To normalize lymph flow in tissues, break down fat deposits and remove harmful substances from cells, cosmetologists around the world recommend lymphatic drainage facial massage, which does not have to be done in salons, but can be done at home. Moreover, you don’t even have to use special devices; you can use improvised means or even use your own hands. If you adhere to the correct massage technique, the result will not take long to arrive.
On a note! The essence of lymphatic drainage massage is a mechanical effect on the vessels, resulting in the movement of lymph that has stagnated in the tissues. This helps rejuvenate the skin and improve its appearance.
Indications for testing
Before you begin this procedure, it is important to understand why it is necessary and what can be achieved after it. Indications for performing lymphatic drainage massage are:
- formation of vascular mesh on the skin;
- the appearance of pimples and blackheads;
- the presence of excess fat deposits;
- blurred facial contours;
- swelling of the eyelids;
- unhealthy complexion;
- sagging skin due to aging;
- water imbalance;
- loss of skin elasticity.
On a note! When performing lymphatic drainage facial massage regularly at home, you need to ensure that the effect on the skin is superficial. This will make it possible to avoid injuries, get rid of wrinkles and eliminate swelling.
Types of lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic drainage varies in level of impact.
- Superficial, associated with the activation of lymphatic capillaries of the skin (microcurrent therapy, vacuum, barolaser massage).
- Deep, restorative lymph flow at the level of vessels, collectors, ducts (myostimulation with the application of electrodes at the site of projection of large lymphatic vessels or when the treated area is exposed to negative air pressure - vacuum).
- Associated with the study of the projection area of the main lymph nodes, usually the inguinal-femoral and popliteal (microcurrent therapy, exposure to increased air pressure - press massage, endermology).
Expected effect
Anyone can master the technique of lymphatic drainage facial massage at home, since it does not involve any complex actions. After just a couple of minutes you can feel pleasantly relaxed and light. In general, there are no unpleasant sensations, due to which this type of massage has gained wide popularity.
In addition, it is still quite effective, which is expressed in the following:
- getting rid of puffiness by removing excess fluid from tissues;
- activation of metabolic processes, due to which the skin becomes more radiant and takes on a healthy appearance;
- normalization of water-salt balance in cells;
- splitting fat deposits, getting rid of a double chin;
- eliminating dark circles under the eyes;
- restoration of clear facial contours;
- getting rid of nasolabial and other folds on the face, which allows you to look younger and more attractive.
In general, after a lymphatic drainage massage of the face, the appearance improves due to the restoration of natural processes occurring under the skin.
Relationship between the lymphatic and circulatory systems
There are many groups of lymph nodes on the face. The nodes are connected by ducts through which lymph, a clear liquid, flows. The parotid nodes receive lymph from the forehead and the outer half of the eyelids. The facial nodes form a “chain” (ducts with nodes) that runs parallel to the blood vessels. The ducts carry lymph from the eyelids, nose, lips and chin. The lymph is then directed to the jugular ganglia of the neck, which form chains around each of the jugular veins and pump the lymph into the large lymphatic or thoracic duct.
Lymphatic drainage and its benefits
This is a type of massage to remove excess fluid and toxins from the body, treat cellulite and swelling.
Lymphatic drainage does not thin a person, as it does not remove fat, but rather reduces volume to eliminate swelling in the body. The massage should be done in the direction of the lymph nodes, applying slight pressure to the skin, as excess pressure can obstruct lymph circulation and compromise its benefits.
You should know that only a qualified specialist can perform lymphatic drainage efficiently. A bad massage can cause poor toxin mobilization and clogged nodes, which can lead to health problems.
Benefits of Facial Lymphatic Drainage
- promotes fluid drainage;
- reduces dark circles and bags under the eyes;
- eliminates signs of fatigue;
- improving blood circulation and supplying the body with nutrients;
- cell restoration and improvement of skin condition;
- increasing oxygen supply;
- relieves inflammation and prevents the appearance of acne;
- relaxes facial muscles, ideal for relieving stress, calms the nervous system, improves sleep;
- treats scars and relieves swelling.
Lymphatic drainage is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, rheumatism, asthma, lupus, cancer, arthritis, thrombosis or thyroid problems.
Contraindications
Despite the relative harmlessness of the procedure, it is not as safe as we would like, and can cause negative effects in people with certain pathologies. Contraindications for lymphatic drainage facial massage are as follows:
- disruption of the circulatory system;
- rosacea;
- inflammatory processes with extensive foci;
- overly sensitive and thin skin;
- diseases of infectious nature;
- open wounds and scars on the face that have not had time to heal;
- neuralgia of the facial nerve;
- an increase in the size of the lymph nodes in the neck;
- tumors of various origins;
- allergic reactions localized on the face;
- tendency to form blood clots;
- elevated body temperature.
