Lymphatic drainage manual massage. Benefits, how to make yourself at home

Therapeutic and cosmetological procedure, lymphatic drainage massage is offered by aesthetic salons. Under the influence of massage movements of the hands, lymph flow, blood supply are accelerated, metabolic processes are activated, aimed at rejuvenating and improving the body.

What is lymphatic drainage massage

Lymphatic drainage massage consists of stroking and pressing movements of the hands or apparatus, directed parallel to the movement of the lymph, in order to strengthen and activate the activity of the lymphocetary system, which helps to restore youth and health to the tissues of the body.

The task of the lymphocytic system is to cleanse the body of toxins and decay products. Lymph nodes enrich the body with vitamins, actively resist the activity of microbes, delaying and neutralizing them. Dysfunction of the cleansing system leads to severe intoxication of the body.

To preserve the health and youth of the skin, experts recommend doing lymphatic drainage massage at least once a week. A massage session is carried out by hands or apparatus and consists of stroking with light pressure on the massage lines located along the movement of the lymph.

Indications and contraindications

Lymphatic drainage massage (manual or performed with the help of cosmetic devices) is prescribed:

• with a decrease in skin elasticity;
• with the appearance of cellulite;
• with severe swelling of the legs;
• with varicose veins and problems with blood circulation;
• with an excess of subcutaneous fat;
• with metabolic disorders.

It is forbidden to carry out artificial activation of lymph flow to persons suffering from:

• diabetes mellitus;
• a tendency to cardiovascular disease;
• a blood clotting disorder;
• oncology;
• a tendency towards increased growth of benign neoplasms;
• thrombophlebitis;
• renal and hepatic impairment;
• nervous and psychiatric disorders;
• diseases of the lymph nodes;
• frequent appearance of migraine with unclear etymology;
• infectious diseases.

The massage session is prohibited:

• pregnant women;
• nursing mothers;
• girls during critical days.

After the hardware massage, bruises may appear on the skin, which are a consequence of the excessive fragility of the vessels.

Massage effect

Manual lymphatic drainage massage (or hardware) is prescribed to heal the body, improve the condition of the skin and the general well-being of a person.

After the course recommended by specialists (6-12 sessions), it is noted:

• alignment of the relief, elimination of body fat;
• elimination of cellulite;
• cessation of headaches;
• improved mood and sleep;
• disappearance of chronic fatigue syndrome;
• stabilization of metabolism.

Immediately after the session, there is an involuntary urge to urinate, caused by increased fluid movement. Urine is released with a bright color due to the increased concentration of toxins and toxins in it. Excess weight goes away with water, the relief of the body is leveled.

The skin becomes elastic, the complexion improves, dryness, flabbiness and wrinkles disappear.

Lymphatic drainage massage of the back helps to relieve muscle tightness, eliminate pain spasm. Working out muscles helps to restore blood circulation, normalize sleep, and stop headaches. The increased metabolism is aimed at weight loss. To obtain a long-term effect, the procedure should be combined with physical exercises, body wraps, and diet.

Massage types

Lymphatic drainage massage (manual or with an apparatus in cosmetology clinics) varies depending on the method of performing the procedure.

Hand massage

Manual influence is the most demanded and effective. The procedure is carried out with pressing and stroking movements. The line in the direction of the lymph flow and lymph nodes is subject to the influence of the hands.

Depending on the method and area of ​​exposure, there are:

Hardware massage

It is carried out only in a salon with special cosmetic devices that help improve lymph flow, remove fat deposits, and restore the disturbed relief of the figure. The types and purposes of the procedure are divided depending on the technique used.

Lymphatic drainage body massage technique

The technique of carrying out lymphatic drainage massage is based on the performance of light massage movements aimed at warming up and activating the lymph flow and lymph nodes. Manual action is aimed at accelerating the speed of fluid movement and the elimination of toxins.

Procedure rules:

• The massage is performed only on a clean body. Before the procedure, you need to take a bath or shower, scrub the skin of dead cells.
• The session is scheduled 2 hours after eating. It is recommended to drink up to 1.5 liters of clean drinking water per day during the course.
• The procedure is carried out according to the rules of classic massage.First, the body is prepared, then the lymph nodes are kneaded, then the movements of the masseur are directed strictly along the lines of the lymph flow.
• Massage is allowed only with soft, wavy movements of the palms or the side of the hands. Strong pressure is prohibited. After a manual session, there should be no bruises on the skin surface.
• The procedure ends with cleaning the tissues from massage cream and a contrast shower. It is advisable to combine manual lymphatic drainage massage with a wrap for faster disposal of the body from excess fluid.
• The duration of the procedure is 25-30 minutes. up to 1-2 hours. At the end of the session, you must rest for at least 40 minutes.

