Lymphatic drainage facial massage: what is it and how is it performed?

New-fashioned contouring and a thick layer of makeup on the face can create a beautiful image only for a short time. And every representative of the beautiful half of humanity dreams of looking always young, fresh and well-groomed. In the struggle for beauty and youth, women are ready to make any risky decisions, because it is not for nothing that everyone knows the saying - beauty requires sacrifice.

But modern care procedures in beauty salons say the opposite - beauty requires proper and timely care. And then, even at the age of 40, you can receive compliments about your unfading attractiveness and femininity.

Lymphatic drainage massage is mainly used to work out problem areas of the body, although it is equally effective as a facial treatment. Facial massage along the lymphatic lines will help to tighten the oval, give the skin elasticity and restore youth. This painless and easy procedure allows you to feel like a young girl again without a scalpel and expensive injections.

In order for all the processes that take place at the time and after the procedure to become more understandable, let's look at an illustrative example of what the lymphatic system is. As you know, two systems function in our body: circulatory and lymphatic. The first is responsible for the transport of nutrients to the cells of the body, and the second helps to remove unnecessary substances: toxins, bacteria and decay products. And if there are problems in the functioning of the lymphatic system, puffiness may appear, the contour of the face will change, bags under the eyes will appear, and the general condition of the skin will worsen.

In addition, bad ecology and wrong lifestyle leave their mark. The peculiarity of the lymphatic drainage massage of the face consists in the transportation of fluid through the lymphatic system and active drainage. Also, the procedure helps to stimulate the resorption of the fat layer in the subcutaneous tissues. In this case, the intercellular space is freed from impurities and toxins.

Lymphatic drainage facial massage has many benefits:

• helps to cleanse the body of fluid stagnation and the accumulation of harmful substances;
• the outflow of lymph stimulates blood circulation, which helps to increase the natural production of collagen;
• a noticeable effect after the first procedure - but for a lasting result, it is necessary to carry out at least 8 sessions;
• general well-being improves;
• general normalization of the functions of the lymphatic system of the face;
• the procedure can be performed manually or using a special device;
• it is not necessary to sign up for an expensive beauty salon to improve the condition of the skin - you can perform lymphatic drainage massage yourself.

But in order to eliminate all the problems and imperfections of the skin, it is enough to take a shower and devote a few minutes to beauty. And then the next day the wrinkles will decrease, the bags under the eyes will disappear, and the face will become fresh and rested.

Gentle restorative and care techniques give only a temporary effect, therefore, like any cosmetic procedures, facial modeling is carried out in courses. Under the age of 30, it is recommended to carry out lymphatic drainage massage twice a year in order to prevent age-related skin changes. One course consists of 8-15 sessions. After 30 years, the number of courses and the duration of sessions may increase. In this case, all changes are individual and depend on the characteristics of the skin.

The fast pace of life and poor ecology may not be the best way to affect the skin. And besides, time is not the best companion for a woman. Over the years, the once beautiful features of the face change, and the tone and elasticity of the skin disappear. The congestion of lymphatic fluid causes swelling and sagging of the skin. This is how the first wrinkles appear, and the second chin begins to grow.

Lymphatic drainage massage has a powerful effect on the skin and can solve several problems:

• eliminate puffiness - the excess fluid in the cells is excreted from the body naturally;
• get rid of puffiness and bruises under the eyes, reduce swelling of the eyelids - due to active nutrition with useful elements and oxygenation of the deep layers of the skin, the tone of the face improves;
• raise the brow ridges and make the look more open - the skin becomes elastic, and mimic wrinkles are gradually smoothed out;
• correct the fuzzy contour of the face;

• slow down premature aging - the outflow of lymph will restore nutrition to the epidermis and eliminate skin laxity;
• reduce visible wrinkles - age-related changes become less noticeable;
• eliminate a double chin - fat deposits on the face are reduced by activating metabolic processes;
• even out skin tone;
• improve well-being and get rid of accumulated fatigue - any cosmetic procedures to preserve beauty raise mood and help restore strength.

In addition to the huge benefits, the lymphatic drainage massage procedure has some disadvantages. For example, in some cases the opposite effect is possible after the massage - the next day there may be a slight swelling of the face. But this is a temporary phenomenon and it will quickly disappear.

You should not do the procedure of lymphatic drainage massage for young representatives of the beautiful half of humanity. At an early age, a serious care complex can cause inflammation and stretch marks on the skin. A young organism is designed in such a way that the outflow of lymph is carried out in a natural way and does not require additional efforts for this.

