Lymphatic drainage massage as a method of healing - its contraindications and indications

Lymphatic drainage massage has a therapeutic effect; this discovery was made back in the 20th century. At first, the capabilities of this procedure were used only in medicine. The patient who had undergone surgery received such a massage to relieve tissue swelling and prevent inflammation. Later, the possibilities for using the procedure expanded. With the deterioration of the environment, healthy people increasingly began to complain about swelling of the face. With unhealthy food, water and air, too many harmful compounds began to enter the body. The filter, whose role is played by the lymphatic system in the body, has ceased to cope - fluid regularly began to accumulate in the intercellular space, and swelling began to appear on the face and body. The cause of this problem can be eliminated by cleansing the body and maintaining a healthy diet and sleep. A session of lymphatic drainage massage will help disperse lymph stagnation and remove swelling.

• 2 Indications for the procedure
• 3 Types of lymphatic drainage facial massage at home
• 4 Technique for performing lymphatic drainage massage

  4.1 Vacuum facial massage

  4.1.1 How to do vacuum massage - video

The essence of the technique

Lymphatic drainage massage is a popular therapeutic and preventive procedure that restores proper lymph flow .

Lymph is connective tissue in the form of a viscous transparent liquid. One of its functions is the removal of toxins and waste from cellular tissues .

Moving along the lymphatic ducts, lymph pushes harmful substances into the upper layers of the skin, freeing the body from unnecessary ballast.

The lymphatic system also plays an important role in the functioning of the human immune system. Health largely depends on the functioning of the lymphatic system.

The faster the lymph flow moves, the more effectively it is cleansed .

However, increased stress, illness, stress, poor nutrition, poor lifestyle and aging lead to the fact that the movement of lymph slows down, it no longer has time to completely remove harmful components.

A person begins to have health problems. He suffers from constant fatigue, headaches, and suffers from chronic insomnia.

In addition, the condition of the skin worsens, swelling occurs under the eyes, and other problems arise, for example, in the form of cellulite, which women hate.

This massage is designed to restore the functioning of the lymphatic system.

Tissues warm up, blood circulation improves, and lymphatic fluid begins to circulate faster, intensively freeing the body of accumulated toxins and establishing an influx of important nutrients into cellular tissues .

Thanks to the normalization of the lymphatic system, metabolic processes in cellular tissues are normalized, and the condition of the skin improves.

Lymphatic drainage can remove excess intercellular fluid , leading to the formation of cellulite.

Who can and cannot

The massage procedure is indicated for the following problems:

• violation of lymph microcirculation;
• overweight, need for figure correction;
• scars on the skin, cellulite;
• swelling of the face, flabby sagging skin, dark circles under the eyes;
• varicose veins in the legs;
• diseases associated with metabolic disorders;
• reduced immunity, chronic fatigue, drowsiness and energy deficiency.

There are a number of serious contraindications that cannot be ignored:

• skin damage, chronic dermatosis, pustular formations;
• infectious or viral diseases, inflammatory processes in the acute stage;
• thrombosis, thrombophlebitis;
• pregnancy period;
• mental illness;
• acute form of herpes;
• diseases of the heart, blood vessels, thyroid gland;
• lymphadenopathy, lymphadenitis;
• diabetes of any type;
• malignant tumors, blood diseases.

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Precautionary measures

Lymphatic drainage can be dangerous in some somatic diseases.

During the course, aggressive care procedures should be avoided: avoid scrubs, peelings and cleansing.

Before starting the procedure, consult with your doctor. Contraindications:

• pathology of the thyroid gland;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• violation of the integrity of the skin;
• diabetes;
• severe forms of acne;
• excessive capillary fragility;
• oncological diseases;
• tuberculosis of any localization;
• increased body temperature over 37 degrees;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• acute infectious diseases;
• postoperative period.
• exacerbation of herpes virus infection with rashes on the face.

Before you begin electrical treatments, make sure you are comfortable with the effects by asking your doctor to try the device on the inside of your forearm.