For self-massage, you need to know the location of lymphatic drainage flows and lymph nodes on the body.

Lymph flow lines

The procedure begins with warming up the problem area. The movements of the masseur's hands are aimed at developing the lymphatic drainage duct. The specialist strokes the inflamed part of the body and nearby areas.

Actions are aimed:

• from neck to chest;
• from wrist to shoulders;
• from the abdomen to the hip joints;
• from the base of the legs to the thighs.

Light movements of the palm activate the lymph flow, eliminate stagnant processes.

The main groups of lymph nodes

After accelerating the lymph flow, it is necessary to develop a group of lymph nodes located with the edge and surface of the palm, located:

• in the groin area;
• under the knees;
• on the elbows of the arms;
• in the armpit;
• on the left and right sides of the neck;
• in the middle of the chest;
• in the submandibular region (right and left).

In no case should you knead the lymph nodes on your own.

Massaging can lead to increased pressure and destruction of ducts, which will cause lymph to enter the skin tissue, followed by activation of the bacteria it contains. Massage is allowed only with stroking movements directed from bottom to top (or top to bottom), light beating with the edge of the brush, squeezing.

What you need for manual massage at home

Independent lymphatic drainage massage is carried out with smoothing movements of the hands strictly parallel to the lymph flow. Before an independent session, you need to study the lines of lymph flow and the location of groups of lymph nodes. The most popular home technique is Yukoko Tanaka's Japanese massage, which involves randomly stretching several areas.

The hands are subject to:

• collarbone;
• groin;
• knees;
• calves of the legs;
• bent feet;
• heels;
• buttocks;
• stomach;
• small of the back;
• Hands;
• armpits;
• head;
• rib cage;
• legs.

Before the massage, the body should be warmed up by taking a warm shower or bath.

During the procedure, it is recommended to use:

• massage oil;
• lymphatic drainage creams;
• anti-cellulite gel;
• essential oils;
• honey.

Hand movements during massage should be unhurried. It is forbidden to massage the lymph nodes. The duration of an independent procedure is no more than 30 minutes. It is best to carry out the massage in the evening, before bedtime (after the procedure, you need to rest for at least 40 minutes).

Techniques and rules for performing the procedure at home

Manual lymphatic drainage massage can be done independently on various parts of the human body.

Manual influence is allowed:

• on the face;
• on the neck;
• on the back;
• in the abdomen;
• on the arms and legs.

Neck and face massage

The procedure itself is carried out according to the rules of classic massage, accompanied by light stroking and patting movements. Before kneading, you should clean your face and neck with a special foam and belongings.

Finger Movement Direction:

1. The massage starts from the middle of the forehead. With 3 fingers, the cream is driven in from the middle of the forehead to the temples.
2. Next, the bridge of the nose is kneaded. 3 fingers consistently work out the T-zone, the area under the eyes to the temples.
3. The nasolabial folds are kneaded in 3. Pushing movements along the entire length are recommended.
4. 4th stage - chin massage. It is carried out in the direction from the middle to the edge of the jaw.The chin is kneaded to the base of the neck.
5. The neck is massaged with stroking movements, starting in the area under the ears. During the massage, there is a gradual downward movement.
6. The neck is stretched in circular motions along the entire length. The massage requires the use of 4-finger pads (except for the thumb).
7. Having gone down to the chest area, it is necessary to return to the area located behind the ears, completing the warm-up in a circular motion with 3 fingers of both hands.

The duration of the massage is 30-40 minutes. After the completion of the procedure, the face is cleansed of the gel with a contrast shower, nourished with a moisturizer.

Lymphatic drainage massage of the face and neck helps:

• improve blood supply;
• eliminate fine wrinkles;
• prevent sagging of the skin and violation of the oval of the face.

Eye

Lymphatic drainage massage of the eyes should be carried out at least once a week for all women after reaching the age of 40, and also when:

• bruising and swelling under the eyes;
• small wrinkles;
• decreased skin turgor;
• sagging upper eyelid.

