Lymphatic drainage massage is a technique that works on the lymphatic vessels to remove swelling or edema such as cellulite. Let's find out better.
The technique of lymphatic drainage massage
The massage known as lymph drainage is also known as manual lymphatic drainage . The technique is used both in the aesthetic field and in the medical field and was designed by a Danish doctor, Emil Vodder, in the thirties; not surprisingly, massage is also known as the Vodder Method massage .
The doctor noted that among his patients, those suffering from chronic respiratory infections had swollen lymph nodes on his neck. He experimented that, by massaging them, you could get amazing results.
Vodder came to understand that if the lymph nodes are not able to purify the lymph, it is found to stagnate and this causes various illnesses. The massage aims to reactivate the circulation of the lymph to avoid accumulations of impurities.
The seat
The lymphatic drainage massage is performed through spiral movements that are performed on the lymph nodes . The maneuvers of the masseur will be very delicate, because this technique acts on the lymphatic vessels, which are finer than the blood vessels.
The main movements with which to perform this massage are constituted by circles made with the fingers to move the lymph, pressures of the thumbs and use of the overlapping hands, so that one face from guide while the other one presses. The direction towards which the massage is performed is that of the so-called lymph stations : axillae, groin, base of the neck.
Benefits and contraindications of lymphatic drainage massage
Lymphatic drainage is excellent in the case of cellulite, because, in general, it helps the metabolism to function properly and avoids those swellings that accumulate in the legs, on the buttocks or at the height of the abdomen. In practice the masseur's hands move the liquid that is usually found in the skin or between skin and muscles and makes it come out of the lymphatic vessels . Through this massage, edema or swelling problems can be solved, due to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues.
This technique has no particular contraindications, on the contrary it alleviates the stress on the nervous system and has an analgesic function . Lymphatic drainage is also useful for solving aesthetic problems: with this technique it is possible to treat acne, allergic skin diseases, burns, scars, baldness.
Curiosity
"Close relative" of lymph drainage is pressure therapy. It is a sort of lymphatic drainage performed, however, with leggings. It is practiced only in the lower limbs and is absolutely not recommended in the presence of varicose veins or phlebitis.
