Lymphatic drainage: so much more than a massage.

In the rich offer of wellness treatments we can also find the lymphatic drainage, but its importance and usefulness for the human body are often overlooked. Thanks to the numerous positive effects it has on health and the general well-being it is one of the most beneficial therapies as it has relaxing, therapeutic and cosmetic effects.

Lymphatic drainage is a therapy that can be done manually with repetitive and slow movements or mechanically. It is a form of fine stimulation of the lymphatic circulation, which is the best way to stimulate the lymphatic vascular system and consequently have numerous benefits for the body.

The human lymphatic system is made of lymph nodes interconnected through the body by lymph vessels. The lymphatic system transports the liquid called lymph from body tissues back into blood circulation. The lymphatic system is similar to blood circulation, as both function in a similar way through different vessel systems, but the lymphatic system is a one-way system. Both systems are of vital importance for the health of the entire body and they operate with movement, i.e. with the help of contracting and relaxing muscles, which stimulates circulation.

The lymphatic system is fuelled by the residual liquid which is accumulated in the interstitial space, from where the tissues push it forward into lymph capillaries, lymph glands and lymph nodes. The lymphatic drainage is a therapy that stimulates the detoxification of the body that has become too acid due to different causes (disease, weight loss programmes, stressful events, etc.).

The lymph has a very important role in the human body, because it functions as a natural filter through which all waste material and infections are expelled from the body. Thus, only a healthy lymphatic system can stop the development of many diseases. If the lymphatic system is slowed down for any reason, this affects all other bodily functions. A weakenedlymphatic system can no longer efficiently and regularly expel all metabolism waste and as a result the metabolism slows down too, causing even more waste to accumulate in the body. It is clearly very important to take care of the lymphatic system to keep it functioning smoothly.

The most natural and easiest thing we can do to stimulate the functions of the body, and thus the lymphatic system, is to have an active lifestyle. Physical activity stimulates the circulation of blood and oxygen, and the latter is of vital importance for the functioning and regeneration of body cells. A correct lymphatic circulation ensures that toxins and waste material are regularly expelled from the body, which reinforces the immune system, improves the general well-being and provides more vital energy. We must also make sure to drink enough water and keep a healthy diet, so that the waste accumulated in the body is minimal. Never forget that enough rest and a good night’s sleep are also of crucial importance.

Lymphatic drainage reinforces the immune system and at the same time provides the much needed relaxation to those under stress. It has been proved that lymphatic drainage helps ease pain as it has an analgesic effect on the body. It can be used to reduce various types of oedema and to strengthen the immune system, at the same time it also stimulates the healing of wounds and facilitates recovery after a disease or an operation. Lymphatic drainage is also used for medical purposes: it is often used to treat acne, reduce swelling after cosmetic surgery and for quicker tissue regeneration.

Lymphatic drainage is employed for beauty and cosmetic purposes as well, as it is one of the most efficient methods in reducing orange-peel skin or cellulite. The manual stimulation of tissues helps dissolve fat, expel excessive water from the body, eliminate waste from the subcutaneous tissue and improve the skin’s tone, making the cellulite is less visible. It has been proved that lymphatic drainage also prevents the re-formation of cellulite if we make sure to also drink enough water.

Lymphatic drainage can be done manuallyand mechanically. With the mechanical lymphatic drainage, also known as pressotherapy, the drainage is done only from the waist down, whereas in a manual drainage the therapist employs slow, soft and repetitive movements in order to stimulate the circulation and the elimination of waste from the body.  To perform a correct lymphatic drainage the therapist must have a lot of knowledge and experience, specifically an excellent knowledge of the anatomy of the human body. Only the correct technique will bring the beneficial results, so choose only a qualified therapist.