Before the massage, it is necessary to remove the cosmetics from the eye area with micellar water and apply any cream intended for the care of the skin of the eyelids or heated olive oil.

Massage technique:

1. Press your index finger several times on the skin on the upper and lower eyelids.
2. Run 3 fingers along the fold of the upper eyelid (from the inner edge to the outer edge) and along the area located under the eyes (to the inner edge).
3. Direct the swaying movements of the index finger from the line of the temple to the bridge of the nose (3 times).
4. Press 7-10 times on the area of ​​the nasolacrimal groove.

All movements are carried out simultaneously in 2 eyes. The duration of the procedure is 7-10 minutes. After the massage, the remaining cream is removed. The face is subjected to contrasting washing (cold, then hot water).

Legs and buttocks

Foot massage helps to improve lymph flow, eliminate edema and vascular networks. Before carrying out the procedure, you need to steam the body by taking a warm bath, and then sit or lie down for a few minutes, giving the lower limbs a little rest.

Massage technique:

1. Massage cream application.
2. Kneading the skin with massaging movements from the bottom up (calves, lower leg, knees, hip joint).
3. The massage is performed with all fingers on each leg in turn.

Massaging the buttocks helps to remove cellulite, stretch marks, and formed fat deposits. Warm up is carried out with patting and chopping movements to help remove excess fluid.

Technology:

1. Application of massage oil (anti-cellulite cream).
2. Warming up the skin with patting movements.
3. Working out the gluteal region with the edge of the brushes.
4. Completion of the massage by stroking.

After the procedure, you should take a contrast shower and lie down for 10-15 minutes.

Back and belly

Back massage is carried out in case of deterioration in general health, headaches. You cannot conduct it on your own, you need a trained assistant. Massaging the back is most important, as the lymphatic drainage system is located in the upper region of the body, which is responsible for the removal of toxins.

Disruption of its work leads to stagnation of lymph and the accumulation of hazardous substances that interfere with a full-fledged human life.

Massage:

1. Applying with stroking movements of massage gel along the entire length of the back.
2. With hands pressed to the body, drawing a line along the spine and to the sides of it (at least 4 times).
3. Warm-up the skin directed from the lower back to the collarbones.
4. Massage the back of the neck in a circular motion
5. Holding along the entire length of the back with the edge of the palm.

The abdomen should be kneaded very carefully because of the danger of damaging the peritoneal organs. A weekly lymphatic drainage massage of the abdominal cavity helps to eliminate fatty deposits and tighten the skin. Warm up is carried out only in circular movements in a clockwise direction.

Consistently developed:

• Bottom part;
• the umbilical region;
• left and right side of the abdomen.

After the massage, you need a contrast shower.

Chest

Lymphatic drainage breast massage is especially useful for women to combat age-related changes and mastopathy. With the help of rubbing and stroking, blood flow improves, the skin tightens, pathogenic microorganisms and excess (connective) tissue that provoke the appearance of pathologies are eliminated.

It is impossible to massage the breast on your own, since the procedure requires complete relaxation of the body and placing the hands behind the head.

Kneading the chest is used to:

• stretch marks prevention;
• improving skin tone;
• stimulating the growth of the mammary glands;
• removal of puffiness.

The chest is massaged with wide circular and stroking movements directed from bottom to top and further into the armpits.

Each breast is processed separately:

1. At the beginning of the massage, movements are directed from the center to the armpits.
2. Then the area between the ribs is kneaded in the direction from bottom to top and further downward in a circle.
3. pressing is done with closed fingers along the chest.

Hand

Hand massage is necessary for people who have undergone surgery on the mammary glands and sternum.

Technology:

1. The hand stretches out in front of you.
2. First, knead the area from the wrist to the elbow at least 5 times with patting circular movements. Manipulations are performed on each hand separately.
3. Further, the elbow and axillary regions are developed in the same way.
4. At the end of the massage, the lymph flow is worked out on the hands, moving from the fingertips to the wrist.

Cosmetological procedure lymphatic drainage massage helps rid the body of accumulated toxins, water and fat deposits by accelerating the movement of lymph. You can independently carry out the manipulation with your hands, having carefully studied the location of the lymph nodes, lymphatic drainage ducts and the technology of the procedure.

Useful videos about manual lymphatic drainage massage, its benefits and rules for its implementation

Technique for performing lymphatic drainage massage:

Lymphatic drainage facial massage: