Lymphatic Drainage, The “Healthy” Massage
Beauty and health often seem to be two parallel worlds that have absolutely nothing in common. What if there was a beauty trend that not only helped your body to purify itself and stimulate your immune system but also to “debloat” and reduce the appearance of cellulite!? Here comes, the lymphatic drainage!!
“The lymph therefore plays a major role in your immune system.”
First things first, what is the lymphatic system? It is a system a vessels similar to your blood vessels that transports lymph from your tissues to your bloodstream. Lymph is simply plasma that left your blood vessels to feed your cells nutrients and grab your cells’ waste. The liquid then enters your lymphatic vessels, gets filtered by your lymph nodes where white blood cells attack viruses, bacterias, heavy metals and other cellular waste collected to finally go back into your bloodstream. The lymph therefore plays a major role in your immune system.
Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not rely on the heart to pump the lymph. Heavy legs sensation, cellulite and stretch marks are all signs of poor lymphatic circulation. Physical activity, aka muscle contraction, helps to prevent the lymph from being stagnant. Some massage techniques also help with lymph movement. Yep, relaxing while eliminating toxins! Sign. Me. Up!
Most spas offer the Lymphatic Drainage, a massage that consists in long, light movements. It’s nothing like a “deep tissue” that breaks down the knots. Here, it’s all about being gentle and the results can be quite impressive! Flavia Lanini is an expert and has developed her own technique mixing contouring and draining. Celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Kris Jenner and Hailey Beiber love her and frequent her spa, the Flavia Lanini - Beauty Institute, located in West Hollywood, Los Angeles. After a single session, your water retention has evaporated and your body is completely sculpted! Such treatments are definitely a treat and can cost a pretty penny. Thankfully, there are some techniques you can do at home.
“This technique is energizing and practiced in the morning before jumping in the shower.”
Dry brushing, for exemple, consists of - wait for it! - brushing your dry skin with a brush made of natural sisal fibers. This technique is energizing and practiced in the morning before jumping in the shower. It activates your circulation and helps reduce cellulite while gently exfoliating your skin. The drainage paddle is a little different. It massages your oiled skin, tones, detoxifies, sculpts and reduces inflammation.
In order to practice these techniques at home, you have to start by activating your lymph nodes by applying gently pressure 75 to 100 times over your armpits, collarbone and groin areas. The goal of this massage is to move the lymph towards your lymph nodes through movements going from your hands to your armpits, from your feet to your groin and from you torso down to your groin. Repeat these movements 5 to 10 times, applying moderate pressure and there you have it! A massage by you, FOR you! Take your time and indulge in this precious self-care moment.
A lymphatic drainage massage offers benefits far beyond aesthetics. It allows you to feel rested or invigorated, to have smooth skin, to get rid of water retention and puffiness, to boost your immune system while eliminating harmful toxins. This is what we call self-care at it’s finest.
Love & Light
Kim
