Most women sooner or later begin to feel significant discomfort in their legs, especially after a hard day. These unpleasant feelings indicate not only a deterioration in health due to age-related changes in the body, but also a loss of the appearance of the legs and the likelihood of swelling soon. To prevent this process, many ladies resort to a procedure such as lymphatic drainage massage. It is important to familiarize yourself with the features of its conduct and indications for it in advance, so as not to worsen the condition of the body. This material will provide detailed answers to these questions, as well as how to properly do the procedure yourself.
What it is?
Lymphatic drainage foot massage is a special massage type manipulation, the purpose of which is to improve blood circulation processes. The central object of influence in this procedure is the bodice - the component in the blood that is responsible for removing various toxins from the cells of the body. In addition, it helps to saturate cells with various nutrients.
It is because of the slowdown in the movement of lymph that the blood circulation processes can undergo negative changes and cause fatigue and discomfort in the lower limbs. It is lymphatic drainage massage that assumes an effect not only on the lymph nodes, but also on small vessels, generally returning the normal speed to blood circulation.
In the process of this procedure, manipulations with soft tissues occur.The basis is the usual massage technique, but the lymphatic drainage method is considered exclusively therapeutic. It was even coined by a French doctor. Depending on the nature of the ailments, a schedule of procedures and their number are determined.
It is very important to consider the direction of movement of the lymph itself. It moves through the lymphatic capillaries into the vessels, and also fills the lymph nodes and ducts. Then the fluid enters the veins. In the case of significant violations of this process, a disease such as varicose veins can form over time. Therefore, the service of lymphatic drainage massage should be resorted to in a timely manner.
As a result, the improvement of blood circulation will contribute to an increase in skin tone, the appearance of firmness and elasticity. If you treat varicose veins in this way, the procedure will help you get rid of unhealthy blue skin in the area of vein congestion.
As a preventive measure, lymphatic drainage massage can strengthen the vessel walls and protect the veins from pathological expansion.
What causes problems?
Problems associated with slowing down the processes of cleaning the body of toxic elements and the deterioration of blood circulation, can be explained by a variety of reasons.
- Wearing uncomfortable shoes and clothes. Heels or too narrow trousers every day can gradually lead to a disruption in blood flow to the legs. Some even prefer to buy smaller clothes and shoes without thinking about the consequences. Over time, stars may form on the legs, indicating the initial stage of the problem.
- Ecology has a huge impact. Many toxic substances are released into the air, especially in large cities. And these gases enter the body along with oxygen. However, many people like to drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes. These bad habits prevent the body from cleansing itself of toxins in a timely manner, so over time, edema and other problems with the lower extremities appear.
- An important factor is nutrition. Quick snacks and fast food instead of a wholesome and complex lunch, an abundance of fatty and spicy food negatively affects the functioning of blood vessels, and as a result - on the blood circulation.
Indications and contraindications
Remember that lymphatic drainage massage permissible to do in the following situations:
- if you lead a passive lifestyle; if you suffer from varicose veins;
- as an additional procedure during the period of weight correction;
- if you have problems with swelling of the legs;
- if the circulation of lymph in the limbs is weakened;
- with impaired metabolism;
- with excess weight (which often appears due to a previous problem);
- in the presence of cellulite on the legs, as well as sagging skin;
- if you have constantly cold feet and hands (signs of circulatory disorders and lack of blood flow in the limbs);
- in some cases, even increased tiredness when walking can be the first signal about the need for lymphatic drainage massage.
However, remember that this procedure has a number of contraindications that must be taken into account.
- It is important that there are no serious disorders in the functioning of the kidneys, heart, or reproductive system.
- There should be no damage to the skin. This applies to serious wounds, as well as deep scratches and cuts.
- It is not recommended to do the procedure for patients with diabetes.
- For cancer, massage is also undesirable.
- During colds, when body temperature is above normal, lymphatic drainage manipulations are not recommended. A similar advice should be followed for infectious diseases.
- With vein diseases, for example, with thrombosis, more harm can be done to the body.
- Doctors also do not advise pregnant women to undergo this procedure.
Kinds
There are two main techniques for performing this procedure - manual and hardware.Each of them has its own characteristics. Only after reading all the nuances in more detail, you should choose the most suitable method for yourself.
Manual
This technique involves manipulating the skin with your hands.
This type of massage is divided into two varieties.
- Surface. This option involves the effect on capillaries and small vessels. Using a similar procedure, lymph is sent to the lymph nodes, from where it returns already in its purified form. With this painless manipulation, which also has a relaxing effect, nutrients enter the muscles, receptors, and skin.
