Costhetics has some great news for anyone who is looking for a way to turn back the ageing clock.
In other words, great news for everyone! This is likely the latest thing you haven’t heard about, and this article is going to correct that. We’ll introduce you to an emerging technique that counteracts the body’s natural ageing tendencies. It is called therapeutic lymphatic drainage.
“In many ways, the lymphatic system is the underappreciated sibling of the circulatory system, less well-known and less researched than its counterpart,” explains the New York Times in their article Dry Brushing, Body Scraping, Gua Sha: Lymphatic Health Is All the Rage. We’ll explain why …
While there is no disputing that a professional lymphatic drainage massage by an experienced professional is the gold standard, make sure you read to the end of the article with our tips on how you can do this at home and still gain many of the benefits.
What Is Therapeutic Lymphatic Massage?
Therapeutic Lymphatic Drainage (TLD) was developed in medical practice to help reduce painful swelling in the arms and legs caused by excess fluid (lymph). “A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage massage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling in your tissues,” explains one scholarly article succinctly. It didn’t take long for medical professionals to realise that lymph-focused massage could be used to treat migraines and even stress.
Before long, TLD was found to have a positive effect on treating the body’s natural ageing processes. Aestheticians enthusiastically shared the news with their clients, who were delighted with the way massage enhances circulation and rids the body of toxins.
That was then. This is now. Now there is a terrific tool that makes it possible for you to take lymphatic drainage into your own hands … literally.
Meet Your Lymphatic System
If you visit Costhetics regularly (and we hope you do), you know we are fact-focused and science-centric. In order for you to appreciate fully just how meaningful lymphatic drainage massage can be to your health, we want you to understand the workings behind the wonder.
The lymphatic system is part of your overall immune system. Your body relies on lymphatic function to:
- Maintain appropriate fluid levels in the body
- Remove waste and toxins from bodily tissues
Clearly, keeping your lymphatic system functioning at optimal levels is in your best interest. When it isn’t functioning properly, you put yourself at risk of:
- Swelling
- Recurrent infections
- Fluid build-up
One of the most effective approaches to draining excess lymphatic fluid is massage. Lymphatic draining massage promotes movement of pooling fluid. This is especially true in the face where massage stimulates vessels beneath the skin. This improves circulation and clears excess fluid that can lead to dark eyes.
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage is especially useful in rejuvenating an ageing face and body. It gently coaxes fluid away from swollen areas and back to the lymph nodes, which can help:
- Reduce swelling, puffiness, and water retention
- Drain toxins from skin
- Support immune health by removing toxins
- Lessen breakouts and acne flares
Lymphatic drainage massage can even help minimise the appearance of cellulite. It does so by lessening the fluid pressing against the cross-hatched fibres just below the surface of the skin. Proponents of the treatment say it helps them with:
- Less visible cellulite
- A lighter feeling in the body
- Mental relaxation
- An energised body
“There are a select amount of studies into this type of massage that does partially support a number of its practitioners’ claims,” reports Elle Australia in their article So What’s The Deal With Lymphatic Drainage Massage? “(It may help in) speeding the lymphatic system, a reduction in post-surgery swelling and a reduced thigh circumference and fat mass.”
Working with a Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapist
You may have worked with a massage therapist in the past at the gym or in your home. If you would like to work with a professional, be sure to check their credentials as carefully as you would when choosing a personal trainer, dermatologist, etc. It’s important your practitioner have knowledge and experience in the specifics of lymphatic drainage so that you will derive the full benefits from your session.
An experienced therapist will take time to get to know your medical history and to know you as a person. You will likely be seeing this person fairly frequently to derive the most from lymphatic drainage massage sessions, so make certain it is someone you like.
Good therapists often work in hospitals with patients with varying diseases that can slow or stop their lymphatic system from working, necessitating manual lymphatic drainage. This is a good sign that the therapist is appropriately trained and accredited. Expect to pay more for such a therapist – around $150 per hour depending on where you live in Australia and how experienced your therapist is.
Every therapist works differently. What is likely to be true after any appointment is a pinkish tint to your skin. It’s a good thing and is a sign of increased blood flow. It is also true that the massage, although the pressure is gentle, leaves you a tiny bit sore. On the upside, you may have more mobility in previously frozen body parts.
Here’s a little secret: you will probably have to pee. This occurs because your lymph nodes are doing their job. The fluid they are draining has to go somewhere, right? Staying hydrated is an important part of optimal lymph node function, so hydrate before and after your massage.
DIY Lymphatic Massage at Home
Aestheticians recommend this type of massage be done three to four times a week, if possible. The fact is, visiting a massage therapist so often can create problems for many people. As with other aesthetic treatments, concerns such as travel time, lost work hours, and cost can all be impediments to enjoying the benefits of this valuable massage treatment.
If challenges are preventing you from trying this trending technique, Costhetics has help with a solution. It’s an affordable technique you can use at home with a time investment of less than 10 minutes. (We thought that would get your attention!)
To begin your journey, head over to YouTube and search for lymphatic drainage massage how-to. You’ll get all the support you need including step-by-step tutorials.
Using only your hands and doing it yourself, it is difficult and time consuming to reach all the places you need to – especially the butt and back of the thighs.
Which is why a lymphatic drainage tool is often the way to go.
The Right Tool for the Job – Is Right Here!
Something you won’t find on YouTube is a remarkable tool that will help you get even more out of your massage.
Designed in Byron Bay and made in Australia from recycled shampoo bottles (how sustainable is that!) the Body Love lymphatic drainage tool is large enough to be used on the entire body. Its special curves fit the curves of your body so that no area needs to go unmassaged.
Click here to get your hands on one right now.