only after long walks in heels, but also from prolonged sitting and lying down.
Acne, acne, papillomas, age spots can be evidence of malfunctioning of the lymphatic system.

It will not be possible to correct the situation with diuretics alone, because frequent urination is not a solution to the problem of poor removal of excess lymph from the body. And the lymphatic drainage procedure allows you to directly influence the problem.

How is lymphatic drainage massage beneficial for you?

Lymphatic drainage massage is a physiotherapeutic procedure. It stimulates the removal of unnecessary fluid and toxins from the body. The main task of lymphatic drainage is to significantly increase the speed of lymph flow. Thus, the body removes cellular breakdown products, receiving in return nutrients, mineral compounds and oxygen. Lymphatic drainage has a wide range of cosmetic and health effects on the body.

improving lymph flow, removing toxins from the body
fight against edema
improving the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the body's cells
fight against age-related changes
reducing the appearance of cellulite
figure correction
relaxing effect, fight against insomnia
fight against bruises
reducing the appearance of stretch marks, scars, scars
boosting immunity
skin improvement
treatment of varicose veins

What parts of the body does lymphatic drainage affect?

Stagnation phenomena can be observed in different areas. The problem mainly affects the legs, and a little less often the face. Therefore, lymphatic drainage is usually performed in these areas.

Face massage

A facial massage session will be effective in eliminating the following shortcomings:

postoperative scars;
loss of skin elasticity;
swelling;
acne;
a large number of wrinkles, facial creases.

This modern procedure is not uncommon in beauty salons, but you need to trust your face to an experienced specialist. Usually the first results are noticeable after the end of the session due to the removal of swelling and improvement of complexion. It is better to refrain from lymphatic drainage if there are inflammatory processes on the face or neurological diseases.

Body massage

Lymphatic drainage can be used to shape the figure or correct aesthetic skin imperfections. In particular, massage helps rid the skin of cellulite. In addition, by increasing the activity of the lymphatic system, swelling in the legs is relieved, and the silhouette becomes more toned. The most popular is foot massage, which is performed in combination or separately.

Indications for performing lymphatic drainage massage:

excess weight
varicose veins
stretch marks, scars
swelling
bruises on the body
slow metabolism
age-related skin changes
reduced immunity
circulation problems
recovery after injuries, surgeries

Lymphatic drainage is an absolutely safe type of massage, but still this technique has a number of indications and contraindications. Study them carefully before applying the technique.

Contraindications for performing lymphatic drainage massage:

General contraindications to massage Contraindications to massage are divided into absolute and relative (temporary) and local (local). Absolute diseases include diseases for which massage is not prescribed. In relative cases, massage is used after the disappearance of pathological phenomena, after appropriate treatment. And, of course, you should understand that if massage cannot be performed, there is a prohibition from the attending physician.

Absolute contraindications: 1. Malignant blood diseases and hemophilia. 2. Malignant tumors. 3. Gangrene. 4. Thrombosis and thrombophlebitis. During massage, a blood clot can break away from the vessel wall and enter the heart or lungs, which will lead to the death of the person being massaged. 5. Angiitis. 6. Aneurysm of the heart, aorta, peripheral vessels. 7. Mental illnesses with significantly altered psyche. 8. Active form of tuberculosis. Carrying out a massage can contribute to the spread of Koch's bacillus and infection of other organs. 9. Osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bone marrow) acute and chronic. 10. Causalgic syndrome (burning pain) after injury to peripheral nerves. 11. Circulatory failure and pulmonary-heart failure of the III degree, renal and liver failure. 12. Heart valve defects in the stage of decompensation and aortic defects with a predominance of aortic stenosis. 13. Acute myocardial ischemia, occurring suddenly. 14. Severe sclerosis of cerebral vessels with a tendency to thrombosis and hemorrhage. 15. Venereal diseases. Under the influence of massage, the infection can spread throughout the body. 16. AIDS

Temporary contraindications: 1. Acute febrile conditions with elevated body temperature until the diagnosis is clarified. Flu, sore throat, acute respiratory infections (ARI) (acupressure allowed). Fever is a rise in body temperature above 37 degrees (when measuring temperature in the armpit). 2. Acute inflammatory processes, exacerbation of any chronic diseases. 3. Bleeding and tendency to it (intestinal, uterine, nasal, from the urinary tract). 4. Purulent processes of any localization, pustular skin lesions. For example, furunculosis, abscesses, abscess. Massage is contraindicated as there is a risk of spreading inflammation. 5. Inflammation of the lymph nodes and blood vessels with their enlargement, adhesion to the skin and underlying tissues. 6. Multiple allergic skin rashes with hemorrhages. 7. Hypertensive, hypotonic, cerebral (cerebral vessels) crisis. 8. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. 9. Alcohol and drug intoxication. Massage can be prescribed 2-5 days after suffering from a sore throat, flu, acute respiratory infection, as well as recovery from a purulent process of any localization, cessation of a crisis, or clarification of the diagnosis.

