Lymphatic Facial Drainage… in just 10 Minutes

Why perform  a lymphatic facial drainage, and what are the benefits?

The lymphatic system is responsible for grabbing macromolecules that have accumulated in tissues, to carry them to the venous system, and then on to excretion organs.  This technique is considered to be one of the best ways of eliminating toxins from the body.  This massage activates the lymphatic system, keeping it in good health by stimulating veins and lymphatic ganglions.

Lymphatic facial drainage is a manual therapy technique that consists of gentle skin movements, from pumping and slow movements in the direction of the lymph to remove toxins naturally.  Toxins are mobilized by drainage towards the superficial ganglions to then be sent to deeper ones in the neck.  They are then drained through the thoracic region.

Lymphatic facial drainage improves the face’s natural aspect and rejuvenates, as it helps eliminate excess liquids and toxins that have accumulated in tissues.  It promotes blood circulation and strengthens muscle tone.

The fatigued look on your face will slowly disappear, giving you a fresh and renovated look.  Your skin will also look happier and tighter, improving tone.

Lymphatic facial massage is very relaxing for the patient, as it affects the nervous system as well.  It also calms states of anxiety and noticeably reduces stress.  It’s important to point out that this is a technique that can only be done by a qualified proffesional.  If done poorly, this could cause problems with moving toxins, and it could obstruct the ganglions.

Benefits of lymphatic facial drainage

There are a lot of benefits from this type of lymphatic drainage:

• Detoxify
• Excellent for reducing bags under the eyes as well as reducing dark circles.
• Eliminates fatigue from the face and even reduces swelling by promoting drainage.
• Promotes cellular repair and improves the way skin looks.
• Improves microcirculation and nutrients.
• Increases oxygen supply
• People with acne will see an improvement in their skin.
• It has a sedating effect, which helps treat problems related to stress and insomnia
• The drainage also helps relax the nervous system, which is why it is also recommended for people that suffer from stress and anxiety
• It can also treat scars
• Improves edema

Lymphatic facial drainage is contraindicated in certain cases:

Patients with high blood pressure or rheumatism, bronchial asthma, arthritis, lupus, cancer, or any sort of acute infection, thrombosis, and if you have any sort of thyroid problem.

Simple self-massage for facial lymphatic drainage that you can do yourself

If you get up in the morning with bags under your eyes, or if you’ve stayed up late, or maybe it’s because of accumulated stress throughout the week, we recommend that you try, and do, this facial massage with your own hands.  Work with a clean face, it will only take 10 minutes.

FOREHEAD: place flat hands on your forehead and make soft movements using pressure and decompression, moving towards your temples.  Repeat 3 times.

DARK CIRCLES UNDER EYES: lightly press on the area located behind your eyeballs, activating this lymphatic system.  Repeat this movement 3 times.

BAGS UNDER EYES: gently press the inner corner of your lower eyelid with your index finger.  Slowly slide it across to your temples.  Repeat 3 times.

NOSE AND MOUTH: press your finger in the indents that form on the side of your nose and mouth, slide your finger across and apply a gentle pressure until reaching the base of your ears.  Repeat 3 times.

CHIN: Place your fingers on the middle of your chin.  Press lihtly and rub your fingers around the contour of your jaw until reaching your earlobes.  Repeat 3 times.

NECK: Gently slide your finger tips down from your chin to the base of your neck.  Using your fingertips, gently press the dimple at the base of your neck, in the clavicle, to unblock the lymphatic ganglions.  Repeat 3 times.

This massage will clean and tone your face.  Afterwards, use your normal face cream, because after the massage you will absorb it much better.  Your face and your skin will benefit with better looks.

Revised by: Dra. Loredana Lunadei on 12/27/2017

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