Types, techniques

The technique is performed in several ways. According to the technique of execution, this can be manual or hardware .

Manual requires professional skills.

The specialist must feel every cell and muscle and act in the direction in which the lymph flows.

Manual massage can be performed on almost all parts of the body. According to the level of impact it can be:

• superficial - stimulates metabolism in the upper layers of the skin, opens capillaries;
• internal - acts on the lymph nodes;
• deep - acts on lymphatic vessels, ensures intensive outflow of lymph from internal tissues and organs.

The hardware method is one of the types of hardware cosmetology. According to the method of influence, there are the following types:

• Microcurrent drainage - a gentle procedure in which a pulsed current is applied to the body superficially.

  This method effectively relieves puffiness under the eyes, reduces wrinkles, and evens out the facial contour.

  Microcurrent therapy helps in removing excess weight and tightening the breasts, abdomen, and thighs.

• Vacuum - the most common technique that restores lymph flow. Its action is similar to that of medical cups.

  Hollow containers with low pressure are placed on the problem area of ​​the body. The lymph located in the area of ​​the nozzles begins to actively move, helping excess fluid to leave the tissues.

  This method provides skin elasticity and rejuvenates it, but it is especially indicated for the treatment of cellulite.

• Pressotherapy - this method is similar in action to vacuum lymphatic drainage massage, only high pressure in the form of compressed air comes to the rescue here.

  To carry out the procedure, the client’s problem area is dressed in special clothing that resembles a large blood pressure monitor cuff.

  Pressotherapy is effective for losing excess weight and eliminating swelling of both arms and legs.

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• Electroiontophoresis - active substances are introduced into the skin using electrodes, moisturizing the skin and stimulating the elimination of toxins.

Both manual and hardware techniques have approximately the same results, since the principle of their effect on the body is the same.

But using the manual method, the effect is achieved much slower in time.

How to perform a hardware lymphatic drainage massage of the body, how to do it with your hands at home, watch in this video:

What is the procedure

Lymphatic drainage massage is carried out by a qualified cosmetologist along special lines and zones that stimulate and activate the flow of lymph on the face. It is considered a pleasant and completely painless procedure. It is performed with the fingers or using special devices.

Massage movements during the procedure are wave-like, with light pressure directed along the movement of the lymph flow to relieve tension, spasms, and also activate regeneration processes in the tissues of the epidermis.

During this manipulation, local blood circulation improves, as a result of which the cells are freed from accumulated toxins and excess fluid, which helps eliminate swelling. In addition, the technique allows you to restore the structure of muscle tissue and subcutaneous tissue, improves turgor, increases elasticity and rejuvenates the epidermis.

A professional and experienced massage therapist must take into account the individual speed of lymph flow of each patient for maximum safety and effectiveness of the procedure!

Advantages and disadvantages

Lymphatic drainage healing method is very popular.

This is no coincidence, because it has many advantages:

• painlessness and comfort of the procedure;
• effectiveness in getting rid of cellulite;
• visible changes immediately after the session;
• possibility of doing it at home;
• use as an effective preventive measure;
• no side effects.

Despite all its advantages, lymphatic drainage cannot be a panacea for getting rid of all problems.

It only temporarily accelerates the flow of lymph. After some time, the achieved effect wears off and you have to start all over again.

For a lasting result, it is necessary to eliminate the causes of slow lymph movement.

You need to treat diseases, establish proper nutrition and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The disadvantages of the procedure include its high price.

How is the procedure performed?

Lymphatic drainage can only be performed by a professional massage therapist. A trained specialist thoroughly knows all the paths and directions of lymph flow and the location of lymph nodes.

The basis of the technique is skillful stroking and pressing on problem areas of the body.

No special preparation is required for the procedure. However, before the session, you must consult a doctor .

If there are diseases from the list of contraindications, it is better to refuse the procedure so as not to harm the body.

The course duration and technique are selected individually depending on the client’s problems.

