3 Lymphatic Drainage Massage Techniques to Try At Home
Your body is absolutely incredible. Your heart is always beating, your lungs fill with oxygen while your senses fire off and contextualize your surroundings. One system within your body that doesn’t get much play or recognition is the lymphatic system. These nodes, organs and vessels work together to clean and flush out waste through your body without you needing to bat an eye.
What Does the Lymphatic System Do?
The lymphatic system is composed of lymph nodes, fluid (known as lymph), vessels that transport the lymph and organs that consist of lymph tissue such as the spleen, small intestine, and throat.
Similar to how veins and capillaries work to move blood through the circulatory system, the lymphatic system is a network of vessels that moves lymph from tissues to the bloodstream.
Lymph is made of white blood cells that attack bacteria within the blood and it’s made of intestinal fluid that holds protein and fat. Your lymph nodes are formed in clusters throughout the body in areas like the center of the chest, groin, the armpit and your neck.
This system is a key player in the body’s immune system because it helps to move waste and toxins out of your tissues so that they’re flushed out. If the lymphatic system isn’t functioning properly, you’ll experience a variety of health issues.
What’s a Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
To help the lymphatic system work properly, we highly suggest a lymphatic drainage therapy treatment. These can be done manually through the use of long, gentle strokes and they can be performed with the use of an instrument called the Lymphstar Pro® LET Lymphatic Therapy Instrument.
This tool applies physical vibration with low-frequency sound waves, an electro-static energy field (EEF), and dynamic wave pulses (DWP) that create harmonics and additional pressure waves to release fluid, toxins, and excess ions within your tissues. The lymphstar pro machine is equivalent to 5 manual treatments.
But the combination of manual therapy and the Lymphstar Pro is what sets our Lymph treatment apart here at Magnolia Wellness. We use both techniques to stimulate the lymph nodes in different ways.
How Do I Know If I Need Lymphatic Drainage Treatment?
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms below, your body may be encountering toxin overload which means you could benefit from a lymphatic drainage massage.
Chronic sinus infections
Swelling in your fingers
Allergies
Depression
Food sensitivities
Swollen lymph nodes
Excess weight gain
Weakened immune system
Constipation
Bloat
Digestion issues
Brain fog
Chronic fatigue
Dry or itchy skin
TMJ
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage treatment
Restores energy levels
Reduces swelling
Improves skin tone and blemishes
Detoxifies toxins
Reduces fluid retention and promotes weight loss
Boosts the immune system and helps your body fight off infection
Improves your gut health
3 Lymphatic Drainage Massage Techniques
1. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Technique
The Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) technique is a gentle and rhythmic massage method that targets the entire lymphatic system. By using light pressure and specific strokes, MLD stimulates the flow of lymphatic fluid throughout the body.
This technique can reduce swelling, boost immune function, and detoxify the body.
During an MLD session, a trained therapist uses precise hand movements to move the lymphatic fluid toward lymph nodes, where waste products and toxins are filtered out.
Whether you're dealing with post-surgical swelling, or lymphedema, or simply want to support your immune system, MLD can help improve lymphatic circulation, remove toxins, and reduce fluid retention, promoting overall well-being.
To perform a manual lymphatic drainage massage at home, follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a comfortable position, lying down or sitting up.
Step 2: Begin by gently massaging the lymph nodes in your neck. Use light, circular motions to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid. Start from the base of your neck and work your way up to the jawline.
Step 3: Move to your armpits and apply gentle pressure in circular motions to stimulate the lymph nodes in that area.
Step 4: Next, focus on your abdomen. Use gentle, clockwise circular motions around the belly button area to encourage lymphatic flow in the abdominal region.
Step 5: Proceed to the groin area, applying gentle circular motions to stimulate the lymph nodes in that region.
Step 6: Finally, gently massage your limbs, starting from the fingertips or toes and moving upward toward the heart. Use long, sweeping motions and apply light pressure to promote lymphatic drainage.
Remember to maintain a gentle and rhythmic pace throughout the massage. Perform each movement for a few minutes before moving on to the next area. Take deep breaths and relax during the process.
2. Facial Lymphatic Drainage Technique
If you're seeking a natural way to rejuvenate your skin and bring out a natural glow, the Facial Lymphatic Drainage technique is a fantastic option.
The lymphatic system in the face can become congested due to factors like stress, pollution, and lack of proper drainage.
This technique targets the lymphatic pathways in the face and neck, promoting a healthy complexion and reducing puffiness.
Additionally, this technique can relieve sinus congestion and headaches by promoting the drainage of the lymphatic system in the face and neck.
To perform a facial lymphatic drainage massage at home, follow these steps:
Step 1: Begin by applying a small amount of facial oil or moisturizer to your fingertips. This helps reduce friction during the massage.
Step 2: Start at the center of your forehead and use your fingertips to make gentle, outward sweeping motions towards your temples. Repeat this movement several times.
Step 3: Move to your eye area. Use your ring fingers to make gentle, circular motions around your eye sockets, starting from the inner corners and moving outward. Be extra gentle in this sensitive area.
Step 4: Next, focus on your cheeks. Use your palms or fingertips to make upward sweeping motions from the jawline towards the ears. Repeat this movement several times.
Step 5: Finally, move to your neck and jawline. Use upward strokes with light pressure to massage these areas, promoting lymphatic drainage.
3. Limb Lymphatic Drainage Technique
The Limb Lymphatic Drainage technique is for issues related to the arms and legs. Whether you're dealing with lymphedema, swelling, or discomfort in these areas, this technique can offer relief and promote better lymphatic flow.
It is particularly beneficial for individuals recovering from surgery, managing lymphedema, or seeking relief from fluid retention in the limbs. This technique can improve lymphatic drainage, enhance tissue healing, and support overall limb health.
To perform a limb lymphatic drainage massage at home, follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a comfortable position with your limb elevated, if possible.
Step 2: Begin at the fingertips or toes and use gentle, rhythmic strokes to massage the limb. Start from the farthest point and move towards the body.
Step 3: Use long, sweeping motions with light pressure to promote lymphatic flow. Maintain a consistent rhythm throughout the massage.
Step 4: Pay extra attention to areas where lymph nodes are present, such as the armpits or groin. Apply gentle circular motions in these areas to stimulate lymphatic drainage.
Step 5: Continue massaging the limb for several minutes, focusing on promoting lymphatic flow and reducing swelling or discomfort.
Remember to listen to your body and adjust the pressure and intensity based on your comfort level. If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting a lymphatic drainage massage at home.
Book Your Lymphatic Massage Today
Best of all? We’re currently offering lymphatic drainage massages. Make sure you book your appointment with our massage therapist and lymphatic specialist, Maria Vidal.