The technique of lymphatic drainage massage stimulates and activates metabolic processes in tissues.

Lymphatic drainage massage has limitations, and it is necessary to refuse the procedure if you have some health problems:

• oncological diseases;
• thin vessels;
• autoimmune diseases;
• tuberculosis;
• infectious diseases and colds;
• neuralgia of the facial nerves;

• enlarged lymph nodes;
• any inflammation of the skin, including open wounds, scratches or scabs;
• thin and especially sensitive skin;
• diseases of the heart and vascular system;
• low coagulability and blood diseases;
• diabetes;
• the recovery period after plastic surgery on the face;
• age up to 25 years - according to cosmetologists, at a young age, lymphatic drainage massage can give the opposite result.

It is also necessary to consult with a specialist if there are rashes on the face. In some cases, the doctor may recommend postponing the massage procedure until the skin is completely restored.

Beauty salons offer different massage techniques: manual and hardware. Each technique is effective and applied in a specific way.

Manual massage is effective at the very beginning of age-related changes and is suitable for younger and toned skin. You can carry out a classic manual lymphatic drainage facial massage yourself at home.

The obvious advantage of manual techniques lies precisely in the individual approach. For example, it is impossible to adjust the device for a certain area of ​​the face to a more gentle or, conversely, enhanced mode. In manual technique, it is always possible to work out all the zones in different ways, taking into account the individual characteristics of the skin.

Manual massage is divided into several types. According to various sources, the technique of manual lymphatic drainage massage appeared thanks to the Japanese cosmetologist Yukuko Tanaka, and according to other sources, its progenitor is the Spanish chiropractor Enrique Garcia.

Consider the most popular manual massage techniques.

• Japanese. Another name for the technique is “zogan”. During the procedure, the effect is exerted not only on the upper, but also on the deep layers of the skin. The massage is carried out with the fingertips and the whole palm.
• Hemolymphatic drainage or Spanish. It is a technique aimed at cleansing the deep layers of the skin. To work out the lower part of the face and chin, movements and pressure with great effort are used. But the main emphasis of the technique is to achieve a sense of pleasure and delight during a massage session.

• Javanese. A luxurious treatment that was previously only available to members of the royal family. Movements are made with thumbs and palms. Literally every millimeter on the face is being worked out. After the procedure, microcirculation improves and the work of blood vessels improves.
• Thai. The procedure takes about 20 minutes, during which time you seem to be transported into a new world of peace and pleasure.To renew the face contour, you will need at least two sessions, and after completing the full course, the visible effect will be more persistent.

Hardware massage is most suitable in cases where serious assistance is needed. And the hardware massage procedure gives a more lasting effect.

There are several types of this procedure.

• Galvanization - is one of the most popular salon care techniques. The procedure consists of an electromechanical effect on the skin. During the massage, all facial muscles are worked out, blood circulation is stimulated and the lymph is cleared of excess fluid, toxins and toxins.

Electroplating has several advantages:

1. painful sensations are absent;
2. additionally, there is a treatment of inflammatory processes of the skin, prevention of rashes and acne;
3. promotes the rapid recovery of skin cells after injury, so galvanization is sometimes prescribed by the surgeon after plastic surgery.

• Pressotherapy - during the procedure, a special mask is put on the face with separate segments that apply pressure to the problem areas of the face. Together with them, the rest of the sections are being worked out. The procedure helps to restore skin elasticity and firmness in several procedures. And besides, it helps to increase the protective properties of the dermis.
• Vacuum - is carried out using a special apparatus that looks like a small tube. All parts of the face are worked out along the massage lines. Some manufacturers offer portable vacuum pore cleaners that also perform the function of lymphatic drainage massage at home. Therefore, vacuum massage can be performed independently in front of a mirror. But at the same time, it is necessary to be extremely careful, because in inept hands a vacuum massager can cause microtrauma and bruises.
• Iontophoresis - during the procedure, a low voltage current is applied to the deep layers of the skin and active elements are introduced that are responsible for slowing down aging. The massage activates the natural production of collagen, reduces swelling and restores a healthy complexion. And during the procedure, there are no painful or unpleasant sensations, only a slight vibration is felt.

• Microcurrent - An effective procedure for getting rid of a double chin and reducing visible nasolabial folds.

More recently, hardware cosmetology was available only in beauty salons, but today almost anyone can purchase a professional massager for personal use. However, appliances for domestic and professional use in the salon may differ. For example, in a professional salon series, the device may have several modifications of the device, which differ in technical data, the number of additional attachments, service life and price.