Before the procedure, you need to take a shower, and for greater effect, also drink the right amount of liquid. During the session, all necessary conditions are created to relax the client.

The algorithm is as follows:

• The client takes off his clothes and lies down on the massage couch.
• Using a special gel, the massage therapist additionally cleanses the problem area and applies a massage product in the form of cream or oil to it.

  If hardware is used, he first warms up the skin using manual pressure, and only then applies a special composition.

• Having prepared the client for the procedure, the specialist begins massaging with slow, soft and gentle movements.

  All techniques for influencing the skin are performed strictly in the direction of lymph flow to the lymph nodes.

  The duration of the session depends on the size of the problem area and ranges from half an hour to one and a half or two hours.

• After the end of the session, the skin is cleansed of the remaining massage product, then a moisturizer is rubbed into it.

For a description of the technique of manual lymphatic drainage facial massage at home, its benefits, how it differs from hardware, see this video:

Neck and head massage

The diagram below shows the lymph vessels of the head and neck and the largest lymph nodes located along them. On the right is an additional diagram of the neck from the back without the spinal column, where some blood vessels are also shown for greater clarity.

Fig.1. Simple Diagram of the Lymphatic System of the Head and Neck

1. Parotid lymph nodes; 2. Buccal nodes; 3. Mental lymph nodes; 4. Mandibular nodes; 5. Superficial cervical lymph nodes; 6. Lower deep lateral cervical lymph nodes; 7. Superior deep lateral cervical nodes; 8. Jugular-digastric lymph nodes; 9. Occipital lymph nodes; 10. Mastoid lymph nodes. 11. Supraclavicular lymph nodes; 12. Subclavian lymph nodes.

From the auricle and the posterior parts of the parietal and occipital regions, the lymphatic vessels of the head are directed to the mastoid nodes. Then all the lymph rushes down through large lymph vessels, on which you see a number of lymph nodes, to the collarbone. Therefore, massage movements must be performed along the flow of lymph - from top to bottom.

Massage movements are important

start from the subclavian zone to free the lymph nodes from stagnant lymph and ensure a free duct from the higher lymph nodes (I hope I wrote in an understandable language). Thus, to begin with, we place the palms of our left and right hands alternately on the clavicle bone (right hand on the left bone, left hand on the right) and rub them clockwise for several minutes.

And only after this, making circular movements with the pads of our fingers, we rise along the digastric muscle (it is clearly visible if you slightly tilt your head back and to the side). We massage the superficial cervical lymph nodes and afferent lymph vessels, then the jugular-digastric lymph nodes and their vessels, mastoid lymph nodes, covering the area of ​​vessels and lymphocapillaries to the crown. Then we smoothly go down on the fingertips, smoothly passing the mastoid and jugular-digastric nodes.

ATTENTION! All movements should be reciprocal, that is, when you make a turn, when moving up, the pressure should be very weak, and down - with a slight squeezing, as if you were driving off liquid.

And in the area of ​​the superficial cervical nodes, we also apply pressure with our fingers to clean the lower deep lateral cervical lymph nodes. And we return to the collarbone. We massage the other side of the neck in the same way. It’s inconvenient to perform these movements with both hands (at least it’s inconvenient for me), so we do them one at a time.

Fig.2. Lymph nodes of the neck, posterior view (without spinal column)

And after that we move on to the cervical lymph nodes in the back (Diagram above). Stretch the trapezius muscle (back of the neck and upper back). And with soft smooth movements clockwise, massaging with both hands the areas of the deep lateral cervical nodes, the jugular-digastric node, we rise to the area of ​​the occipital lymph nodes (again making return movements).

NOTE! Here we mean not only the nodes, but also the entire area of ​​the lymph vessels related to them. Those. We make movements not just along the nodes, but by capturing the parietal and occipital zones.

We return smoothly on the pads of our fingers to the base of the neck and “drive” the lymph to the collarbone. We repeat each movement at least 7 times. At first, all these actions seem difficult. But believe me, after two or three massages, your hands will do this automatically.

