Lymphatic drainage consists of a massage with gentle movements, maintained at a slow pace, to avoid the rupture of lymphatic vessels and which aims to stimulate and facilitate the passage of lymph through the circulatory system. See how lymphatic drainage is done.
Lymph is a liquid that circulates in the body, cleaning the blood of impurities and performing its immune role, along with the blood antibodies. However, it can be accumulated in excess in the tissues, and can, sometimes, cause swelling and often pain.
Thus, by stimulating and improving circulation, lymphatic drainage ensures several health benefits, such as reducing swelling and cellulite and improving the healing process. The main benefits of lymphatic drainage are:
- Combat swelling
Lymphatic drainage helps to reduce swelling and fluid retention because, through massages, it helps to drain fluids and toxins to the lymph nodes, facilitating their elimination.
- Combat cellulite
Since liquid retention contributes to the formation of cellulite, by promoting the elimination of liquids, it is possible to combat cellulite as well. However, it is recommended to associate other methods, leading to more effective elimination.
- Help with injury recovery
Lymphatic drainage contributes to the recovery of muscle and joint injuries, as it favors muscle toning and promotes tissue oxygenation.
- Favor healing
Lymphatic drainage helps reduce edema and improves blood flow, contributing to faster tissue healing.
- Reduce bruising
In addition to accelerating healing, reducing edema, and increasing blood circulation promoted by lymphatic drainage, it also reduces bruises.
- Improve blood circulation
Lymphatic drainage stimulates microcirculation and reduces swelling, which helps to improve blood circulation, reducing the feeling of heavy legs and preventing the appearance of spider veins.
- Oxygenate the tissues
The activation of microcirculation and the elimination of liquids promoted by lymphatic drainage contributes to more efficient tissue oxygenation since oxygen reaches the cells more easily.
- Eliminate toxins
The lymphatic system helps the body eliminate toxins. Therefore, lymphatic drainage, by promoting the transport of fluids to the lymph nodes, makes this process more effective.
- Improve self-esteem
By reducing liquid retention, lymphatic drainage helps shape the body, making the person more confident with their body, and improving self-esteem and quality of life.
- Prevent scarring adhesions after plastic surgery
Lymphatic drainage favors the organized regeneration of the fibers, preventing the scar from sticking together.
Lymphatic drainage must be applied by a qualified professional who can correctly apply the techniques. Maneuvers that can be used include circling finger movements, thumb circles, bracelet pressing and sliding, or pumping motion. Drainage can be done throughout the body, or only in a treatment area, depending on the person’s needs.
When is it indicated?
Manual lymphatic drainage can be useful to eliminate any swelling on the face or body that may arise in the most varied situations. When the technique is performed with precision, it eliminates the excess liquid that shows the swelling, returning it to the bloodstream, which can be eliminated in the urine after being filtered through the kidneys. Thus, lymphatic drainage is indicated in these cases:
- During the pregnancy;
- After plastic surgery;
- After cancer treatment to combat lymphedema;
- Injuries and injuries to muscles, tendons, or joints;
- During the menstrual period;
- After any surgery;
- In the case of cellulite;
- Due to excessive consumption of salt and little water intake.
Lymphatic drainage can be performed with the hands or specific drainage devices in some offices. Despite several benefits, lymphatic drainage is not indicated in the presence of severe acne, grades 3 or 4, because it can worsen the lesions, or when there are open wounds, they can become infected. In addition, after plastic surgery, the technique should only be performed after the plastic surgeon has cleared it, usually 24 or 48 hours after surgery.
Is it possible to do drainage in case of cancer?
It is possible to perform manual lymphatic drainage with a professional therapist even in the case of cancer, and even after the removal of lymph nodes, such as breast cancer.
Lymphatic drainage does not spread cancer cells, but it must be done with a specific technique, because the lymphatic system starts to work differently after removing lymph nodes, and a poorly applied technique can harm the patient, causing even more discomfort. Thus, although it is possible to perform lymphatic drainage in the case of cancer, care must be taken when choosing a professional, not recommending the use of devices or pressotherapy because their mode of action cannot be modified, as with the hands.
The Brazilian Lymph Spa is located in Lincolnwood, IL 60712 United States. The space has its own very differentiated infrastructure, to receive the clients of the beautician and businesswoman Val Oliveira, who applies the famous Brazilian massage method known as miracle touch. Come and meet, schedule an appointment by clicking HERE!Â
