Lymphatic drainage is a type of massage that activates the lymph and improves circulation. It consists of mobilizing the entire lymphatic system through very slow and gentle movements. With this technique, it is possible to improve some inflammatory symptoms, relieve fluid retention, and reduce edema and bruises. Working with any of the different lymphatic drainage methods, whether manual or using a machine as in pressotherapy, has direct benefits for the immune system, relaxes the nerves, and improves the health of the person receiving it.
Since there are different types that you can benefit from and achieve properties, we will describe them so you can understand their differences.
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How lymphatic drainage began
Lymph has been known since ancient times, but manual lymphatic drainage is about 100 years old. It was first implemented by Estrid Vodder and Emil Vodder, both dedicated to human health. Through massage techniques, they realized that as they massaged and stimulated the lymph nodes, the patients receiving this therapy gradually improved.
Naturally, it wasn’t called that at first. It was simply referred to as “stimulation of the lymph nodes“, but as happens with many techniques and sciences, when the Vodder couple solidified their technique and confirmed that stimulating the lymph truly worked, they began explaining and spreading their knowledge as Vodder lymphatic drainage.
Since everything related to this topic involves the lymph, so you can better understand how it works and what happens in your body when it is applied, we will explain what lymph is and the system that carries it in the body, and then the types of lymphatic drainage treatments that exist and what they are used for.
What is lymph
The circulatory system carries blood throughout the body through veins and arteries, and the lymphatic system runs parallel to this. Instead of carrying blood, it contains lymph, which collects proteins, fats, and liquids needed by the cells. The proper functioning of the lymph is very important because when it does not circulate smoothly, fluid accumulation and a deficiency in the immune system occur. Defenses drop, and it is much easier to get sick.
Lymph lacks pigments and has no color. It is clear, although it can take on a whitish hue. It reaching every corner of the body is beneficial because cells can nourish themselves and perform the function they are programmed for. Each group of cells has a different task, and all together, they make life as we know it possible. Well, all the nutrients that reach the cells and excess pass into the lymph, and it then returns them to the blood so they can be purified by expelling waste. Therefore, activating the lymphatic system is extremely important and beneficial, especially for people with fluid retention and certain diseases. It prevents stagnation, relieves inflammation, and helps the body expel harmful substances that would otherwise accumulate.
Benefits of lymphatic drainage
- Improves lymph circulation.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Prevents fluid retention.
- Can complement a weight loss diet.
- Acts against cellulite.
- Stimulates the skin tissues to reduce sagging.
- Relaxing.
One of the most important properties of performing lymphatic drainage is that the immune system is stimulated. This technique mobilizes the lymph nodes that purify the lymph. They eliminate substances and microorganisms that could make you sick, and since they are located in different parts of the human body, it is necessary to apply it to different body areas such as the legs, abdomen, and face. Manual lymphatic drainage can be extended to the entire body or focus more on a specific area when a condition such as fluid retention in the legs is detected.
But even if no diseases or ailments are detected, having one or more sessions can be very beneficial. Its benefits help improve overall health and, in cases where lymph nodes are inflamed, can reduce their condition and prevent symptoms that would make you sick later.
Manual lymphatic drainage
This treatment aims to improve the immune system and strengthen the body’s defenses through a very gentle, repetitive, and constant manual massage. There are different techniques, and you can learn how to do it at home or contact a professional massage therapist to receive a full session. The best option is always someone with experience and training since this ensures the best results from lymphatic drainage. However, if you want to stimulate certain areas, you can also practice with some examples or take a massage therapy course.
Through manual lymphatic drainage, lymph—which circulates throughout the body and collects the excess fluids from the blood—circulates better. As we mentioned, it has a whitish, milky appearance and circulates in one direction toward the heart. This can be applied in different areas of the body, such as:
- Legs and calves.
- Abdomen and waist area.
- Face.
Additionally, depending on where it is applied, it can be very beneficial for:
- Pregnancy.
- Cellulite.
- Eliminating fluid retention.
- Promoting greater skin elasticity and reducing facial and body sagging.
The massage therapist, or through a machine treatment as we will see next, stimulates the lymph nodes that cleanse the entire lymphatic circulation in its different sections. Performing certain movements on them in a gentle and controlled manner can reduce inflammation and strengthen the health of anyone.