ATTENTION! I should note that such a massage relieves headaches that arise from overwork (tested on myself).

Doing it at home

Light massage movements can be performed at home. However, this requires careful preparation . It is necessary to study the location of all lymph nodes and the principles of lymph movement.

Knowing these subtleties will help you avoid very unpleasant consequences.

To start a home session, you need to warm up your body . Taking a shower or bath will help with this. Lymphatic drainage or anti-cellulite cream is applied to the problem area.

You can also use essential oil in combination with honey, which will be a good helper in removing toxins. After applying the massage product to the skin, you can begin the procedure.

Hand movements should be slow and stroking, gradually turning into gently patting, springy movements, moving strictly in the direction of lymph flow from bottom to top .

Smoothness is very important, since lymph has a viscous structure. Sudden movements during self-massage can damage blood vessels.

With the correct technique there should be no pain. The procedure takes 30 minutes. It is better to perform it in the evening , 2-3 hours after eating.

It is not recommended to massage your face yourself. To avoid negative consequences, it is better to entrust it to an experienced professional.

After watching this video, you will learn what are the indications and contraindications for the use of lymphatic drainage massage, and you can study in detail the techniques and techniques for performing the manual technique:

Lymphatic drainage massage technique

There are three basic lymphatic drainage massage techniques you should learn at home:

• vacuum massage;
• classic manual massage;
• manual massage using the Zogan technique.

Vacuum facial massage

Vacuum facial massage can be static or dynamic, and is performed either with 1-2 cans or with a vacuum massager. Static massage is done in a targeted manner, when not the entire face swells, but only certain areas. A jar or vacuum attachment is placed in these places for a few seconds. The air is first pumped out of the cavity and applied to the skin - it should retract 3–4 mm. Then the pressure in the bowl needs to be released and carefully removed. You cannot abruptly tear off the jar or take the massager away from your face, as this will easily damage the blood vessels.

Dynamic massage is indicated when the face is completely swollen. It also takes a little time, 5–7 minutes is enough. The essence of the technique is to work the skin along the lymphatic channels with cups or a massager.

How to do:

1. The direction of movement is from top to bottom, from the temples, along the wings of the nose to the base of the nose, then along the nasolabial folds - without lifting the can (massager) from the skin.
2. There is no need to move the cup in the opposite direction: when you reach the chin, remove the cup and secure it again on top, at the temples.
3. It is enough to repeat the movement 3-4 times.
4. Then massage the area around the eyes. Take a jar of the smallest diameter, place it on the outer corner of the eye, and from there move to the inner corner along the lower eyelid.
5. Then move again to the outer corner, moving along the upper eyelid.
6. Work with one can and hold the skin with your other hand so as not to stretch it.
7. Repeat the movement 3 times.

Vacuum massage can be done once every 3 days.

The course lasts 15 procedures, then you can take a break.

How to do vacuum massage - video

You can choose a suitable vacuum massager based on the rating of devices in demand in online stores. What people buy most often:

• vacuum massager US MEDICA Delikate Silk (USA). It is equipped with a soft rubber nozzle that is easy to move around the face - it does not scratch or pinch the skin. The manufacturer recommends massage with cream or serum. To treat skin problems, the procedure should be done daily for 15 minutes. To prevent swelling, wrinkles, and sagging skin, one session per week is enough. Massager price: from 2700 rubles;
• vacuum massager Gezatone VACU Beauty (France). Equipped with several compressors of different sizes and a power regulator. It is used for swelling of the face, the first signs of aging, and sagging skin. Massage is done only on skin moistened with oil or cream. Price: from 1790 rub.;
• vacuum massager Gezatone, 1301023 (France). It comes complete with several attachments of different diameters, which are designed for different areas of the face and body. It works in 4 modes: in three of them, the pressure constantly changes - sometimes rising, sometimes decreasing; at maximum power, the pressure is consistently high, so that while the device is working, the skin remains pulled into the bowl all the time, and you have to forcefully move the massager. But this particular regimen is considered the most effective and helps against swelling and cellulite (including on the face, where it also occurs). Price: from 1530 rub.;
• vacuum massager for face and body AllRest Vakula (China). It works in two modes: one allows you to do a rhythmic therapeutic massage, during which the compressor acts not only on the skin, but also on fat and muscle tissue. The second mode is needed for a relaxing massage. Price: from 2990 rub.;
• vacuum massager SR-07A (China). Designed for deep cleansing of the skin, so it can be used together with cleansing foam, gel or mousse. In addition, the manufacturer promises to reduce swelling, smooth out fine wrinkles, and restore normal muscle tone. Price: from 1600 rub.

