The Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is part of our immune system and sits just below the surface of our skin. It’s composed of a complex network of lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and lymph fluid, and acts as a one-way drainage system.
The lymphatic system is the body’s natural waste-disposal system; it cleans the blood, removes toxins, clears out waste and debris, and fights off potential infections.
Lymphatic drainage is vital for healthy skin and detoxification throughout the body. When working and flushing out properly, we feel energised, nutrients are being delivered to our cells, and toxins are moving freely out of the body. When our lymph system is not working correctly, we can feel sluggish, sick, and we can retain fluid in different areas of the body, including the face. Stagnant lymph creates a build up which causes swelling and fluid retention, resulting in a dull and puffy complexion.
The lymphatic system does not have a pump of it’s own so it needs stimulation to get moving and draining.
Here are some top tips that you can incorporate into your daily routines to support your skin and wellbeing through healthy lymphatic movement practices:
✦ Lymphatic Drainage Massage
✦ Dry Body Brushing
✦ Gua Sha
✦ Movement & Exercise
✦ Cold Showers
✦ Staying Hydrated
✦ Legs up the wall pose
✦ Trampolene
✦ Breathwork
What is Lymphatic Drainage?
Lymphatic drainage refers to different techniques used to promote the flow of fluid in the lymphatic system. The benefits of working with the lymphatic system include aiding in your body’s detoxification process and getting rid of waste. It also helps reduce puffiness by getting rid of fluid retention, and helps get you into a parasympathetic state (rest and repair) which has many health and beauty benefits.
A sluggish lymphatic system contributes to puffiness, dark circles and a dull complexion. Facial lymphatic drainage massage encourages the delivery of oxygen and improves hydration to the skin cells - leading to a healthier and glowing complexion, and a more sculpted appearance.
Facial lymphatic massage is also effective at reducing and relieving any pressure and tension in the face and surrounding area. This is particularly helpful for people with sinus issues or those who hold a lot of tension in the face.
Facial Lymphatic Massage
Facial lymphatic massage works to enhance the skin’s radiance, reduce puffiness and reveal the natural contours of the face. Since lymph collects superficially under the skin, light pressure is used to target this layer as opposed to deep pressure which works the muscles. Lymphatic drainage massage feels very gentle and uses a soft touch to follow the pathways of the lymph and lymph nodes - to assist the body in draining and detoxifying.
Manual lymphatic drainage needs a human touch for finesse and precision. There are specific massage techniques to activate lymphatic flow and a combination of gentle pressure and rhythmic strokes helps to detoxify the skin and reduce puffiness.
Facial gua sha can also be used in a variety of specific techniques to promote lymphatic drainage. A daily gua sha practice at home is very effective at preventing fluid build up in the face, especially when used in combination with the tips listed above.
In conclusion, as well as having many health benefits, facial lymphatic drainage massage is an effective treatment to stimulate blood flow, clear stagnation, tap into the energetic pathways of the face, melt facial tension, lift, sculpt and support the natural flow of lymphatic drainage.
I have personally seen amazing results in the treatment room using lymphatic drainage techniques to dramatically improve puffiness, clear congestion and acne, and soften fine lines and wrinkles.