- Deep. This technique involves a direct effect on the lymph nodes. Choosing such a massage can contribute to the expansion of blood vessels and to achieve blood flow to the tissues. Due to the fact that the procedure is performed in the direction of movement of the lymph flow, fat cells are split and subsequently excreted. This method involves a larger effect on the blood circulation process.
Hardware
Lymphatic drainage massage of the legs can be done not only manually, but also using various modern devices. One of the popular mechanisms for performing the procedure is pressotherapy. It involves the use of special pants that are pumped with air to massage. In this case, a point effect on the legs occurs, and thereby the vessels are strengthened.
Using current also carry out this procedure. The legs are first lubricated with a special solution, then the electrodes are connected. Slight current pulses pass through a similar mechanism, affecting the blood circulation. This technique is called microcurrent.
Vacuum massage is carried out using a vacuum pump. It involves the effect on blood circulation by removing excess moisture.
By using the hardware type of massage procedures you can achieve the desired result in a shorter time, but it is worth remembering that services of this type are made in special salons and are not cheap. However, a good specialist in the field of manual massage will cost from 1,500 to 2,500 or more rubles per session. Therefore, when choosing a massage technique, consider the number of necessary procedures.
How is it carried out?
Many people prefer to do lymphatic drainage massage at home on their own. Typically, this method requires 15 procedures. In this case, it is advisable to carry them out every other day. For each leg, the maximum recommended session duration is 7 minutes.
The procedure is carried out in several stages.
- Take a comfortable position in the chair or chair. As the most suitable furniture, you can use the ottoman on which you will sit, as well as a footrest. It should be located so that the legs are above the level of your pelvis.
- Apply massage cream or balm to your feet with circular motions, which should be done gently. Thus, the massaged area will warm up, and the movement of lymph along the ducts will accelerate.
- The first area of massage is the area from the knee to the hip. The edge of the palm needs to carry out the movement of the sliding type along the thigh area, gradually increasing strength.
- Next, you need to make slapping movements on the thigh in the direction from the bottom up. This will stimulate blood circulation.
- Then you need to massage the lower leg - from the fingers and towards the knee. Stroking should be intense.
- Next, the shin should be clasped with two hands and perform movements like extrusion in the direction from the bottom up.
- Feet are massaged with pressure towards the ankle and rubbing. The whole procedure is carried out with fingertips, which gradually move up the leg.
- After the massage, you can not sharply get upright. For several minutes you need to lie down.It is desirable that the level of location of the legs is above the level of the head.
There is also a special recipe for a similar massage using ingredients such as honey and oil.
Correctly carry out such a procedure using the instructions.
- A couple of spoons of natural bee honey are diluted with a few drops of aromatic oil.
- Next, cover the resulting palm mixture.
- After the palms are pressed to the surface of the legs, and then abruptly come off. Thus, it is possible to evenly distribute the honey mixture and to help it soak into the skin.
- Over time, the hands will begin to stick to the lower extremities more strongly. Honey will also get a darker shade and a thicker consistency and begin to peel off in the form of pellets.
- To make the result more effective, after the end of the massage procedure, an anti-cellulite agent should be applied to the skin.
A feature of this procedure is the adaptation period. At first, pain may occur. In addition, such a massage is difficult to conduct yourself.
Tips & Tricks
In order for the lymphatic drainage massage procedure to be truly effective, it is necessary to listen to the advice of doctors, as well as long-standing fans of this procedure.
Consider the most relevant recommendations.
- To make the massage procedure more effective, it is important to prepare the skin of the legs. An excellent option is a relaxing bath with the addition of essential oils.
- It is necessary to control the intake of fluid during the periods of the procedure. A day you need to drink at least 2 liters of fluid. But after a massage for two hours, you should refrain from drinking.
- If the purpose of the massage is to lose weight, combine it with exercise to achieve the desired result in a shorter time.
- If you disrupt the correct direction of movement and massage from top to bottom, this can contribute to the formation of edema.
- During pregnancy, it is sometimes recommended to undergo a course of such massage. It is done to expectant mothers no more than twice a week. However, before implementing the course, be sure to consult your doctor.
Reviews of fans of this procedure show that massage not only improves the functioning of blood vessels, but also can eliminate stress after a hard day. In addition, the lymphatic drainage procedure helps to achieve a state of relaxation and is even able to relieve insomnia, like any intensive massage. It was also noted that such massage is effective for lymphostasis. With the combination of massage with the right diet and physical activity, many managed to get rid of excess weight.
Thus, the lymphatic drainage technique of massage procedures is a very effective solution for improving the condition of the body, preventing the occurrence of diseases of the vessels of the legs and varicose veins, a means of improving the appearance of the lower extremities and a way to relax and get rid of stress. Given the characteristics of your body and all the nuances of this procedure, you can choose the best option for its implementation.
This video presents the technique of lymphatic drainage foot massage to quickly relieve swelling at home.