Classic lymphatic drainage massage

Classic lymphatic drainage massage is done manually, always not on dry skin, but on skin lubricated with oil/nourishing milk/cream:

1. Start with stroking: with the palms of both hands, move along the face from bottom to top, then from the middle of the face to the sides, to the ears.
2. Then go over your entire face with light rubbing circular movements.
3. Now you can move on to the main part of the massage. Fix the extended fingers of both hands in the middle of the forehead, then move them to the temples, repeat 2-3 times.
4. Massage the area around your eyes. Place your index fingers on the bridge of your nose and, without pressing on the skin, move them along the lower eyelid to the outer corners of the eyes, and then up to the tail of the eyebrow. Moving along the brow ridge, return to the starting position. Perform movements along the upper eyelid in a spiral, slightly pressing on the skin. Repeat 3 times.
5. Go down to the lower third of your face. Place the middle and index fingers of both hands in the middle of the chin and, without leaving the skin, spread them apart. Now fix the same fingers at the corners of your lips and move them to your earlobes. Then fix your fingers in the hollow above the upper lip and move them to the temples. Finish the exercise.
6. The final part of the massage is lightly patting the entire face with fingertips, and at the end, stroking again.

Manual massage course - 12–15 procedures with an interval of 3–5 days.

Wellness massage from trainer Elena Zemskova - video

Facial massage using Japanese technique Asahi (Zogan)

A massage using the Asahi (Zogan) technique takes a professional 3 minutes. A beginner will need more time because the movements are quite complex and there are quite a lot of them:

1. Apply a massage product to the skin.
2. The first area to be worked on is the lymph nodes near the ears. Massage the line from ear to neck, then from neck to collarbone. This is a preparatory procedure before the massage, which must be repeated 3 times.
3. The main massage begins from the forehead.
4. Place three fingers of each hand in the middle of your forehead, applying gentle pressure to the skin. Then, without weakening the pressure, spread your fingers to the temples, and from the temples go down to the collarbones. Repeat 3 times.
5. Now proceed to the eye massage - work this area with your middle finger. Move from the outer corner of the eye to the inner corner along the lower eyelid, and along the upper eyelid, return again to the outer corner of the eye. Then move your fingers to your temples and down to your collarbones. Repeat the movement 3 times. An eye massage will smooth out wrinkles and get rid of bags and swollen eyelids.
6. Now massage the area around your mouth to lift the corners of your mouth up. Start from the middle of the chin, then move up to the upper lip. In the hollow above the upper lip, press the skin a little harder. Repeat 3 times.
7. Now massage the wings of your nose, then the bridge of your nose, moving alternately up and down.
8. Then massage the cheekbone area in the same way, go to the temples, and from there go down the neck to the collarbones, driving away excess lymph.
9. Place your fingers on the middle of your chin again.
10. Move up to the corners of the mouth, from there along the nose to the inner corners of the eyes. Press on these points (lightly so that it doesn’t hurt!), and repeat all the movements from the beginning 3 times.
11. Proceed to the cheek massage. Place your right hand under your chin, and move your left hand diagonally, from the left cheek to the inner corner of the left eye. This exercise will tighten your jowls and smooth out nasolabial folds. Repeat 3 times.
12. Repeat the same movement on the other side - also 3 times. Only now your left hand is under your chin, and you are massaging your right cheek.
13. Now work on the middle third of the face between the chin and cheeks. Press on the roundness of the cheekbones near the wings of the nose, grabbing the fatty tissue. With force, move your fingers to the sides, towards your ears and further down your neck to your collarbones. Do the exercise 3 times. It strengthens the middle third of the face and smoothes nasolabial folds.
14. Do an exercise for wrinkles around your mouth. Start with the wings of the nose - this is the relaxed part of the facial muscles. Apply pressure to the area with the soft part of your thumbs, then move them horizontally, pushing away the lymph. Then move down to the collarbones. Repeat the exercise 3 times. Make sure that the pressure does not cause pain - if it is felt, it means the pressure is too strong, ease it.
15. Now do the exercise for sagging cheeks. Using the base of your thumbs, press the skin with some force, dispersing stagnant lymph towards the temples, then to the collarbones. Repeat the exercise 3 times.
16. The last step is to strengthen the entire face. You need to “squeeze out” the face and stagnant lymph, moving it to the collarbones. Place your palms in the center of your face, using both hands to cover your nose, and forcefully squeeze the stagnant lymph towards your ears, then down towards your collarbones. Repeat the exercise 3 times.
17. Now rub your forehead with your right hand - up and down and from left to right - to prevent wrinkles. The left hand is placed under the chin for stability. Then perform smoothing movements from the forehead through the temporal region to the collarbones.