As you can see, the list of contraindications for lymphatic drainage facial massage is quite wide. Therefore, caution should be used when using this procedure. Despite the simple technique, lymphatic drainage facial massage can leave serious consequences. If there are no reasons for refusal, you can safely begin mastering the procedure.
Lymphatic anatomy of the face and neck
Facial lymphatics follow a path parallel to the facial and jugular veins. Therefore, in order to understand the lymphatic anatomy of the face, it would be correct to briefly study the arterial diagram of the face.
The artery of the neck is represented by the primitive carotid arteries (one on each side of the neck), at the level of the hyoid bone (under the lower jaw) in the form of two branches:
- the internal carotid artery is responsible for delivering blood to the brain;
- The external carotid artery branches into various structures in the neck and also continues on the face as the facial artery, supplying blood to the facial muscles.
The facial vein takes oxygenated blood and carries it to the jugular vein. There it joins the subclavian vein, forming the brachiocephalic venous trunk (in the chest). As a result, a superior vein is formed, which ultimately ends in the right atrium of the heart.
Massage lines
The correct technique for lymphatic drainage facial massage involves performing light stroking, stretching and pressing movements. Do it with your fingertips. You should not apply strong pressure, hoping to obtain the greatest effectiveness in this way; the massage should be superficial.
It is not difficult to learn the technique; it is much more difficult to remember the massage lines along which the exercises will be performed. These lines correspond to the trajectory of lymph movement:
- cheeks - from the chin to the earlobe, from the upper lip to the temples, from the corners of the lips to the middle of the ear;
- chin - from the central part of the chin to the middle of the ear;
- eyes - from the outer part of the eyebrows to the bridge of the nose and back, from the bridge of the nose to the temples;
- forehead - from the center of the forehead to the temples.
The first procedure should be devoted to studying the directions and massage lines. It is recommended to first watch a video that clearly shows the process of performing lymphatic drainage facial massage at home.
What kind of massage is this and how it works?
Are you tired of waking up with swelling on your face and trying to cover up the first signs of age-related changes with cosmetics? Start fighting aging by preventing its underlying factors. And lymphatic drainage massage will help you with this, a popular technique for influencing the dermis, which will allow you to rejuvenate the skin by more than 5 years in a short time. Today this procedure can be carried out both in the salon and at home. The main differences between both methods of implementation lie directly in efficiency.
Attention! Try to trust lymphatic drainage massage to professionals. This is the only way you can achieve 100% effect. With home manipulations, it is almost impossible to achieve the same result.
To understand how the technique discussed in the article works, you need to start directly with what lymph is. In fact, it is an ichor that interacts with blood. This is a so-called type of connective tissue, represented by a transparent liquid and performing important tasks for the body.
Lymph ensures the transport of useful substances into the blood, and also takes care of the removal of toxins, normalization of metabolism, accelerated cell regeneration and the formation of a constant comfortable microenvironment in the dermis at the cellular level.
A failure in this system is fraught with a number of unpleasant consequences, including early aging of the skin and the formation of wrinkles. The massage discussed in the article is designed to prevent all these unpleasant effects. With its help, you can stabilize the condition of your skin so well that it itself will begin a directed movement towards restoration.
Types of lymphatic drainage facial massage
Depending on the method of implementation, there are several types of lymphatic drainage facial massage. Each of them has certain advantages and disadvantages.
Manual massage
Manual lymphatic drainage facial massage is distinguished by its simplicity and accessibility, which is why it is chosen to be performed at home. To do it, no more than 15 minutes are enough, and the effect will exceed all expectations. The manual technique is recommended in cases where the signs of aging on the face are not yet too pronounced.
Hardware massage
Most often, hardware lymphatic drainage facial massage is carried out in beauty salons. In this case, special devices are used. There are several techniques available for patients to choose from.
Galvanization
– a low voltage current is applied, which allows you to restore microcirculation under the skin, activate metabolic processes, and remove excess fluid;
On a note! In some cases, electroiontophoresis lymphatic drainage massage is used. Its essence lies in the fact that with the help of electrodes, stimulating and moisturizing substances are delivered under the skin. They help remove harmful substances from the pores, cleansing and moisturizing the skin.
Vacuum massage
– under the influence of negative pressure, the speed of lymph movement increases;
On a note! The disadvantage of vacuum lymphatic drainage facial massage is that in the absence of certain skills and experience, epidermal tissue can be damaged.
