Lymphatic drainage massage for face and body. Hardware and manual technique, how to do it at home

It is difficult to imagine a beauty salon or cosmetic medicine clinic that does not have such a procedure as lymphatic drainage massage.

It is shown to almost any modern person suffering from stress, mental overload, malnutrition and other adverse factors. Contraindications apply only to severe and acute conditions, otherwise the massage has a tremendous therapeutic and relaxing effect.

Indications and contraindications

Lymph nodes are the protective barriers of our body that detain, neutralize and remove toxic substances, microbes and viruses.

Lymph is a special liquid connective tissue, the functional task of which is to ensure the removal of the products of cellular metabolism into the bloodstream. Manual and hardware lymphatic drainage stimulates the lymphatic system, facilitating the movement of lymph through the vessels.

For healthy people, the procedure does not pose a threat, but there are a number of chronic or acute conditions when it is categorically contraindicated. You should study the information regarding indications and contraindications for lymphatic drainage massage. In any case, a qualified doctor should make a decision on the massage taking into account the collected anamnesis.

The main indications for the procedure:

• Puffiness, stagnation of intercellular fluid in the tissues.
• Phlebeurysm.
• Difficulty circulating fluid in the lower extremities (eg, in late pregnancy).
• Cellulite.
• Disruptions in metabolic processes or the work of the lymphatic drainage system.
• Detoxification of the body.
• Body shaping.

Contraindications:

• Skin diseases, violation of the integrity of the skin.
• Inflammation of the lymph nodes.
• Infectious diseases, high body temperature, fever.
• The presence of benign tumors or other cancers. Massage can provoke the growth of pathological formations and the spread of cancer cells throughout the body.
• Severe mental states, very fast excitability of the nervous system, epilepsy.
• In the first trimester of pregnancy and lactation. In 2-3 trimesters, lymphatic drainage of the lower extremities is permissible if a woman suffers from edema.

At the end of lactation, the procedure will be very useful for those who wish to improve skin tone in problem areas and quickly restore their figure after childbirth.

• With internal bleeding or the possibility of their occurrence.
• Cardiovascular diseases, such as: hypotonic and hypertensive crisis, pulmonary heart failure, vascular sclerosis. During the procedure, blood flow increases and the load on the heart and blood vessels increases, which can provoke complications.
• With thrombophlebitis, increased blood flow can provoke a thrombus to break and blockage. Massage is possible at the discretion of the doctor for certain diseases of the veins of the lower extremities, but no more than 1 time per week.
• With osteoporosis, tuberculosis.

Massage effect

The first sensation after the session is lightness and the absence of the usual tension in the body. After the massage, puffiness decreases or completely disappears.

After a course of 10-15 procedures, the following positive changes are observed:

• The body weight is reduced, mainly due to the subsided puffiness.
• Chronic fatigue and headaches recede.
• The skin becomes smoother and healthier, and its elasticity improves.
• The body's immune defense increases and metabolism normalizes.

Types and techniques of massage

Manual techniques are performed with measured massaging movements of problem areas of the body:

• surface massage - allows you to relax muscles and stimulate small capillaries, relieves puffiness;
• deep - manipulations ensure the outflow of fluid at a deeper level, the work of the lymphatic vessels is stimulated;
• internal massage - aims to stimulate the lymph nodes.

Hardware techniques are based on the action of low frequency electrical impulses or air pressure.

Basic techniques:

• pressotherapy;
• vacuum lymphatic drainage;
• microcurrent lymphatic drainage.

Hardware massage

Hardware lymphatic drainage massage is a physiotherapeutic procedure that accelerates the movement of lymph. To the standard contraindications is added a ban on carrying out the procedure if the patient has a pacemaker, metal implant or electric current intolerance.

• Pressotherapy - The principle of therapy consists in alternately supplying compressed air to a compression suit, the chambers of which are put on the legs, arms, abdomen and buttocks. A session lasts 30 minutes, the full course consists of 15 sessions, which are attended in 2 days.
• Vacuum lymphatic drainage - certain parts of the body are exposed to rarefied air through a lymphatic drainage tube. The device is attached to the body with a round glass attachment, which is smoothly moved along the required areas along the lymphatic lines. Duration - 30 minutes. The whole course is 15 procedures with breaks of several days.
• Microcurrent lymphatic drainage - the impact of low frequency current relaxes muscle fibers and vascular walls, accelerating metabolic processes in tissues. The procedure is not accompanied by pain or discomfort, the duration is up to 15 minutes, the duration of the course is 15 procedures.

Features of manual massage

The meaning of both techniques (hardware and manual) is the same: to improve lymph flow and free tissues from accumulated fluid, and with it from toxins and products of cellular metabolism. The result, quality and absence of side effects largely depend on the qualifications of the master.