Contraindications for massage of certain parts of the body: 1. It is not allowed to massage areas of the body affected by various diseases of infectious, fungal and unknown origin; any warts, various skin rashes, extensive damage, skin irritations, abrasions, cracks, herpes. 2. For psoriasis, eczema, neurodermatitis, only the area of the rash is not massaged; the nearby area can be massaged. 3. For trophic ulcers on the toes in patients with sclerotic lesions of peripheral vessels, for endarteritis, do not massage the foot. 4. Do not massage areas where there are benign tumors; Distant areas can be massaged due to indications for massage for other diseases or injuries in a given patient, but only using a gentle, non-intensive method. 5. You cannot massage the area where there was previously a malignant tumor removed during surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. You can massage distant areas, but at a later date: in children - after 2 years, in adults - after 5 years in the absence of metastases. 7. In case of mastopathy, massage of the anterior surface of the chest is contraindicated. 8. For ovarian cysts, fibroids, uterine fibroids, endometriosis in women and prostate adenoma in men, you should not massage the lumbar region and abdomen. 9. You should not massage moles or birthmarks that protrude above the skin; they should be avoided (due to the risk of their possible degeneration into malignant neoplasms). 10. Do not massage the area where the veins are significantly dilated or bulging (varicose veins). 11. For minor skin damage or allergic rashes, you can massage an area significantly distant from the site of the lesion. 12. On days 1-3 of menstruation, which is normal or profuse, it is not recommended to massage the abdomen and lumbar region, as this can increase the amount of blood released, which will cause discomfort to the person being massaged. During scanty menstruation, you can massage. Strictly speaking, menstruation is not a disease, and therefore cannot be a direct contraindication. 13. In case of hernias, abdominal massage is not allowed; Allowed only for infants. 14. If you have stones in the gall bladder or urinary tract, you should not massage the abdomen or lumbar region. 15. During pregnancy, the postpartum period and after an abortion, general massage and many other types of massage cannot be performed for 2 months. There are areas of the body that cannot be massaged during this period. During pregnancy, for example, massage of the abdomen, lumbar region, thighs, as well as hands and feet is contraindicated due to a possible reflex effect on the uterus. Massage for pregnant women can be performed only with the permission of the doctor managing the pregnancy and only using a special technique.

Indications

Lymphatic drainage massage is effective in the following cases:

cellulite;
postoperative scars;
stretch marks;
tendency to corpulence;
swelling;
phlebeurysm;
obesity;
metabolic disease.

If you once turned to plastic surgery and it left its mark, then lymphatic drainage massage can also help.

But it’s better not to lead to a problem, but to start doing massage for prevention. It definitely won't be redundant.

Types of hardware impact:

Galvanization. Under the influence of microcurrent, immune metabolic processes are activated, which relieves tissues of excess lymphatic fluid.
Electroiontophoresis. The procedure is useful in the treatment of problem skin, in the fight against age-related changes by introducing a useful complex of drugs, vitamins using electric current.
Vacuum lymphatic drainage. This technique of hardware influence is based on the principle of influence of the “cans” familiar to us from childhood. In this case, the specialist does not leave the jars in one place, but moves them along the lymphatic lines. The vacuum creates negative pressure, which enhances lymph drainage. This type of hardware action requires highly qualified specialists, otherwise excessive negative pressure may be created, which can damage the epidermis.
Pressotherapy. Impact on the body using a special suit with a special device - a microcontroller, which creates the necessary pressure, pumping air and influencing selected areas of the body. As a result of the procedure, the rate of fluid outflow and the removal of toxins naturally increases. Pressotherapy is useful in the fight against obesity, excess weight, and also as a recovery procedure after serious physical exertion.
Microcurrent drainage. Treatment of the upper layer of the skin using pulses from a device with reduced electrical discharge. This type of lymphatic drainage is useful in combating age-related changes. The patient does not feel microcurrent shocks, the procedure is absolutely painless.

