What is lymphatic drainage massage
Lymphomassage has a healing effect on the entire body. Using special techniques, the doctor works on problem areas, systematically changing the speed and direction of lymph flow from the lower part of the body to the upper parts. The lymphatic drainage massage procedure does not cause pain, since the intensity of the effect increases consistently. A course of physiotherapy usually consists of 7-14 sessions. In our clinic, the treatment regimen is selected personally, taking into account the problem area, health status, contraindications and other individual characteristics of the patient. You can only entrust a massage to a specialized doctor. This is a medical manipulation that requires deep knowledge of the intricacies of the structure and functioning of the lymphatic system.
Zhelezny Sergey Nikolaevich
Chiropractor
Privolzhsky Research Medical University
25 years of experience
Importance of the Lymphatic System
A large-scale branched network of lymphatic vessels permeates the entire body, forming an internal environment filled with lymph. This is a transparent liquid type of connective tissue - a connecting link between organs, blood flow and intercellular space. Circulating from bottom to top, lymphatic fluid performs a number of vital tasks, the main of which are:
- transfer of immune system cells - antibodies, macrophages and lymphocytes, to areas in need of increased protection;
- collection of toxins, cell waste and delivery to the lymph nodes for neutralization.
When the movement of lymph slows down, the filtration organs and blood flow cannot cope with the evacuation of harmful substances, and the immune system has protective functions. A malfunction of the lymphatic system instantly affects your well-being and appearance. A person complains of increased fatigue, swelling, unstable blood pressure, frequent colds, weight gain, and sagging skin. Advanced disruption of the lymphatic system is indicated by deep vein varicose veins, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, obesity, low immune status, and lymphostasis.
Execution technique
If you don’t have the opportunity to visit a beauty salon, do the massage yourself; you don’t need any special knowledge. The step-by-step procedure looks like this:
- In the center of the forehead, connect the pads of your fingers. With smooth movements, the arms are moved towards the temples;
- connect the second and third fingers of your hands and, moving in a semicircle, also spread your hands in the direction of your temples;
- close your eyes and massage your eyelids with your fingertips, moving from your nose to your temple;
- using your index fingers, make massage movements on the area - under the jaw and along the nasolabial fold;
- With your thumbs, press on the center of the chin and move them slowly along the lower contour of the face;
- at the final stage, light stroking movements are made - from the chin (upper part) to the lymph nodes.
Advice!
During the procedure, it is recommended to use moisturizing cosmetics, then it becomes more comfortable!
Why do you need lymphatic drainage massage?
The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage include the activation and redistribution of lymphoid fluid, stimulation of metabolic processes, and strengthening of cellular and humoral immunity. The doctor’s task is to eliminate the consequences of a malfunction of the lymph flow and delicately force the lymphatic system to work the way nature intended it to. Lymphatic drainage helps remove harmful products of cellular metabolism from the body, accelerate lymph circulation, lose weight, improve skin condition, and strengthen the immune system.
The list of indications for lymphatic drainage massage includes:
- hemodynamic disturbance;
- early varicose changes in the vessels of the lower extremities;
- decreased firmness and elasticity of the skin;
- swelling of the arms, legs, face, neck;
- skin defects - scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, scars, hematomas of non-traumatic origin, changes in the structure of the subcutaneous fat layer - cellulite;
- fat deposits;
- soft tissue injuries (rehabilitation period);
- muscle weakness;
- visible stagnation of lymphoid fluid of the upper and lower extremities.
Lymphatic drainage massage produces a complex effect - cosmetological, therapeutic, preventive. After a course of physiotherapy, the skin is rejuvenated, looks smooth and toned. Morning puffiness and bruises under the eyes disappear. Excess weight goes away, the figure acquires clear contours. Pain and heaviness in the legs cease to bother you, and the overall tone of the body increases. Immune defense is restored, which helps to resist infectious diseases, which is especially important during the difficult period of the pandemic. The aesthetic and therapeutic results of lymphatic drainage massage are immediately noticeable. To maintain the active functioning of the lymph flow, treatment and preventive procedures are recommended to be carried out regularly.
Why do bags appear under the eyes?
Massage for bags under the eyes - this topic worries many women, and that’s what we’ll talk about in this article.
Bags under the eyes can appear at different ages in both women and men. Genetics are largely to blame for this. As we age, the tissue around the eyes and some of the muscles that support the eyelids weaken. The skin sags, and the fat usually located in the area around the eyes can move to the area under the eyes.
In addition, the area under the eyes can accumulate fluid, making the under-eye area appear puffy.
The appearance of bags under the eyes can occur for various reasons:
- Due to lack of sleep;
- Poor nutrition;
- Bad habits;
- Allergies;
- As a result of kidney problems, heart disease;
- Age-related hormonal changes;
- Inflammatory processes in the maxillary sinuses, nasopharynx;
- Due to work associated with frequent flights or prolonged exposure to a computer monitor;
- Heredity. In this case, bags under the eyes are normal.
To eliminate puffiness, you can use different methods:
- Laser correction;
- Chemical peeling;
- Fillers that can tighten the skin and improve its tone;
- Blepharoplasty.
