Manual lymphatic drainage is a type of body massage that serves to help the body eliminate excess fluids and toxins, facilitating the treatment of cellulite, swelling or lymphedema, and is also widely used in postoperative surgery, especially plastic surgery.
Lymphatic drainage does not cause weight loss because it does not eliminate fat, but it does help decrease volume by eliminating fluids that cause swelling of the body.This massage should always be performed on the lymph nodes applying only a small pressure with the hands on the skin, since excess pressure can inhibit lymphatic circulation, committing the results.
- Lymphatic drainage massage can be performed at home.
- But ideally performed in a clinic with professionals accustomed to the application of the technique.
- Especially if indicated after a certain type of surgery.
There are several maneuvers that can be performed during a drainage session, but the most commonly used are:
The applied pressure should always be gentle, similar to a sensation, and the drainage directions must be strictly respected to have the expected effect.
Lymphatic drainage should always be initiated by maneuvers that favor emptying of the lymph nodes, located in the groin area and above the collarbone.
The stimulus in these areas must be performed, before starting the manoeuvres and must be repeated 1 to 3 times throughout the session, to maximize their results, for this you can perform circular movements in the area of the lymph nodes or make pumping movements, 10 to 15 times.
Drainage from the face begins with drainage from the neck. Neck drainage begins with finger circles putting pressure on the supraclavicular region, then gentle circles should be made on the sternocleidomastoid muscle, on the side of the neck and also in the nuchal region, then drainage begins on the face itself, and for this, the drainage around the mouth must be started.To do this, it is necessary:
You can also see the steps in this video
Drainage of the arm, hand and fingers begins with stimulation in the axillary region, with several series of 4-5 circles.
Drainage of this area ends with stimulation of the axillary nodes.
Drainage of this region begins with stimulation of the nodes of the supraclavicular and axillary region with circular movements or pumping.
Drainage of this region ends with stimulation of the subclavicular region.
Abdominal drainage begins with stimulation of the groin region
Abdominal wall drainage ends with pumping stimulation of the groin nodes.
A drenagem das pernas e pés começa com a estimulação da região inguinal com pressões consecutivas e movimentos circulares com as pontas dos dedos em várias séries de 4-5 círculos. A seguir deve:
Back and buttock maneuvers can be side pressures and circular finger movements.
Drainage in this region ends with stimulation of the groin nodes
After completing the drainage, the person should lie down and rest for 5 to 10 minutes. If you are being treated for lymphedema, for example, you can use a sock or elastic sleeve to prevent the area from swelling again.Perform intense physical activity, you should also use the compression mean or sleeve during physical activity.
Drainage can be performed 1 to 5 times a week, depending on the need, and the number of sessions should be prescribed by the therapist who will perform the procedure, after an initial review.
Lymphatic drainage removes fluids that cause swelling, which is one of the causes of cellulite, which is redirected to the bloodstream, filtered through the kidneys and then removed from the body through urine; However, the results are more easily visible when you eat a healthy diet.and regular physical activity combine. Discover other benefits of lymphatic drainage.