Principle of operation

The pressotherapy system consists of a hardware unit and an inflatable suit. The suit, which is put on the patient like clothing, has many separate chambers (4-8 in the pants, and up to 20 in the “shirt”). Pressurized air is supplied to these chambers, inflating and deflating them in a specific sequence.

Peristaltic unidirectional action causes fluids (lymph and blood) to move, freeing the limbs from stagnation. The suit is designed taking into account the physiological characteristics of a person from elastic material that fits perfectly to the body. The devices have from 2 to 8 operating modes, the combination of which is selected individually for each patient.

The press suit consists of pants and a shirt, which together can treat all areas of the body. But you can also perform a separate pneumatic massage of the legs or torso and arms.

The hardware lymphatic drainage massage device was developed based on the observations of specialists such as physiotherapists, plastic surgeons and sports medical experts.

The massage usually lasts 30-50 minutes. A person can sit or lie down, completely relax and enjoy the procedure. During the process, the doctor can adjust the massage regimen according to the patient’s wishes.

Techniques for performing lymphatic drainage body massage

Superficial. Impact on the epidermis with light movements of the fingertips with slight pressure on the tissue, which enhances the movement of lymph through the lymph flow and removes vascular spasms.
Deep technique. Impact on muscle tissue. Improving blood circulation, dilating blood vessels. Deep lymphomassage helps in the fight against extra centimeters in the waist and hips.
Point (projection). Local treatment of areas of the main lymph nodes. Acupressure lymphatic drainage has a positive effect on the body as a whole. When performing targeted lymphomassage, microcurrents are used, as well as pressure therapy techniques.

Lymphatic drainage massage after physical training

Was the workout wasted if nothing hurt? Muscle pain is often associated not with good work in the gym, but with an incorrect approach to recovery after exercise. Many people don't want to spend time stretching, swimming, or lymphatic drainage after finishing their workout. Loading without subsequent relaxation and recovery is the wrong approach to physical exercise. Use the beneficial technique of lymphatic drainage hardware or manual massage at the end of each workout. You will notice that your exercises have become more effective, morning swelling no longer bothers you, and your body has become more flexible and sculpted. That is why the correct technique for performing lymphatic drainage is useful not only for people leading a sedentary lifestyle, but also for athletes.

How to avoid possible complications

Complications may appear if all contraindications are not taken into account. Also, if done incorrectly, redness or swelling may occur. In order to avoid these and other possible consequences, the specialist must monitor the patient’s condition and reaction. If you do self-massage, then be even more attentive and careful.

We constantly repeat that massage should be performed strictly along massage lines. If you do it against the massage lines, gather the skin into folds, press hard on the skin while stroking - all these actions lead to the formation of additional wrinkles and ptosis (drooping) of the skin, especially in the area of the nasolabial triangle.

Lymphatic drainage massage: how to do it at home?

Lymphatic drainage massage at home will not replace a course of professional hardware or manual massage, but it will allow you to postpone going to the salon until better times. This technique has become extremely popular in the 21st century - the century of office workers. Lack of physical activity and an unhealthy lifestyle lead to stagnation of fluid and toxins in the body, which lymphomassage effectively copes with.

The technique of performing lymphatic drainage is not difficult to master. The entire body lymphatic drainage massage procedure takes 20-25 minutes. It gives a lasting cosmetic and health effect for the whole body.

Professional massage therapists and cosmetologists know the exact location of the lymph nodes and the direction of lymph flow in the body. During a self-massage session at home, it is necessary to take into account the main directions of massage movements according to the location of the lymphatic system in the human body.

Why is it not as difficult to influence the movement of lymph as it is to influence the movement of blood throughout the body? The circulation of lymph is not due to the work of the heart, but to the work of the muscles, which contract and thereby move the fluid forward. Lymphatic drainage is based on influencing the muscles of the body, increasing their contractions.

Preparation for facial lymphomassage

If you are going to a salon for a procedure, there are not many preparatory steps. During the entire course it is recommended not to drink or smoke. You need to monitor your diet and the amount of fluid you drink, especially before bed. If you drink a lot at night, severe swelling is expected in the morning.

In order to do lymphatic drainage facial self-massage at home, prepare everything you need: facial oil or a good rich cream. We recommend trying Squalane from Beauty 365. It is a lightweight sugar cane oil that is great for massage.