Blepharoplasty is a type of surgical intervention that involves excision of excess skin and fatty formations.
Source Wikipedia
The surgeon makes a subtle incision below the eyelashes in the natural crease of the eye and removes excess sagging skin. It is then reattached to the skin using tiny stitches along the natural crease of the eyelid.
Distribution of lymphomassage zones
Depending on personal indications, physiotherapy covers the body with leanness, or focuses on one or several problem areas. Our clinic's massage therapists practice lymphatic drainage massage of the back, abdomen, chest, arms, and legs.
Hands
Lymphatic drainage of the upper extremities relieves stagnation of lymphoid fluid. In return, the patient receives tightened skin and freedom of movement. Pain in the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints disappears. The feeling of numbness in the fingers disappears, muscle tone increases. The procedures are recommended for patients who have undergone surgery on the mammary gland in the armpit area. Lymphomassage of the hands will be useful for people whose professional activities involve repeated rotations of the forearm and are accompanied by increased physical activity.
Breast
Massage lymphatic drainage of the mammary glands can be called the basis for the prevention of mammological diseases - fibroids, cysts, mastopathy, cancer. Massage sessions help maintain tissue elasticity, youth and breast shape.
Zhelezny Sergey Nikolaevich
Chiropractor
Privolzhsky Research Medical University
25 years of experience
Stomach
Massage techniques have an anti-cellulite effect, improve digestion, and reduce the risk of diseases of the hepatobiliary system. The procedure significantly reduces stretch marks, eliminates a significant mass of visceral fat, and strengthens the muscles of the abdominal wall. In just one session of lymphatic drainage massage you can lose up to 3-4 cm in the waist, in a full course of physiotherapy you can get rid of the “lifebuoy” on the stomach, sides, and upper thighs.
Back
Lymphomassage restores the tone of skeletal muscles, relieves pain in the spine, and returns the ability to actively move and play sports. Therapy is especially indicated for people leading a sedentary lifestyle.
Legs
Lymphatic drainage massage of the legs is one of the most effective methods of preventing varicose veins. Improving lymph flow and hemodynamics helps eliminate spider veins (telangiectasia), relieves nighttime muscle spasms, relieves heaviness and fatigue, and strengthens the calf muscles. Cosmetic effects can reduce stretch marks and cellulite changes, tighten the skin, and get rid of excess fat.
Face and neck
Lymphatic drainage massage of the neck and face is a safe method of combating age and facial wrinkles, morning swelling, and skin aging. Normalizing the movement and speed of lymph flow provides a rejuvenating effect, creates a good mood, and gives self-confidence.
Features of the procedure
First, the skin is cleansed of impurities, the patient drinks clean water to restore hydrobalance. Next, he lies down on the couch in a comfortable position. Maintaining a straight line between the back and neck is important. A special cream or oil is applied to the skin. The warm-up movements are circular and smooth, they involve a direction from the center to the periphery, working the nose and neck from bottom to top, eyelids - from the cheekbones to the nose.
During the procedure, the patient needs to monitor his own sensations. It is important that the physician does not act on the skin too intensely; nothing should cause pain, otherwise the fragile vessels will be damaged. After the specialist has completed his work, you will need to rest for some time to allow the soft tissues to recover. Then wipe off the remaining cream and drink water.
There should be several such sessions, the frequency is determined individually. The maximum frequency is three times a week.
Types of lymphatic drainage massage
To restore systemic lymph flow, experienced doctors at our clinic use manual techniques and modern hardware methods.
Manual lymphatic drainage massage is characterized by high precision of targeted action. This is a more delicate procedure that requires responsibility and professional skill. During the session, the massage therapist uses various techniques to influence problem areas:
- Point lymphatic drainage. It is performed in the projection of the lymph nodes - the main filters of the lymphatic system.
- Deep, intensive treatment of muscle tissue, lymphatic trunks, ducts and vessels. Allows you to accelerate lymph circulation, improve hemodynamics, increase the tone of vascular walls, eliminate cellulite and fat deposits.
- Surface pressure. Sliding circular, transverse and longitudinal movements along a certain trajectory, soft, painless pressure on the tissue - stimulates the work of the smallest lymphatic and blood capillaries, arterioles and venules.
Manual lymphatic drainage takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Zhelezny Sergey Nikolaevich
Chiropractor
Privolzhsky Research Medical University
25 years of experience
How to carry out the procedure
The doctor performs all movements smoothly, in the direction of lymph circulation. To facilitate gliding, special oil products are used, which enhance the effect of the procedure. A wellness session consists of five stages:
- removal of contaminants from the skin in the area of intended exposure;
- massage oil treatment;
- rubbing the problem area;
- use of massage techniques;
- cleansing the skin of oil, and applying a cosmetic product (anti-cellulite gel, moisturizing or nourishing cream, etc.).
For a quarter of an hour after the session, the patient remains in a horizontal position.