The manual procedure is as follows: the masseur smoothly moves from one area on the body, where the lymph nodes are located, to another, gently pressing these areas with his palms. To stimulate the even movement and outflow of lymph, massage is performed starting from the lower extremities in an upward direction. In the middle of the session, the intensity of pressing is increased.

Lymphatic drainage massage for facial rejuvenation

Many women in today's world are exposed to daily stress at work and at home. Unfavorable factors of the external environment, bad habits and internal contradictions immediately affect the face. The skin ages quickly, a net of wrinkles, swelling and bags under the eyes appear; the nasolabial folds and double chin become more visible.

If you have neither the time nor the energy to visit a beauty salon, we suggest you master one of the massage techniques on your own (for example, the Japanese facial massage Zogan (Asahi), which will be discussed below).Even one half-hour treatment will give your face a fresher and healthier look.

The main effects of therapy:

• lymph flow improves, puffiness subsides;
• the tone of the skin is noticeably increased, its color and appearance are improved;
• small wrinkles disappear, folds on the neck and nasolabial folds are smoothed;
• reduced body fat on the neck;
• the corners of the eyes are raised;
• stroking along the massage lines have a calming effect on the nervous system.

Facial rejuvenation is acceptable even for pregnant women, who often suffer from puffiness in the later stages.

The massage technology is based on the qualifications of the master: it is very important to know the location of the lymph nodes and lines, on which stroking are performed. Interesting fact: the lines of lymph flow, in contrast to standard massage lines, are directed at an angle and downward.

In addition to stroking, the master uses pulsating, rhythmic techniques and light pressure in the area of ​​the lymph nodes, which are located at the wings of the nose, on the neck, behind the ears and even on the back of the head. The massage takes about 30 minutes.

Japanese technique Asahi

Asahi's lymphatic drainage massage technique (ZOGAN-massage, two-finger massage) is a hereditary Japanese technique that was brought into fashion all over the world by stylist Yukuko Tanako.

This technique is not just an ordinary technique, but a whole gymnastic complex for preserving youthfulness of the face, tightening facial muscles, removing morning puffiness and osteopathic correction.

Any woman who has tried the Asahi technique at least once will notice significant changes at the end of the procedure. After several sessions, you can literally go back 7-10 years ago - the structure of the skin improves so significantly and the sagging muscles tone up.

Like other oriental techniques, the Asahi technique involves quite intense pressure and patting. The author of the technique claims that it can be successfully performed independently at home. We suggest taking note!

Preparation for massage

• Before the session, take a shower or bath, cleansing the skin with a scrub.
• During the course of the procedures, it is worth giving up bad habits, such as the use of alcohol and tobacco.
• The last meal should be a maximum of 3 hours before bedtime. Limit fluid intake before bed.
• Massage is best done in the evening.

Correct home massage technique

Lymphatic drainage massage, the indications and contraindications of which everyone should know so as not to harm their own health, can be performed at home. To do this, you need to study the technique of execution and the rules of the procedure, depending on the area of ​​the body.

The duration of the home session is reduced to 30 minutes and only the simplest techniques are used.

It is necessary to cleanse the skin of cosmetics and sebum, and moisturize it with a massage agent before starting the session. They try to follow the massage scheme (it can be found on the Internet) in a strict sequence.

Facial massage:

• The fingers are brought together and placed in the middle of the forehead. With light pressure, the brushes are spread towards the temples, dropping to the chin. This movement is repeated 3 times.
• The index and middle fingers of the hands are positioned under the eyebrows at the inner corner of the eye. Smoothly pass the fingertips under the eyebrows towards the outer corners of the eyes. (3 times)
• The pads of two fingers are placed at the inner corners under the eyes and smoothly move them towards the temples. (3 times)
• The pads of two fingers move from the middle of the chin, through the corners of the lips to the earlobes, then from the dimple above the lip towards the temples. (3 times)
• Lightly massage the chin with circular finger movements.

These simple exercises are done regularly in the morning.

Common mistakes

It is unacceptable to apply too intense and hard pressure on problem areas of the body.Rough manipulations lead to damage to small capillaries that lie close to the surface of the skin, therefore, to bruising.

Hand movements during massage should be smooth, wavy and circular, and not chaotic or impetuous. A person should not experience painful sensations and cramps.

By the middle of the course, the intensity of pressing can be evenly increased, taking into account the individual characteristics, age and gender of the patient. Regardless of the circumstances, only light manipulations are allowed in the first sessions.

Lymphatic drainage body massage

It is advisable to perform lymphatic drainage massage for any area of ​​the body by a qualified specialist. Massage is performed for 40 to 90 minutes, depending on the techniques used and the problem area.

At the preparatory stage, the patient is placed on a couch, the required area of ​​the skin is cleaned of impurities and a massage agent is applied to it. Before starting the therapy, it is recommended to warm up the skin surface with stroking manual techniques.

All conditions should be created in the room for maximum relaxation of the patient.

