THEThe lymphatic drainage facial massage truly gives a new face: plumped, relieved of toxins, fresher and younger. This is because the treatment favors the elimination of lymphatic stagnation which weighs down and ages the skin, making it more tired and dull. The massage technique can also be carried out at home, but requires particular manual skills.
Lymphatic drainage facial massage, how to do it
Considered a real boost to any skincare routine, a good lymphatic drainage facial massage gives new light and lightness. The principle behind this massage is very simple: activate local lymph nodeslocated at the base of the collarbones, so as to facilitate the elimination of excess fluids in the tissues thanks to specific manual skills.
But let’s start from the beginning. The lymphatic system was studied during the 17th century by Olaus Rudbeck, a Swedish professor of medicine, and Thomas Bartholin, a Danish anatomist. Working independently of each other, they realized that the body is crossed by a lymphatic network which ensures the flow of body fluids. However, through this long network some problems can occur stagnation of liquidsespecially in areas where the concentration of fat is greater such as arms, legs, abdomen and, indeed, face.
The benefits
The lymphatic drainage massage was therefore born from the need to unblock the fluids and deflate the areas most subject to stagnation and heaviness: «It is a manual technique that takes place with minimal use of oils or creams and facilitates the natural circulation of the lymph inside the body following the flow path, eliminating toxins and waste substances” explains the doctor Angela Noviello, director of the aesthetics division of Milano Estetica and Director of Italy and Coordinator of Europe OTI Oncology Esthetics.
Furthermore, it facilitates the reabsorption of edema and promotes cellular oxygenation, counteracting water retention. Therefore, through extremely gentle and rhythmic movements, it acts on vessels, lymphatic capillaries and lymphatic stations.
It requires specific technique
Lymphatic facial massage is not easy to perform nor is it suitable for everyone. When performing the massage, it is essential perform light circular pressure on the skinbut without rubbing it so as not to leave redness, generating slight tractions.
«The massage is important it is never painful, on the contrary, its slow and delicate pace has an extraordinary relaxing power. It can have a light touch, enough to stimulate lymph that flows just under the skin. There’s no need to work on your muscles” specifies the expert.
Are any instruments or tools necessary for this massage? «The stone gives Gua Sha can help drain liquid stagnation and above all it is an excellent ally for maintaining the results obtained. Also the Jade roller is fine, especially for treating puffiness in the under-eye areai.e., if stored in the refrigerator, it can contribute to a faster reabsorption of liquids, alleviating the sensation of swelling”.
When is a lymphatic drainage facial massage useful?
«It may be necessary when the face appears particularly tired, dull or bloated. Certainly post-surgery but also immediately after the menstrual cycle, for example, or in the presence of impurities and acne. The result is more oxygenated and active skin.”
How often can it be practiced? «It depends on the reason for which you undergo the treatment: in general, one ten sessions on a weekly basis could be enough.”
How to do it at home: correct manual skills
Smart is learning manual skills so you can do it yourself. Before starting the treatment, you need to clean your hands very well and then you can begin performing the proximo-distal technique and “opening” the lymphatic stations.
«Those of the face are located on the neck: you need to perform five delicate pressures, repeated in sequences of three times, on the skin just above the collarbones. Then proceed with the same technique just below the ear, applying light pressure towards the neck and then again from the center of the chin towards the outermost areas. At this point some steps are carried out slight drainage pressures bringing the liquid downwards, that is, eventually from the temples gradually towards the base of the neck” concludes the expert.
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