Pressotherapy or lymphatic drainage with a machine
You have probably heard of pressotherapy treatment, but you may not have been sure what it is. Whether you are familiar with it or not, pressotherapy is a form of lymphatic drainage. This is the assisted or machine version, and it also has multiple benefits. In addition to relaxing the nervous system, it activates the lymphatic and circulatory systems and improves fluid retention in the people who use it.
Lymphatic drainage can be either manual or assisted. The latter requires special equipment that simulates the manual massage by an experienced person. For this to be possible, it is necessary to use a special suit that, by introducing air with a complex programming system, applies different pressures to areas of the body where the lymph nodes and lymphatic system are located. It is not the same as manual lymphatic drainage, but the benefits of pressotherapy are numerous, achieving good results, and it is very comfortable.
The sensations you experience during the session include some pressure in certain areas of the body. Once finished, you feel a great relaxation and mental and physical peace. It relaxes a lot while improving the internal state of the human body. And in the end, you can really feel the difference.
However, like all treatments to improve health, there are occasions when it is better to avoid using it or wait for a certain period before using it. So, let’s discuss the cases in which you should avoid its use.
Contraindications
If you have any of these diseases or suffer from any of these conditions, it is better not to undergo this treatment. Always consult with the professional beforehand as it is usually not advised because it could worsen the symptoms. So, let’s outline the contraindications of manual and machine lymphatic drainage:
- Hyperthyroidism and diseases related to the thyroid gland.
- If you suffer from any type of cancer.
- Heart problems, heart failure, and similar conditions.
- Thrombosis and phlebitis.
- Asthma and respiratory conditions.
- Low blood pressure or hypotension.
Additionally, if you are currently suffering from a disease, it is advisable to consult with the professional who will perform the treatment. In some cases, it can provide many benefits and improve your health status, but in others, it could have unwanted or side effects. The person performing the treatment, whether using the manual technique or a pressotherapy system, will know whether it is advisable at that moment.
When it is necessary to activate the lymphatic system
Even healthy people can enhance the effects of the different lymphatic drainage techniques available today. Both the Vodder technique and some alternatives that have emerged in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao provide benefits and properties when performed correctly. It is not necessary to have a specific illness or ailment to enjoy the relaxation it produces and the improvement in the body’s defenses.
Regardless of the city you live in or the country of residence, you can find different centers offering this treatment. Whether you are in Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, etc., you can benefit from either the manual technique or the one explained here that uses equipment. The key is that lymphatic drainage works as a detoxifying therapy, removes excess liquids from the body, and activates the entire human body. Additionally, it works for cellulite, as a complement to a weight loss diet, and also—something very important—it stimulates subdermal tissues that prevent sagging. In this regard, lymphatic drainage is very effective for the abdomen as it helps eliminate toxins, reduce part of the fat tissue, and promotes the recovery of fibers that make up the plasticity and healthy appearance of the belly. It also helps soothe the nerves, so it can be beneficial for people who suffer from stress and depression.
Differences between manual lymphatic drainage and pressotherapy
The person performing the treatment plays a significant role, so a physiotherapist with knowledge and training, who is skilled and trained in this technique through courses, or a lymphatic drainage massage therapist can achieve great benefits and spectacular results. However, as always, the skill of the professional matters a lot. Good experts, in addition to stimulating the lymph nodes, can provide the pleasure of a body massage. It is very gratifying to have someone massage your body.
On the other hand, although it is fully compatible, there is pressotherapy. Since it is the machine version of lymphatic drainage, it has the advantage of having certain settings that can be adapted, but the movements are always effective when used professionally. You avoid unskilled massage therapists and wasting time and money until you find one who is truly good. Additionally, there are different systems like Ballancer, Sorisa, and, like the manual method, you can have it done on your entire body or only certain parts. For this, you have boots and suits available.
Personally, we always prefer the delicate and pleasant touch of a person, but for that, you first need to find a good massage therapist. If you don’t have references, it’s very simple to contact a pressotherapy center and benefit from its properties without complications. Plus, you can likely combine it with other aesthetic treatments that can work very well.essary.
