Lymphatic drainage massage: what it is and how it works

The lymphatic drainage massage is a particular type of massage dedicated to lymph drainage . Lymph is the interstitial fluid that circulates in the vast and complex lymphatic circulatory network.

The function of the lymph is the drainage, from the periphery towards the heart, of the liquid received by the blood capillaries. Before reaching the heart, the lymph passes through the lymph nodes, which are responsible for the body’s defense .

In the lymph nodes, the lymph is “controlled” and then reintroduced into the venous circulation. Since the lymph can only circulate from the periphery to the center of the body, and thanks mainly to the muscular and diaphragmatic respiratory pump, it is possible that in some situations the lymph stagnates and struggles to circulate, giving rise to edema, swelling and stagnation .

In consideration of the great importance that this liquid has in the immune defense, it is vital to ensure adequate circulation and adequate drainage . Lymphatic massage is used to help lymphatic circulation and lymph drainage.

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Do-it-yourself lymphatic drainage massage

The lymphatic drainage massage has the purpose of helping the lymph to circulate, and therefore allows you to drain the excesses that can stagnate in some parts of the body.

The legs, arms, and head, in particular the neck , are the areas that can most have problems with lymphatic stagnation. There are two main features of the lymphatic drainage massage:

> movements from the periphery towards the lymphatic stations , that is towards the center of the body;

> light dexterity, which consists of brushing ;

> the discharge of the main lymphatic stations through the pumping maneuver.

Manual lymphatic drainage can be done alone and bring benefits, even if reduced compared to treatments performed by professional operators. The lymphatic drainage can be done by itself especially on the legs, arms and head. The protocol foresees to lightly touch the skin , since the lymphatic circulation is superficial, proceeding from the periphery to the center :

> from feet to groin;

> from hands to armpits;

> from the head and neck to the terminus, in the hollow of the collarbones.

To facilitate manual skills, it is possible to use oils , even if they often alter the sensitivity of the hands towards the skin. The strokes are only slow and continuous, performed with the fingertips of the hands together.

Once arrived at the groin , at the hollow of the armpits , and at the terminus , it is necessary to operate adequate drainage of the lymphatic stations: it is performed through gentle pumping , always performed with the fingertips of the hands. This allows the lymph conveyed by massages to the lymph nodes to drain to the heart.

The do-it -yourself lymphatic drainage massage is very useful in case of swelling and heaviness in the limbs, to improve the quality of circulation , as well as the appearance of the skin . It is useful for the face in case of wrinkles and scars. Cellulite can also be countered by using lymphatic massage .