Japanese massage Asahi (Zogan) – video

A massage course consists of 10–12 procedures, the recommended interval between them is a week.

Results achieved

How often can you do lymphatic drainage massage? After the first session, you feel lightness in the body, a surge of energy, and swelling decreases.

The course consists of 10-15 procedures. Sessions are held at intervals of 2-3 days.

At the end of the full course, you can observe a lot of positive changes:

• immunity increases, mood improves;
• headaches disappear, accumulated fatigue goes away;
• body weight decreases, swelling disappears;
• metabolism is normalized;
• muscle and skin tone increases;
• the condition of the skin improves: acquiring a healthy and fresh appearance, it becomes toned, smooth, silky;
• manifestations of cellulite disappear;
• figure defects are corrected.

Lymphatic drainage is usually included in a comprehensive program to get rid of cellulite.

As an additional procedure, its full course consists of 4-5 sessions with an interval of 3-4 days.

Here is a photo with the results after a course of lymphatic drainage massage:

after anti-cellulite massage:

and after pressotherapy for the face:

Possible complications, consequences

Lymphatic drainage is considered a safe physiological procedure . In the absence of contraindications, it does not cause side effects or complications.

Sometimes after hardware methods, slight bruises may remain on the skin . This often happens to patients who smoke and have increased vascular fragility.

This defect usually does not cause concern and will soon go away. To prevent possible side effects, you should consult your doctor before massage.

Lymphatic drainage massage is certainly a simple and safe method of rejuvenation and healing.

It’s up to you to do it yourself or contact a massage therapist. The recommendations you receive will help you make your choice.

Opinion of cosmetologists

Professional cosmetologists recommend lymphatic drainage facial massage, in particular Zogan, to patients over 40 years old to maintain beauty and improve skin health.

Experts also talk about the benefits of home massage - any woman can do it on her own, but it is important to first read the instructions and study the contraindications.

Reviews

Marina : “After giving birth, I discovered that I had gained 18 kg. A month of sports training did not produce results. Then I did 10 additional massage sessions - the volume of my hips became 12 cm smaller, the “orange peels” disappeared, and the skin tightened. I advise you, you won’t regret it at all.”

Victoria : “I did lymphatic drainage in the salon using the hardware method. I lost 4 kg, my skin tightened, became elastic, and the swelling in my legs went away. Now I go to this procedure once every six months, I do 10 sessions and I’m always happy with the result.”

Nadya : “Due to a hormonal imbalance, my swelling has increased. The doctor recommended lymphatic drainage to me. After the massage course, I practically stopped swelling, and even lost 3.5 kg. Now I can’t be happier with my ideal weight!”