BONFACE - DAY 26: Facial lymphatic drainage

Lymphatic drainage is a manual technique that acts on the lymphatic system to promote the flow of liquids accumulated in the body.

It is a treatment between medicine and aesthetics which, unlike the classic massage, does not act on the muscles but on the skin, facilitating lymphatic circulation.

THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

The lymphatic system is a one-way drainage system that transports fluids from the tissues to the blood circulation.

The lymph (made up of water, lipids, mineral salts, proteins, amino acids, hormones and vitamins) is not pushed from the heart, but it circulates thanks to the movement of the muscles, in a unidirectional: from bottom to top, i.e. from feet to head.

During this journey, the lymph collects waste materials to transport them to the organs responsible for their elimination, i lymph nodes. The lymphocytes produce the  lymphocytes, i.e. white blood cells, which identify and destroy hostile microorganisms.

WHAT IS LYMPHO DRAINAGE

Lymphatic drainage is a massage technique with soft and slow movements defined as "pumping” that work on the surface. Small pressures that facilitate the flow of lymph by removing toxins in a natural way.  

First of all, it is fundamental to unblock the lymphatic stations, discharge points of toxins well located in our body. In lymphatic facial massage we can "unblock" the following points:

• under the armpits - Axillary
• on the  clavicular fossae - Terminus
• behind the ears  - Profundus

The classic treatment follows the Vodder method.

Named after the Danish biologist who conceived it, Emil Vodder is a set of massage techniques capable of stimulating lymphatic circulation, characterized by a series of circular massages in the body.

The pressure exerted, with the fingers and the fingertips, must always be gentle and delicate as the lymph flows more slowly than the blood. Therefore the rhythm of the massage must be slowed down and must never cause pain.

BENEFITS

Lymphatic drainage stimulates lymphatic circulation avoiding stagnation of liquids thus favoring: 

• the drainage of impurities
• the reduction of swelling (bags and dark circles)
• hydration of the skin
• relaxation of the muscles
• the removal of stress 

HOW IT WORKS 

Facial lymph drainage can be performed by a professional but it is possible for you to learn the basic techniques to practice a mild one at home.

Here are some essential steps to keep in mind about facial lymphatic drainage:

• Wash your hands well before starting.

• Do not apply oil or cream - the friction is essential for draining liquids.

• Open the lymphatic stations:

1. Armpits - 5 pumps
2. Clavicular cables - 5 strokes
3. Ears - 5 pumping 

• Starting from the base of the neck, perform some movements Butterfly to start the "pompage" action.

• Proceed on the face drawing with your fingers small circles in a clockwise direction in a fluid and continuous movement.

• After each massaged area, perform discharge maneuvers bringing the hands and the fluids behind the ears.

• Close the lymph stations. In the opposite direction, proceed with pumping in the 3 points: ears, shoulder blades, armpits.

REMEMBER:

1) In lymph drainage, the muscles are not massaged but only the skin and sub-cutaneous to facilitate the flow of the lymph.

2) After the treatment drink plenty of water to purify the tissues.

Now watch the video and try your hand at lymphatic drainage maneuvers!

Chiara Bonel - Natural entrepreneur & holistic-sports massage technician