Taking care of our diet and exercising regularly are the keys to maintaining a healthy body; however, there are alternative treatments that help optimise its function, such as lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage is a technique that allows the immune system to eliminate toxins, bacteria, viruses and dead cells. It consists of a massage with gentle movements, which is maintained at a slow pace to avoid breaking the lymphatic vessels. The aim of this is to stimulate and facilitate the passage of the lymph through the circulatory system.
Lymph is a fluid that circulates in the body and cleanses the blood of impurities, performing its immunological function along with the antibodies in the blood; however, lymph can accumulate excessively in the tissues, causing swelling and pain in some cases. Let’s look at some of the advantages of this fantastic therapy!
#1. Combat Bloating
Lymphatic drainage helps to reduce bloating and fluid retention, since through massage it helps drain fluids and toxins to the lymph nodes, facilitating their elimination.
#2. Fight Cellulite
Since fluid retention contributes to the formation of cellulite, by promoting fluid removal, it is also possible to combat this condition. However, it is recommended to associate other methods to make their elimination more effective.
#3.Help Recovery From Injuries
Lymphatic drainage contributes to the recovery from muscle and joint injuries, as it promotes muscle toning and promotes tissue oxygenation.
#4. Promoting Healing
Lymphatic drainage helps reduce oedema and improve blood flow, which contributes to faster healing of tissues.
#5. Reduce Bruising
In addition to speeding up healing, the reduction in oedema and the increase in blood circulation promoted by lymphatic drainage help reduce bruising.
#6. Improve Blood Circulation
Lymphatic drainage stimulates microcirculation and reduces swelling, which helps improve blood circulation, reducing the feeling of heavy legs and preventing the appearance of spider veins.
#7. Oxygenating the tissues
Thanks to the activation of the microcirculation and the elimination of fluids promoted by lymphatic drainage, the oxygen reaches the cells more quickly. It thus contributes to more efficient oxygenation of the tissues.
#8. Eliminate Toxins
The lymphatic system helps the body eliminate toxins; therefore, by promoting the transport of fluids to the lymph nodes, lymphatic drainage makes this process even more efficient.
#9. Improve Self-Esteem
By reducing fluid retention, lymphatic drainage helps shape the body, making the person feel more confident about their body and improving self-esteem and quality of life.
#10. Prevent Adhesions of Scars After Plastic Surgery
Lymphatic drainage promotes the organised regeneration of the fibres, preventing the scar from sticking. This treatment must be applied by a competent professional who knows how to perform the techniques correctly. The maneuvers that can be used include circulatory movements with the fingers, circles with the thumb, pressure and sliding in the form of a bracelet or pumping movements. Drainage can be performed on the whole body or only on a treatment area, depending on the need that the person presents.
Indications and Contraindications of Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage can be useful to eliminate any type of swelling on the face or in the body that may arise in the most diverse situations. When the technique is carried out with precision, it allows the elimination of excess fluid that causes swelling, returning it to the bloodstream, which after being filtered through the kidneys will be eliminated in the urine. In this way, lymphatic drainage is indicated in the following cases:
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During pregnancy;
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After plastic surgery;
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After cancer treatment to fight lymphedema;
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Injury and trauma to muscles, tendons, or joints;
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During the menstrual period;
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After any surgery;
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In the case of cellulite;
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Due to the excessive consumption of salt and little water intake.
Lymphatic drainage can be performed with the hands or with specific devices for drainage, present in some offices. It should not be performed in the presence of severe grade 3 or 4 acne, since it can worsen the lesions, or when there are open wounds, as they can become infected. Likewise, after plastic surgeries, the technique should only be performed after the consent of the plastic surgeon, usually 24 or 48 hours after surgery. See how lymphatic drainage is done.
It is essential to consider that this treatment must be carried out strictly by a professional, who will evaluate the patient to ensure they can undergo lymphatic drainage. That’s because this treatment is not recommended for those who have cancer, angina pectoris, heart disease or hypertension. And you, would you be willing to detoxify naturally? Keep yourself looking and feeling in tip-top shape with a regular session at Bourke Street Massage.