Microcurrent massage
– microcurrents are used to stimulate the upper layers of the skin, due to the effect of low-power electrical impulses, relaxation and contraction of muscles occurs, due to which wrinkles are smoothed out.
To choose the type of lymphatic drainage massage that will be preferable in a particular situation, it is recommended to consult with an experienced cosmetologist.
Lymphatic drainage: Questions and Answers
A few cosmetology tricks are in the answers; they will allow your lymphatic system of the face and neck to look better.
What will I achieve by using a lymphatic drainage facial mask?
Answer: The first thing to think about when using a particular product is: “Is the product compatible with my skin and needs.” The face mask used should contain a high concentration of natural ingredients, which will provide the skin with intense nutrition.
Should I use any additional product? Is peeling mandatory?
Answer: It is very important to cleanse your face and gently exfoliate it so that the ingredients in the mixture are better absorbed. Cosmetics within the professional masks used have options that help to further enhance the effect.
In what order should the procedure be carried out?
Answer: The first thing you should do is cleanse your face using a cleansing brush or washcloth to gently exfoliate. Then apply a serum tailored to your needs, moisturizer, eye contour and finally a mask. This is only if the applied product does not need to be washed off. Otherwise, you need to start by gently cleansing/exfoliating your skin. Then, after 20 minutes, you should wash your face, dry your face with a towel, apply toner, serum and moisturizer.
Manual technique of lymphatic drainage facial massage
It is worth noting that even a poor person can get a lymphatic drainage facial massage in a beauty salon, because the procedure is relatively cheap. In general, you will have to pay 600-1,000 rubles per session. However, many people prefer to rely on their own strength, so they do lymphatic drainage facial massage at home. This desire is completely justified: you won’t have to waste time visiting beauty salons, and you won’t have to spend money, albeit small. In addition, it is convenient and does not take much time. It is enough to spend only 15 minutes on the procedure. After the full course, you can notice the result: the skin becomes firm, elastic, and its color improves.
The technique of performing lymphatic drainage facial massage involves several simple steps. First of all, you need to cleanse the skin with your usual cosmetic product and steam it to open the pores. To do this, it is recommended to hold your face over the steam of a herbal bath for about 10 minutes.
Depending on the areas of massage, the procedure is carried out as follows:
- forehead
- close the pads of the fingers on both hands, place them in the middle of the forehead, make about 6 smooth strokes, heading towards the temples;
- eyes
- place the tips of your index fingers in the bridge of the nose and begin to move along the lower eyelids, reaching the temples; slowly massage the area above the eyes, placing your fingertips on the outer edge of the eyebrows, make circular movements and move towards the bridge of the nose;
- cheeks
- use the tips of any two fingers to draw a line from the central part of the chin to the end of the lower jaw; place your fingers near the corners of your lips, walk up to your ears; draw a line from the upper lip to the middle of the temples;
- nasolabial folds
– place the tips of your index fingers in the area of the nasolabial folds, apply gentle pressure;
- chin
- place your thumbs in the middle of the chin, make about 6 presses of medium intensity, draw a stripe to the ears.
Many people wonder how often they can do lymphatic drainage facial massage. It is worth noting that, despite its relative safety, you should not get carried away with it. However, regularity is no less important for the final result. In this case, it is better to choose the “golden mean”. Even if the effectiveness is not visible after the first procedure, there is no need to despair. Several sessions will be required to obtain the expected result. In general, it is enough to carry out lymphatic drainage massage 2 times a month to feel its effectiveness after a month.
How many procedures need to be done and how often
A standard course of lymphatic drainage massage involves 10-12 procedures . The exact number of manipulations and the frequency of their use can only be determined by an experienced specialist. Some representatives of the fair sex are allowed 2-3 sessions per week. For others, one will be enough.
It all depends on the condition of the skin, age and external factors of many other nuances. As a result of a properly selected massage technique, you will achieve internal and external rejuvenation of the dermis for more than 5 years.
Useful video
When studying modern methods of mechanical action on the skin of the face, you must operate with all possible information. Lymphatic drainage massage in this case was no exception. The more you learn about a technique, the more effective it will be in practical application. Especially for these purposes, we have prepared for you thematic videos in which experienced specialists share their skills and abilities.
Take care of your body using popular mechanical stimulation techniques. Lymphatic drainage massage is a practice that has been used by the fair sex for many decades to maintain an attractive, fresh and youthful appearance.
Thus, with its help, you can not only prolong your youth as much as possible, but also cope with a large number of age-related changes in the dermis that have overtaken you. Choose the right technology right now. Make the necessary preparations and start working on your skin today.
