Benefits of lymph drainage
Gentle Nourishment for Body Wellness.
Lymph Drainage Benefits
Learn about the significance of lymphatic drainage massage, often referred to as lymph drainage therapy. This therapeutic technique not only promotes the health of your lymphatic system but also ensures its efficient functioning, crucial for immune response and fluid balance in the body.
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What is lymphatic drainage massage?
The lymphatic system relies on muscle contractions and deep breathing to expel fluids and toxins from our body. However, lymphatic drainage massage also plays a crucial role in ensuring the system operates efficiently.
In the UK, lymphatic drainage is less commonly known, but it’s a specialised massage form that’s broadly utilised in Europe, the Far East and other global regions to enhance lymphatic flow.
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How does it differ from a standard massage?
When most refer to an “ordinary” massage, they’re typically thinking of aromatherapy, sports massage, Swedish massage, or some of the other more uniquely named massages found in today’s salons and spas.
In these conventional massages, the primary focus is on the muscles, necessitating deep techniques to access the muscular layer. In contrast, lymphatic drainage massage specifically targets the fragile lymphatic vessels and nodes situated just beneath the skin.
These require only the gentlest of pressures to facilitate fluid movement. Thus, if you’re grappling with issues like water retention, bloating, cellulite, or uneven skin tone, the conventional massage might not deliver the results you’re seeking.
“Lymphatic drainage is sometimes termed ‘massage’ because it involves hand movements on the skin but it is very different from therapeutic or aromatherapy massage which can cause friction to the skin and increase the blood supply. This, in turn, causes more lymph to be produced.”
Website of the Royal Marsden Hospital
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Is lymphatic drainage massage a new concept?
Lymphatic drainage massage was introduced as a therapeutic technique in the 1930s by Dr Emil Vodder to address symptoms of sinusitis and persistent colds. He found that massaging the enlarged lymph nodes on his patients’ faces and necks significantly decongested the sinuses, reduced inflammation, and often alleviated headaches, migraines, and even facial blemishes.
He broadened his research on lymphatic drainage massage to encompass the entire body’s lymphatic vessels and organs, identifying both health and cosmetic benefits:
“A suboptimal lymph circulation compromises our defences, making us vulnerable to infections such as catarrh, chronic colds, sinusitis, sore throats, angina, etc. Regrettably, this congested state, often linked to deteriorating lymph circulation, adversely impacts one’s appearance. This underlies various cosmetic issues like swelling, redness, puffiness, eye bags, spots and more. A stagnant lymph flow can be disastrous for both health and beauty. It’s imperative to rejuvenate lymph circulation, and this is achieved with Manual Lymph Drainage.”
Dr Emil Vodder: Lymphatic drainage, a novel therapeutic technique, Paris 1936
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Are there various forms of manual lymphatic drainage massage?
Indeed!
Concerning manual lymphatic drainage massage, the ‘Vodder method’, pioneered by our dear Dr Emil Vodder, is regarded as the gold standard. However, the Casley-Smith and the Foldi-Leduc methods also exist.
The latter two are primarily used to address severe medical issues like lymphoedema, lipoedema, and fibrosis. Any manual lymphatic drainage massage offered in a cosmetic setting, like a salon, spa, or aesthetic clinic, will be grounded on the Vodder technique.
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What to expect from the Body Ballancer® lymphatic drainage machine
Traditionally, trained therapists have manually executed lymphatic drainage massage. They use gentle pressure and long, rhythmic strokes to boost the flow of the lymphatic fluid – ‘lymph’ – aiding the lymphatic system in expelling toxins and other detrimental waste from the body.
Body Ballancer® is an innovative lymphatic drainage device that eliminates the need for a skilled lymphatic drainage massage therapist. Instead, the Body Ballancer® employs clinically designed garments inflated with air to provide a robust, uniform, and effective lymphatic massage.
Moreover, it adheres to the proven principles of the Vodder method, using fluid compression strokes that gently operate from the base of the limb up to the torso – termed ‘distal to proximal’ – for efficient fluid decongestion in the treated area.
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Benefits of lymphatic drainage massage
Your lymphatic system bolsters your immune system by eliminating toxins, shedding excess fluid, and facilitating the absorption of vitamins from your digestive tract.
Regrettably, due to factors like stress, illness, and an unhealthy lifestyle, the lymphatic system can become obstructed or overwhelmed.
While a balanced diet and consistent exercise are vital, lymphatic drainage massage has been established as a method to support your lymphatic system.
Given the lymphatic system’s role, lymphatic drainage massage – sometimes referred to as lymph drainage therapy – can offer numerous health, beauty, and fitness advantages, including:
- Diminishing swelling due to water retention
- Facilitating weight loss
- Reducing cellulite
- Enhancing skin tone
- Refining body contour
- Instilling a feeling of lightness and reduced bloating
- Promoting digestion
- Encouraging sleep and relaxation
- Eliminating toxins
- Boosting the immune system to stave off illnesses and diseases
- Speeding up muscle recovery to assist with exercise
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Expectations from the Body Ballancer® lymphatic drainage device
Based on the body region undergoing treatment, you’ll be assisted into the Body Ballancer® trousers or jacket before resting comfortably on the treatment bed. The garments are then connected to a computer-controlled air-compression apparatus programmed to apply the precise pressure through all, or a combination of, the 24 interlapping air chambers.
Once the procedure commences, the garment’s gradual and gentle inflation delivers a seamless lymphatic drainage massage over the targeted region, ensuring a tranquil, pleasant, and soothing experience. After the procedure, you’ll step out feeling reinvigorated and refreshed.
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How many lymphatic massage treatments will you need?
This hinges on your specific reason for opting for the Body Ballancer® lymphatic drainage device.
For instance, if your aim is to alleviate bloating and puffiness resulting from water retention, a single session might yield discernible outcomes.
However, for objectives like cellulite reduction or skin tone enhancement, a series of treatments is likely necessary. We typically suggest 12 sessions spread over three to four weeks.
A Body Ballancer® lymphatic drainage massage can also augment the outcomes of treatments like liposculpture. One or two sessions leading up to the procedure day will stimulate lymphatic flow and clear excess fluid from the area.
Post-procedure, a sequence of four to six sessions can diminish bruising and swelling, letting you attain your desired body shape swifter and with minimal discomfort.
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What to wear during a Body Ballancer® lymphatic drainage massage
We generally advise wearing comfy attire such as leggings paired with socks for the lower body, or a soft, long-sleeved shirt for upper body treatments.
For sanitary reasons, direct skin contact is discouraged. If you’re receiving a Body Ballancer® lymphatic massage at a spa or clinic, they might provide disposable garments for you.
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Is lymphatic drainage massage safe?
Lymphatic drainage massage is entirely safe. Nevertheless, we advise against using Body Ballancer® if you exhibit the following symptoms:
- Unassessed pain and/or numbness
- Ischaemic vascular diseases, including gangrene and rest-associated pain
- Uncontrolled congestive heart failure or unstable cardiac conditions
- Known or suspected deep-vein thrombosis
- Infected skin or an open wound
If you have any reservations about undergoing the treatment, it’s best to consult your doctor.