Hardware methods for working out the lymphatic system
The complex of hardware methods of lymphatic drainage includes:
- Vacuum effect. The technique is similar to classic anti-cellulite massage, which uses simple vacuum jars or a compressor with a flask. Soft tissues are drawn into the jar (vessel). This creates an area of low pressure where blood, lymph, and intercellular fluid rush. As a result, the circulation of biochemical fluids accelerates and metabolism increases.
- Pressotherapy. A more complex technique based on the principle of differential pressure. The patient is dressed in compression equipment, consisting of several chambers isolated from each other. Consecutive compression of the chambers in several modes provides wave-like pressure on the tissue, stimulation of lymph flow and blood circulation.
- Microcurrent drainage. The procedure uses low-pulse electrodes, under the influence of which muscle fibers contract, pushing lymph through the vessels.
According to indications, a correlation effect of manual techniques and hardware methods is possible.
How to get rid of bags under eyes at home
To remove bags under the eyes, you need to reconsider your drinking regime. You need to drink in moderation. It is recommended to drink up to 2 liters of liquid per day. If you are thirsty and drink a lot of water, and if your legs also swell, you should consult a doctor. Because swelling may appear due to disorders of the urinary system. This may also indicate a thyroid disease or the early stages of diabetes.
Excessive salt intake can contribute to fluid retention in the body. When cooking, add less salt and use spices to improve the taste. Lead an active lifestyle.
To help get rid of bags under the eyes:
- Compresses and lotions made from parsley juice, tea leaves;
- Cold masks;
- Gels and creams for the care of the eye area.
How to prepare for lymphatic drainage massage
There is no special preparation for the health procedure. To increase the effectiveness of the result, doctors advise following simple rules:
- Avoid dishes with a high content of animal fat on the eve of lymphomassage;
- refrain from eating 2-3 hours before the session;
- reduce the number of drinks you drink before bed;
- choose the afternoon for lymphatic drainage;
- drink warm water immediately before the procedure.
Before and after a lymphatic drainage body massage, you are not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages (of any strength).
Zhelezny Sergey Nikolaevich
Chiropractor
Privolzhsky Research Medical University
25 years of experience
Traditional recipes for eliminating bags under the eyes
At home, you can remove puffiness under the eyes using folk remedies.
Masks
With potatoes
The problem with bruises and swelling under the eyes in the morning can be solved with the help of raw potatoes. Peeled and cut in half potatoes should be applied to the eyelids for 2 - 3 minutes. Then rinse your face with cool water and carefully apply the cream around the eyes.
With cucumber
Cucumber masks refresh the skin and area under the eyes, nourish, moisturize, and smooth out fine expression wrinkles.
To prepare a compress, grate the cucumber. Wrap the resulting mass in two gauze bags and place on your eyelids for 10 minutes. After this, wash your face with warm water.
With coffee and cosmetic oil
This mask moisturizes the skin and gives it a healthy look. Ground coffee tones, and oil (peach, olive, coconut) tightens the dermis and saturates the skin with vitamins.
You need to mix half a teaspoon of coffee with 1 tsp. oils Apply the resulting mixture under the eyes for 10 minutes. You can make a mask 2 times a week to nourish the skin and prevent swelling.
With parsley
The most effective home recipe for puffiness under the eyes. It removes bruises, evens out complexion, and stops skin aging.
It is necessary to chop the greens and apply the resulting mass along with the juice under the eyes for 15 - 20 minutes.
For dry skin you need 1 tsp. chopped parsley mixed with 2 tsp. sour cream and apply the resulting mixture to the eyes for 15 minutes. Then rinse with water.
With egg white
Returns skin elasticity. To get rid of bags under the eyes, you need to beat 1 egg white well and apply it to the lower eyelids with a brush. Leave until dry, then rinse with water.
With milk
Compresses with milk constrict blood vessels, eliminate inflammation, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. The recipe is completely simple. Cotton pads should be dipped in cold milk and kept on the eyelids until they become warm. Do the procedure for 10 – 15 minutes.
Compresses for bags under the eyes
Compresses made from various herbs will help relieve swelling and reduce bags under the eyes.
Here are some of them:
From sage
This compress helps restore elasticity and reduce bags under the eyes.
To prepare the infusion you need 1 tbsp. l. sage pour a glass of boiling water over the floor. Close the lid and leave for 5 minutes. Then strain the infusion and divide into 2 parts. Cool one part.
Place 2 pieces of cotton wool in a warm broth and 2 in a cold one. Apply to the eyes in turn - cold - warm. Do the procedure for 10 minutes.
From herbs
The most effective compresses are those based on herbs. Suitable for preparing herbal tea:
- Mint;
- Linden blossom;
- Series;
- Chamomile;
- Rosemary;
- Arnica montana;
- Eyebright.
These plants can be used together or separately.
Take 1 tbsp. l. dry herbs and pour 1 cup of boiling water. Let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes. For compresses, use only warm infusion.
From lemon balm
To make a compress, pour the pulp of white bread with the juice of medicinal lemon balm and wrap it in gauze, after which this mixture is applied to the eyes.
This compress is used to relieve puffiness and bags under the eyes.
From horsetail
Pour 1 tablespoon of dry horsetail into a glass of boiling water. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Apply a warm compress to your eyes.
