What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage and why you need to try it

If you’ve had a lymphatic drainage massage, then you already know how drastically they can change your body’s appearance in just a short period of time. But what is it that makes them so effective?

To understand how a lymphatic drainage massage works, first you have to understand a little bit about the lymphatic system.

How exactly does the lymphatic system work?

The lymphatic system is actually part of our body’s immune system. Its job is to move lymph, a clear, watery fluid that collects the waste products naturally produced by our bodies every day. By moving lymph through the circulatory system our bodies rid themselves of toxins. When the lymphatic system is working properly, our bodies experience optimal circulation, hydration, metabolism, and immunity. However, when the lymphatic system is sluggish, it can result in water retention, the accumulation of fat in the form of cellulite and can even make us sick.

Getting a lymphatic drainage massage helps to move the lymph through our bodies so that we can enjoy a healthier and more shapely body. It’s a wonderful way to maintain the body’s immune system while enjoying the benefits it has on reducing water retention and massaging for cellulite reduction.

What should I expect during a lymphatic drainage massage?

The lymphatic drainage massage is unique in that the strokes are all moving from the extremities towards the heart, and then from the heart towards the abdomen where the lymph can be released from the body.

The heart’s pumping action helps to move the waste products through the body’s circulatory system. Then, by massaging towards the abdomen, the massage therapist aids the circulatory system in ridding the waste from our bodies more quickly and efficiently.

A lymphatic drainage massage shouldn’t be painful. The pressure is consistent and fluid but shouldn’t be so deep as to leave marks unless your skin is very sensitive.

For most people, a lymphatic drainage massage is an enjoyable and relaxing experience that helps to calm the nerves and quiet thoughts, along with all the other excellent health benefits.

What are the benefits of a lymphatic drainage massage?

A lymphatic drainage massage is one of the most beneficial styles of massage for our health and bodies. Just some of these benefits include:

• Gives the immune system a boost by removing toxins
• Reduces water retention and the resulting bloating and puffiness
• Reduces the appearance of cellulite
• Improves skin tone
• Helps in weight loss
• Improves digestion
• Provides a sense of relaxation

How should I prepare for a lymphatic drainage massage?

Getting a lymphatic drainage massage is a simple and painless experience that should feel relaxing. To get the most out of the experience, there are a few things you can do beforehand:

• Try to arrive a little early to your appointment so you don’t feel rushed and can ease into the massage with relaxation mode on.
• Don’t eat a heavy meal. Few things can feel more uncomfortable than someone applying pressure on your abdomen when your belly is full.
• Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol before your massage as they are diuretics, meaning you run the risk of having to go to the bathroom to urinate in the middle of your massage. Additionally, they dehydrate the body, which can limit the efficiency of the lymphatic drainage massage.
• Hydrate, but don’t overhydrate. It’s great to stay hydrated as a rule of thumb but, again, you don’t want to have to get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of your massage.

What should I do after a lymphatic drainage massage?

While the lymphatic drainage massage in itself is a complete body therapy, there are some things you can do after your massage to maximize its benefits and make sure the positive effects last even longer:

• Drink plenty of water – your massage therapist has just worked for an hour or more to move the lymph through your circulatory system. When you hydrate after a massage, you potentialize the effects.
• Eat a light meal – go easy on your body after a lymphatic drainage massage. Though the strokes are gentle, there is some deep work being done. Give your body the chance to process it and avoid overwhelming your digestive system with a heavy meal.
• Do some very light exercise – Just as drinking water will help your body move and process lymph more efficiently, moving your body will have the same effect by stimulating your circulatory system. Some light yoga or Pilates or a short walk can maximize the effects of the massage. No need to overdo it and go all out. Think if it as a continuation of the slow and gentle detoxification process started with the massage.
• Get a good night’s rest – It’s possible you may feel a little tired after receiving a lymphatic drainage massage. That’s completely normal as your body’s energy is concentrated on the detoxification process its undergoing. Get to bed early if you can and enjoy a deep rest. The relaxing quality of the massage should calm your nervous system and help carry you into bedtime.

What’s the difference between a lymphatic drainage and shaping massage?

A lot of people confuse lymphatic drainage with shaping massage, but they are actually very different. Shaping massage, also known as contouring massage, works on the areas with the greatest collection of fat in the body such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Unlike the gentle strokes of the lymphatic massages, the shaping massage uses deep pressure to break up fat deposits. Clients may feel pain during the massage and experience sensitivity in the area for a short time afterward.

What is Miracle Sculpt massage?

Our Miracle Sculpt massage at Skinic in Beverly Hills is the perfect combination of lymphatic drainage and shaping massage. It addresses both the water retention and detoxification of the lymphatic drainage massage AND the fat reduction of the shaping massage. Best of all, Miracle Sculpt uses lighter strokes, so you won’t have to endure a painful massage to reap the benefits. Miracle Sculpt will reduce puffiness, even your skin tone, and give you more defined muscles. It’s the most effective and gentle massage for cellulite. If you’re looking for lymphatic drainage in Beverly Hills, try our Miracle Sculpt massage.