Some people take various tools to help them, like jade rollers or gua sha stones. If it’s difficult for you to do a massage with your own hands, then you can take a gua sha scraper, there will be a slightly different technique, be sure to stick to it.

As for jade rollers, you also need to know how to use them. Many people simply take them and roll them back and forth, thinking that now they will smooth out everything that is needed and disperse the lymph. Not so simple. In order to disperse lymph, you need to move in certain directions.

How to prepare for lymphatic drainage massage?

take a shower
A little cardio training before the procedure will enhance its results
free your skin from makeup
refrain from eating for 2 hours before the massage
During massage sessions, drink 1.5-2 liters of water per day
During the course it is better to avoid heavy, salty, fried foods and alcohol
Prepare massage oil or cream. Essential oils or honey will achieve better results
study the lymphatic drainage body massage scheme

The basic rule of lymphatic massage: massage lines are located along the lymphatic lines. Carefully study the location of the body's lymphatic system before starting the massage.

Movements should be directed along the main lines of lymph flow:

From neck to chest
From hands to shoulders
From knees to groin area
From belly to pelvis

The movements of the palms during the massage should be smooth, without jerking, stroking, gradually turning into patting, springy, directed along the movement of the lymph flow. With each repetition it is worth slightly increasing the force of impact. If at the end of the procedure you feel a feeling of lightness and relaxation, then you did everything correctly.

How is the procedure performed?

The session does not require any preparation. But it is still recommended to adhere to some rules. Alcohol should be excluded and drinking regime should be monitored, especially before bedtime. Massage is most effective in the afternoon and not earlier than 2-3 hours after eating. If you follow these recommendations, massage sessions will certainly be effective, as confirmed by the reviews of many women.

Drinking plenty of fluids before the session helps increase effectiveness. The patient's skin is cleansed with gel and a massage cream or oil is applied. It is very useful to take a shower with a scrub before the procedure. Before the start of the hardware treatment, the master accelerates blood circulation in the massage areas with rubbing movements.

After completing the session, you do not need to get up immediately, remaining for another 10 minutes in a horizontal position.

Lymphatic drainage massage of face and neck

Lymphatic drainage self-massage will help get rid of age-related signs, swelling, dark circles under the eyes, double chin problems, and help make the facial contour clearer. Regular use of this lymphatic drainage technique will help even out skin color and improve skin condition by removing excess toxins from the body, which will allow you to completely abandon or reduce the consumption of foundation. In the areas of the face and neck there is a cluster of lymph nodes, which are responsible for filtering the lymphatic fluid of the entire body and removing toxins from the body.

Use massage oil
Place your fingers in the middle of your forehead and move them towards your temples
Lightly move your fingers from the inner corner of the eye to the outer along the line of the lower eyelid, and then from the outer corner to the inner along the line of the upper eyelid
Make a movement from the chin to the ears and then to the temples
Perform horizontal movements across the nasolabial folds
Using stroking movements, move your fingers along the neck from the chest to the chin.

Each lymphomassage movement must be repeated 10-15 times.

It is useful to perform lymphatic drainage every day after waking up without using oil, repeating each movement 3-4 times. Daily self-massage will allow you to look 5-10 years younger without using expensive cosmetics or painful injection procedures.

What is the lymphatic system

The human body is penetrated by lymphatic vessels. Unlike blood, lymph is completely colorless and contains fewer proteins and nutrients. Its tasks are different - to remove toxins from tissues along with liquid. Another important function is the delivery of lymphocytes and macrophages to areas affected by infections and bacteria.

Dysfunction of the lymphatic system can lead to such a dangerous disease as lymphostasis. There can be many reasons, but the main ones are:

chronic fatigue and stress;
poor nutrition;
low physical activity.

Insufficient movement of lymph through the vessels causes stagnation of intercellular fluid. This dysfunction is partially compensated by the kidneys and blood circulation, but toxins accumulate, and this affects health and attractiveness. The following signs indicate the appearance of lymph flow disorders:

varicose veins;
high blood pressure;
swelling;
excess weight;
circles under the eyes;
pronounced cellulite;
decreased protective functions of the body.

Lymphatic drainage massage of the chest

The appearance and shape of the breast is an aesthetic problem for many women. Motherhood and breastfeeding do not always add piquancy to a woman’s body. It would seem that the breast is a part of the body that cannot be influenced using massage techniques. But in fact, properly performed breast lymphatic drainage is a useful procedure that prevents the formation of tumors, improves skin condition, helps fight age-related changes, loss of tone and affects the elasticity of the muscle frame. Take a supine position. Repeat each movement of this lymph massage technique 10-15 times.