The execution rules are not too different from the classical technique. At the beginning of the session, the specialist stimulates the lymph nodes with light pressure, smoothly moving in the direction of the lymph flow to the nearest lymph nodes. All movements should be smooth and wave-like, the intensity of pressing is increased, starting from the middle of the session.

Finally, the skin is cleansed of the remains of the massage agent and moisturized with milk or nourishing cream.

Foot massage

With varicose veins, lymph drainage in the lower extremities is difficult. This disease is provoked by: being overweight, wearing uncomfortable shoes or high-heeled shoes. Varicose veins often accompany the last trimester of pregnancy.

The massage is performed in the following sequence:

• The cream or oil is applied to the entire surface of the leg, starting from the knee, massaging the upper leg with light movements. Through manipulation, blood will rise faster towards the heart.
• The massage lines are directed from bottom to top. You should not strongly massage the surface near the varicose vein; it is enough to perform several stroking movements on the lateral surface of the leg, leaving the inflamed veins aside.
• The calf muscle is kneaded for a long time and thoroughly, alternating with intense kneading techniques with stroking.

Honey procedure

This type of massage is perfect if you urgently need to get rid of bags under the eyes after lack of sleep or fatigue. Honey acts as a nourishing supportive mask that absorbs toxins and metabolic products of the upper layer of the skin. After several sessions, the skin will become smoother, softer and smoother, and overall well-being will improve.

Honey is successfully combined with aromatic oils. A mixture of honey and oil is applied to the location of the lymph nodes (forearms, thighs and abdomen), and then they perform light undulating and patting movements.

This is followed by slight abrupt patting movements along problem areas until the applied mixture rolls into dark pellets. Such manipulations well restore loose skin in the postpartum period.

Massage with body wrap

Lymphatic drainage wrap is a modern salon procedure that can be performed at home.

It is intended for:

• improving the appearance of the skin;
• removing harmful substances through the pores;
• fight overweight;
• splitting of body fat;
• resorption of anti-cellulite seals.

Positive changes occur due to the acceleration of metabolism in the subcutaneous fatty tissue. In combination with massage, the procedure strengthens the walls of blood vessels, and excess lymph flows out.

Contraindicated in people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, women with gynecological problems and pregnant women... There are differences in the method of applying the mixtures: wrapping is cold, hot and isothermal, general or zonal.

The "hot" variety is carried out only after a medical consultation, since it provokes vasodilation and acceleration of blood circulation. The cold wrap is intended for women with varicose veins in the legs. Auxiliary materials for the procedure: cosmetic clay, seaweed or chocolate.

During the course of wraps, it is better to give up alcohol, smoking tobacco, drinking green and black tea. It is better to replace the listed drinks with pure water.

Don't miss the most popular column article: Plasmolifting of the face - what it is, how it is performed, results, photos before and after the procedure.

The best oils for massage treatments

An essential oil or anti-cellulite cream is the best choice:

• Planeta Organica - Anti-cellulite mix oil for massage.
• Shea butter, unrefined. Helps restore the elasticity of the epidermis.
• Unrefined green coffee oil. Prevents the appearance of stretch marks, nourishes and smoothes the skin.
• Grape seed massage oil. It has a moisturizing and tightening effect.
• Natural coconut oil. Great for everyday skin care.
• Argan oil is suitable for all skin types.

Duration of procedures

The optimal duration of the procedure depends on the area of ​​exposure:

• face - 20-40 minutes;
• whole body - 1.5-2 hours;
• legs - 20-30 minutes.

How often can you do

Lymphatic drainage massage has medical contraindications. The duration of the course is prescribed by the doctor, based on the individual characteristics of the organism, the general state of health and the current problem.

Average course duration:

• face - 10-12 procedures;
• whole body - 8-20 procedures;
• legs - 6-14 procedures.

The massage is carried out 2-3 times a week. To alleviate the condition of tired and swollen legs, 2 procedures are performed per week.

The cost of the procedure

In clinics and beauty salons in Moscow, the approximate cost of the procedure ranges from 1350 to 4000 rubles.

Possible complications and side effects

Lymphatic drainage massage, the indications and contraindications for which are purely individual, in the absence of initial contraindications, does not cause complications. There are times when, after hardware manipulations, small bruises appear on the skin.

A similar reaction of the body is found in smokers due to the fragility of the vessels to which they are susceptible, but the bruises quickly disappear without causing cosmetic inconvenience. If you are overweight, some soreness is felt during the massage.

The lymphatic system performs the function of neutralizing and removing toxic substances from the body.

Lymphatic drainage massage can significantly accelerate the outflow of lymph from the intercellular space, it is indicated to reduce puffiness in the areas under the eyes or in the lower extremities (contraindicated in infectious diseases of the respiratory tract and thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities) With the help of classical massage technique, it is impossible to achieve such significant results.

Author: Kira Danilova

Article design: Mila Friedan

Video about lymphatic drainage massage

How to do lymphatic drainage facial massage: