If there is one massage that has been in vogue in recent years, it is lymphatic drainage. If this technique has existed for a long time, it has, more recently, been highlighted by the Renata Franca method and its very telling before/after photos. A gentle method that has many benefits… even beyond acting on our silhouette! A manual massage combining aesthetics and well-being that we tested by going to the Parisian institute Lymfea. For the occasion, we met Sarah Line Attlan, the founder. With her, we take stock of this massage with multiple virtues.
What is lymphatic drainage?
Before going into the experience, remember that lymphatic drainage is a massage that aims to stimulate the circulation of lymph, a colorless liquid circulating throughout our body via the lymphatic vessels. Essential to the proper functioning of our immune system, the lymph transports waste and toxins from our body to the lymph nodes located throughout the body. These allow you to clean it and eliminate bad residues. « The lymphatic system is comparable to the blood system with the only difference that the lymph nodes do not naturally pump the lymph, as the heart does for the blood », explains Sarah Line Attlan. For this, it is important to work the lymph. « And if sport and a few so-called detox food cures can help with lymphatic drainage, this massage technique, via gentle, long and regular gestures, coupled with lymph node stimulation, remains one of the most convincing means « .
What are the benefits and effects of lymphatic drainage?
Strengthen the immune system
The primary function of lymphatic drainage remains to strengthen the immune system by eliminating toxins and waste accumulated in the body.
Work on water retention
Water retention is an accumulation of water, generally located in the legs, ankles, but also the stomach and arms, generally causing swelling of the areas concerned. The gesture of the lymphatic massage can drastically reduce this discomfort. Some people even lose a few centimeters in just one session. This photo shows it: on the left, before and on the right, after.
Relieve heavy legs
Intrinsically, people prone to poor blood circulation see a marked improvement after the session. This process helps in the decongestion of the tissues. Even better, the feeling of lightness that accompanies a session over several days against the feeling of heavy legs.
Relieve bloating
The lymphatic drainage of the belly helps to work the digestive system, an effective way to counter bloating. In addition to saying goodbye to our swollen belly, this « second brain » through which all our emotions pass, it also allows us to release the bad energies accumulated in the abdomen and thus free our mind.
Improve skin quality
Lymphatic drainage, through its repeated massage movements, improves the quality of the skin. Over the course of the sessions, the latter becomes more toned. She is strengthened. And if this is not the first benefit linked to massage, we note that lymphatic drainage allows the regeneration of tissues and therefore promotes good healing.
Help in cellulite reduction
Another effect – and this, thanks to its repeated tonic movements: the lymphatic drainage helps to fight against cellulite. But beware, the expert specifies: « the lymphatic massage helps, in fact, to improve the quality of the skin on the surface and not to eliminate encrusted cellulite ».
Improve sleep quality
This is not the main benefit, but it is true that “the body continues to work after the session, it gets tired. This process allows us to sleep well,” explains the pro. And to continue: “It is important to rest after a lymphatic massage and to drink plenty of water”.
How does the lymphatic drainage take place in the institute?
Mainly focused on the legs, stomach and arms, lymphatic drainage lasts approximately 1 hour. The goal: to activate the lymphatic system via energetic, gentle and regular movements in order to promote the elimination of toxins, whether through the pores or through the urine. While we are comfortably seated on the massage table, the practitioner literally begins by pumping our lymph nodes located in the groin before exercising tonic movements from bottom to top of the area to be treated. Against all expectations (because, yes, we had some a priori), this action is not painful. It is, however, unusual; sometimes even disconcerting, even uncomfortable at first sight, but nothing insurmountable. Especially since the practitioner accompanies us throughout the session, especially when she moves on to massaging the belly, a somewhat intimate region that is massaged very infrequently. It is then necessary to carry out some breathing exercises in order to accompany the gestures of the practitioner who begins, once again, by pumping the lymph nodes of the area to be worked. It starts from the diaphragm, passing through the ascending and descending colon, then the digestive system, the intercostal region and finally the sides of the belly. The drainage then passes through the arms, via the lymph nodes located under the armpits and the same gesture.
Compared to a traditional massage which allows us to relax immediately, lymphatic drainage provides a feeling of well-being afterwards. Once the session is over, as soon as you straighten up, you feel lighter. And the effects, since the body continues to work long after the session, last longer. But that, « it’s an experience to be carried out which is worth more than 1000 words », explains Sarah Line Attlan.
Who of the lymphatic drainage of the face?
Note that lymphatic drainage is also practiced on the face. On the same principles, the massage lasts about 1 hour. And the benefits are diverse. Under the action of the massage and the pumping of the glands, the tissues are decongested, the face is then less swollen and the signs of fatigue reduced. It also helps prevent skin aging and reduce redness. In addition, eliminating toxins helps improve facial radiance and say hello to a luminous complexion.
How to perform lymphatic drainage yourself?
It is possible to complete the lymphatic massage in the institute via a few simple exercises at home, and this, in just a few minutes. Sarah Line Attlan gives us some tips for successful drainage at home.
For the legs
The dry brushing technique is a great way to drain lymph at home in two super-simple steps. Equipped with the right accessory, we start with the ankle going up towards the knee with a horizontal gesture going from the back to the front of the leg. Once the back of the calf is drained, brush the front of the leg, from the ankle to the knee, in order to draw up the lymph.
For the belly
A few simple movements in the morning allow you to regain digestive and intestinal comfort very quickly in addition to draining the lymph. In the half-bridge position, we start by inhaling deeply and we inflate the belly like a balloon. Then, we exhale in order to empty the air slowly, returning the navel to the maximum. The exercise is repeated 5 times. Finally, we can repeat these movements while performing circular gestures with the hand during expiration.
Contraindications of lymphatic drainage
The expert advises going to a doctor in case of lymphoedema and specifies that « lymphatic drainage is contraindicated for people with heart problems or taking beta-blockers, people with tuberculosis, thrombosis, hyperthyroidism, phlebitis and arterial hypotension in particular”. Finally, for pregnant women, lymphatic drainage is necessarily suitable.
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