Nonot only in summer, because of the heat: even during the‘winter, as laziness takes over, you may suffer from swollen and heavy legs caused by a stagnation of liquids and toxins. To run for cover, an excellent ally (all year round) is a good one lymphatic drainage massage. Here’s what it is.
Lymphatic drainage massage, which lightens the body
Developed in 1936 by the Danish couple Estrid and Emil Vodder, the lymphatic drainage massage favors the flow of liquids through the lymphatic systemfrom the peripheral areas to the districts used for their expulsion.
«This type of massage acts on the vascular, arterial and venous system: it manages to prevent the local and then systemic inflammatory process which could have consequences such as cellulite, skin blemishes and heaviness of the lower limbs. The task of the lymphatic circulation is in fact that of collect liquids and waste and then convey them to the purification bodiesthus performing a detoxifying function» he explains Domenico Ventura, specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery in Milan.
Light legs? Try the lymphatic drainage massage (Instagram/@sarasampaio)
What is meant by excess fluid?
But what is the lymph eliminated thanks to this massage? “Blood is pumped from the heart through the arterial circulatory system. A part of plasma flowing in the capillaries comes out of the walls of these ripouring into the intracellular interstices; 90% of the leaked plasma returns to the blood circulatory system reabsorbed in the venous capillaries, thus closing the circuit» he explains Rosy Trindade owner of the Brazilian Beauty Center in Milan. Not all, though.
«The percentage not collected forms the interstitial fluid: containing plasma proteins, it is too thick to be readmitted in the venous circuit. If there is a malfunction of the lymphatic system, there is also water retention in the spaces between one cell and another».
The consequences of a malfunctioning lymphatic system
Swellings, cappearance or increase of cellulite but also gastrointestinal disorders are among the consequences of a malfunctioning lymphatic system.
«It is easy to notice this event by swelling in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and ankles. From a mere aesthetic inconvenience, this phenomenon can even impact movement, especially when the ankles are most affected» explains Trindade.
And how do you get to this result? «The causes are different. For example, a excess salt or caffeine in your dietbut also pharmacological situations such as the use of anti-inflammatories, cortisone or birth control pill or therapies for menopause. Among the causes of swelling there are also some pathologies such as insulin resistance, hypertension, bladder, kidney and liver dysfunction.
Lymphatic drainage massage: how it is performed
Carried out manually or with the help of specific handpiecesthis treatment is characterized by slow and delicate movements so as to avoid overloading the lymph nodes.
“The massage must follow specific and constant guidelines. Through a slight pressure movement on the skin, the lymphatic path is followed, starting with the lymph nodes in the neck and facewhere the sap mixes with the bloodstream, and then proceeds into the other areas of the body. The movement must be in the first circular part, then pumping alternating with frdelicate actions of the skin, never excessive» explains Dr. Ventura.
Lighter legs and body with lymphatic drainage massage
As the experts point out, the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage increase if it is also combined with adequate physical activity, such as a walk of up to 45 minutes to activate muscle activity and keep the lymphatic circulation constant.
Lightness and increased diuresis are the two great immediate benefits of lymphatic drainage massage: «Excess liquids are pushed by the massage towards the excretory organs. There is a feeling of well-being and relaxation due to the fact that the tissues are softer, with less tension and without that sensation of “pain” to pressure that occurs with cellulite» explains Dr. Ventura.
Lymphatic drainage massage: also for the face
On the face you need to work on the skin and subcutaneous tissue to unblock the lymph that tends to stagnate along the neck, near the ears, on the cheekbones, around the lips and under the chin.
Thanks to ad hoc oils and creams, toxins and swelling are eliminated, especially those that cause bags under the eyes and at the same time inflammation is reduced at the base of acne and impurities.
Are there any contraindications?
«Given its beneficial effects, lymphatic drainage massage has few contraindications. However, it must be specified that it is not recommended in subjects suffering from acute inflammation, malignant tumors, cardiac edema, to those suffering from pressure changesto asthmatics and during the menstrual cycle» explains Dr. Ventura.
Furthermore, as Rosy Trindade points out, it is a type of treatment that has benefits because it is performed by expert hands who know how to manipulate in the right places. For this reason also at home, it is important to turn only to certified professionals.
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