Apply oil or cream to the chest area
Find the starting point of the breast convexity above the nipple. Press it with your thumb and hold for 5 seconds. Take a break for 2-3 seconds, then repeat. Impact on this point improves blood circulation and accelerates lymph flow
Make light movements from the center of the chest through the bottom of the chest to the armpits

As a result of this procedure, the shape of the breast becomes more beautiful and toned, and the appearance of stretch marks from sudden weight gain or loss or breastfeeding is reduced.

Technique for lymphatic drainage massage of the abdomen at home

Lymphatic drainage procedure of the abdomen is performed only with light movements of the fingertips. Correctly performing a massage using this technique will allow you to correct your figure, get rid of swelling and extra pounds, improve lymph flow, speed up the removal of toxins from the body, and also increase overall immunity. Repeat each lymph massage movement 10-15 times.

Use massage oil
Perform movements in the direction from the lower abdomen to the armpit area

Lymphatic drainage back massage at home

Correct implementation of the back lymphatic drainage technique will reduce the volume of fat deposits, get rid of swelling, tension, improve overall well-being, and speed up lymph flow. How to do lymphatic drainage back massage to yourself? It is impossible to massage this area on your own, so you will have to resort to someone’s help. Take a lying position on your stomach. Each movement must be repeated 10 times.

Apply massage oil or cream to the back area
Make movements with your hands in the direction from the lower back to the neck
Perform light massage movements on the back of the neck
Move the edge of your palm along your back

Zones for lymphatic drainage

Edema occurs in completely different parts of the body. But most often they affect the lower limbs and face. This is due to the fact that these zones are as far as possible from the heart and congestion forms there much more easily. And stagnation turns into stinking swamps of bacterial corpses, pathogenic cells and other debris that need to be dispersed and removed.

But most often, girls do massage on problem areas of the body - they get rid of the sides, folds on the stomach, saggy hips and cellulite buttocks.

Scheme of lymphatic drainage massage of legs at home

A correctly performed leg lymphatic drainage technique will help you get rid of excess weight, swelling, a feeling of heaviness, spider veins, correct your figure, tighten your buttocks, and improve the appearance and condition of your skin. Lymphatic drainage can be carried out in combination with the use of creams and gels for swelling of the legs in the hot season, when the problem of heaviness in the legs especially bothers you. The procedure can be performed while sitting at your workplace without using massage oil. Repeat each movement 10-15 times.

Use massage oil
Move the brushes from the shins to the groin area
Move your hands in the direction from your shins to your buttocks
Do lymphatic drainage of the buttocks using circular movements

The leg lymphomassage technique is useful for lovers of stiletto heels; performing this procedure will allow you to wear heels a couple of centimeters higher without feeling pain or heaviness in your legs! This technique is a good prevention of varicose veins of the legs and joint pain.

Scheme of lymphatic drainage hand massage

Correctly performing lymphatic drainage of the hands at home will allow you to get rid of unwanted fat deposits, swelling, speed up lymph flow, remove toxins from the body, improve the appearance and condition of the skin. This technique solves such a common problem among men and women as decreased tone on the inside of the arms. Perform each movement 10 times.

Use massage oil
Extend one arm forward
Work your hand from your fingertips to your wrist
Perform a movement from wrist to elbow on the outside and inside of the arm
Make a movement from the elbow to the shoulder, the armpit area. Be careful when massaging the inside of your arm, the skin in this area is very sensitive and delicate

Lymphatic drainage will give you a feeling of lightness and relaxation. Remove any remaining oil or cream and use moisturizing body milk. Rest for 10-15 minutes.

Performing lymphatic drainage techniques at home is a good way to take care of the beauty and health of your body!

Author of the article:

Practicing: 15 years, Teaching: 8 years

Pressotherapy: results

Swelling decreases;
The process of breaking down fat deposits starts;
Skin condition improves;
The severity of cellulite is reduced;
Regeneration processes are accelerated;
Excess volumes go away;
Slags and toxins are removed;
The skin is tightened;
The flabbiness of the skin is reduced;
The elasticity of the walls of blood vessels increases;
Blood circulation improves.

Pressotherapy can be combined with other cosmetic and hardware techniques designed to correct the figure and eliminate excess weight.