Lymphatic drainage massage is designed to stimulate the lymphatic system in order to drain the build up of waste fluid from cells in the body. It is a well known treatment for cellulite and can be conducted manually by hand or specially designed anti-cellulite machines.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system plays an important role in regulating the immune system and removing toxins from the human body. Consisting of an intricate and vast organisation of ducts and vessels, the lymphatic system circulates special fluid to various cells in order to remove waste and to assist in the elimination of foreign viruses.
The Lymph System and Cellulite
At the subcutaneous layer of the human body, cells receive fresh blood from capillaries and have their waste and toxins removed by the lymph system. When there is a blockage in a lymph node, the system will try to move around the obstruction. But if this is impossible, fluid and toxins begin to build up in the affected area leading to localised swelling, and systemic nausea and fatigue.
In cellulite prone areas, the lack of circulation causes a decrease in the amount of oxygen and nutrients flowing to the fibrous tissues holding the fat cells together. The fibrous tissues then harden and thicken causing them to pull down on the skin above. At the same time, the accumulated fat, fluid and toxins bulges upwards and presses against the skin. The result is the dimples, dents and bumps that is cellulite.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage was originally developed in the 1930s by a French physician named Dr Emil Vodder. Using gentle massaging strokes, it aims to stimulate the lymphatic system to flush out the build up of waste and toxins.
For cellulite, the improved circulation removes the backup of fluid and toxins, reduces swelling and enables the fibrous tissues to relax and soften. This all leads to a reduction in the appearance of cellulite.
For best results, you should have lymphatic drainage massage conducted manually by a trained therapist. Working with bare hands, therapists stimulate the lymph system by using gentle, wave-like movements. An alternative would be to conduct the massage yourself at home but results tend to be limited.
Another option is to utilize an anti-cellulite machine designed to cause lymphatic drainage. There are a number on the market but one example is the Tri-Active. This machine uses suction massage to gently pull the skin in various directions and assist in the drainage of the lymph system.
Other Options for Lymphatic Drainage
While massage is the most effective way to stimulate lymphatic drainage, there are also a range of other options you can possibly try instead.
Pressotherapy is a mild form of lymphatic drainage massage. It involves wrapping the legs with inflatable pads. These pads and inflated and deflated a number of times to cause alternating pressure. This inflation-deflation cycle causes lymphatic drainage but at a much less effective rate than massage.
Lymph drainage can also be encouraged by factors that don’t involve pressure and massage. Colon cleansing and nutritional detoxs can help eliminate toxins from the body, including the lymphatic system. Other things you can do to increase lymph drainage include: eating more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet; drinking plenty of water; deep breathing; regular exercise; a daily or weekly sauna or steam bath; acupuncture; and avoiding tight and restrictive clothing.
When undertaking some sort of lymphatic drainage massage, it is often recommended to also undertake a number of these activities in order to assist the process and help you achieve the results you want.
