Yes or No to Facial Lymphatic Drainage Massage? I Had to Try it
I have always been an avid reader of health topics, and so I have read about the benefits of a facial lymphatic drainage massage once or twice. However, I had never experienced all the said benefits. It turned out to be a fantastic experience, though.
I have always liked to stay active and eat a healthy diet to have a healthy body. However, things changed a bit after my pregnancy, and I couldn’t stick to my initial wholesome routines.
Although my friends’ observations pointed out that my face looked fabulous as ever, I didn’t feel the same. I felt a little puffy on my neck and cheeks. A feeling that couldn’t go away.
Like I always do, I Googled what could be wrong. Like all other internet searches, I ended up scrolling through numerous possible causes looking deeply at each one of them at a time.
That is how I came across facial lymphatic drainage massages for facial conditions such as puffiness, acne, and skin sensitivity and dryness. I did a quick research on what the massage is all about, and without much hesitation, I made an immediate appointment at one of the local massage and healing centers near me.
On that particular day, I met a lady at the local massage and healing center who explained this treatment and what it was all about. My aim was to de-puff my face a bit and regain my glow.
The initial stage of the massage is much like every other, but the main difference is how they alternate between using hands and using a massage tool like Gua Sha. Also, light pressure is applied when doing the massage.
Aim of a lymphatic facial massage
A lymphatic drainage facial massage is more like a gym workout to your face. It encourages circulation in the lymph to eliminate excess fluids pushed via the lymph nodes.
For your face, a lymphatic facial massage enhances oxygen circulation in the skin, reduces inflammation and puffiness, and assists in draining toxins. The technique also helps people with skin discoloration and under-eye bags.
The facial lymphatic drainage process is relatively straightforward, and you can even do it at home. You can start by massaging your face using the pads of your fingers. Make circular motions outward from the center of the face towards the lymph nodes located in the neck and ears. Remember to apply light touches to stimulate tissues since the lymph vessels are located right below the skin.
What does the lymphatic system do?
The lymphatic system is a component of our immune system whose primary function is to protect your body from illness-causing pathogens, regulate body fluid levels, and eliminating cellular waste.
It is composed of lymph, lymph nodes, and lymphatic vessels. The most prominent nodes are found in the neck, groin, and armpits. They all play a crucial role in ensuring that waste-free lymph is transported back to the pulmonary veins, which carry blood to the heart.
What is a lymphatic drainage massage?
A lymphatic drainage massage is a technique used to enable the flow of lymph, which relieves swelling and improves your overall health. A typical lymphatic drainage massage lasts for 45 – 60 minutes.
Masseuses and doctors use four main lymphatic drainage techniques. They are named after people who invented them.
Vodder: The Vodder technique uses different sweeping hand motions determined by the part of the body being treated.
Foldi: This is an extension of the Vodder technique though it uses circular motions combined with relaxation moments.
Casley-Smith – Like the Foldi technique, the Casley-Smith technique also uses circular motions using the palms and sides of the hands.
Leduc – The Leduc technique uses hand motion which is essential to collect lymph before ensuring that it is reabsorbed into the more extensive lymphatic system.
What are the benefits of a lymphatic massage for the face?
Several studies have shown the effectiveness of the lymphatic drainage massage in treating several health issues.
1. Enhance the skin’s radiance
Clearing away toxins below your skin is essential to promote blood flow, smoothen the skin features and improve your complexion to look more beautiful. We recommend a lymphatic facial drainage massage if you are prone to dry skin.
2. Reduce the signs of skin aging
A lymphatic massage helps your facial features to look fuller due to the stimulation of sagging muscles. This is essential in increasing the skin’s elasticity and density while also boosting its natural collagen production.
What are the benefits of a lymphatic massage for the body?
1. Lymphedema
According to a study by the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews published in 2015, lymphatic drainage massage acts safely. It is beneficially similar to compression bandages in treating post-mastectomy among women who experience mild symptoms of breast cancer.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
In advanced rheumatoid arthritis, the circulation of lymph becomes increasingly impaired. This leads to swelling of tissues, joint pain, and a change of skin color. Lymphatic massage has been shown to relieve these symptoms, especially for people with advanced rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Chronic Venous Insufficiency
This condition occurs when the valves in the veins of your legs do not function well. This makes it difficult for blood to flow back to the heart from the legs. Lymphatic drainage helps improve blood flow hence relieve the condition. I suffer from this condition and the daily massage really showed an improvement. Before shower I always do a 15 minutes massage with a dry brush.
4. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition whose symptoms include inflammation of nerves in the skin and swelling of the tissues, and skin discoloration. Previously published studies have shown lymphatic drainage massage to be quite effective in treating the condition than connective tissue massage, though not as effective in relieving pain.
Final word
The benefits of a lymphatic drainage massage to your face and the entire body are enormous. If you are experiencing swelling and puffiness in some parts of your body due to the collection of lymph fluid in the soft tissues, you can consider getting one. However, there is no harm in enjoying the service even when you are fully healthy.