In the beautician's office, the procedure of lymphatic drainage massage is not available to everyone. And the technique of manual massage is very simple: just remember the classic massage lines and perform all the actions in a specific order. If performed correctly, the result will not be long in coming. Lymphatic drainage facial massage can be performed with your fingertips or with the help of special devices.

Classic manual massage consists of gentle stroking, tapping, strong pressure and stretching the skin along the lines of the lymph flow. The main thing is that the movements are soft, but at the same time, rhythmic.

To perform manual massage, you yourself need to study the massage lines of various areas of the face, along which you need to move:

• from the chin to the ears;
• from lips to ears;
• from nose to temples;
• along the nose from the bottom up from the tip to the eyebrows;
• from the center of the forehead to the temples;
• along the lower eyelid along the line of the superciliary arch from the outer corner of the eye to the inner one;
• along the upper eyelid from the nose to the outer corner.

The massage is done in an ascending direction, so you need to move upward from the décolleté area: neck, chin, forehead, nasolabial folds and the area between the eyebrows. And all massage movements are in an arc.

After that, you can proceed to work according to the scheme. Classic manual lymphatic drainage massage is performed in the direction of movement of the lymph - from the bottom up and it is necessary to move strictly along the massage lines. All movements are performed slowly and smoothly.

It is necessary to start from the chin - place the thumbs of both hands on the bulging point of the chin. And starting with a little light pressure, sweep your fingers in an arc towards your earlobes. Repeat the movement along the line 4-5 more times, each time increasing the pressure, but avoid painful sensations.

After that, you can go up to the corners of the lips and the wings of the nose. All movements remain the same, but the massage line rises a little higher - the direction from the tips of the lips and wings of the nose goes to the center of the ear. The number of lines drawn remains the same. And, as in the previous zone, the pressure increases slightly with each line. On the final touch, increase the radius and go from the corners of the lips to the outside of the brow arches.

After working through the three zones, you can start lymphatic drainage massage of the eyelids, which will help get rid of bags and bruises under the eyes. With your fingertips, slide in a circle: along the lower eyelid from the outer corner of the eyes to the inner one and along the upper eyelid from the inner corner to the outer corner. Movements should be calm and soft, no pressure should be applied, since the skin around the eyes is delicate, especially thin and can be easily injured. Classic circular motions can be replaced with zigzag motions, but the direction of movement must remain the same.

The development of the forehead begins with the glabellar space, where hateful mimic wrinkles often appear. From this point, use your fingertips to move sideways to the temples and up to the hairline. Movements should be smooth and unhurried. Repeat drawing each line 5-6 times.

If you follow them, then after the first sessions a noticeable effect will appear: the elasticity and firmness of the skin will be restored, the complexion will become healthy, the oval and contours will become clearer, and the look will be expressive. And after a full course, a noticeable rejuvenation of the face will occur.

The procedure for self-massage at home is simple, but requires proper preparation. And the effect will depend on the correctness of the actions. In the initial stages, manual massage can take about 20-30 minutes. But over time, when all movements will be done automatically, you will spend about 15 minutes for the entire massage.

First, prepare your place of work. Provide good lighting and bring a mirror for your convenience.

After that, you can move on to preparing the skin. To begin with, the face needs a gentle and gentle cleansing. Using a mild lotion and cotton pad, remove any makeup residue from your face.

If desired, you can steam the skin by sitting over a hot decoction of medicinal herbs for 10 minutes. This will open up the pores and make the procedure more effective. When performing hardware massage, you must also remove any jewelry.

It is best to use cosmetic oil or moisturizing milk for massage. Each zone is worked out in order in a certain sequence. Available tools can be used as auxiliary tools.For massage, ordinary tablespoons, vacuum cans, metal balls, as well as special devices - hardware nozzles and mesoscooters are suitable.

After the procedure, remove the remains of massage oil or milk from the skin. And the final stage includes moisturizing and nourishing the skin. If you massage before bed, you can immediately apply a night cream with a lifting effect to your face, it will help enhance the effect of oval modeling.

A comprehensive facial treatment helps to get rid of puffiness and swelling, reduce mimic wrinkles, tighten the oval of the face and say goodbye to a double chin.

Do not forget that any procedures, especially with a face, must be performed correctly and in compliance with the basic recommendations.

• If you believe the advertising headlines, the procedures of lymphatic drainage massage in the salon allow you to visually rejuvenate your face for 10 years. But don't believe all the marketing gimmicks. Choosing the right beautician can take a long time. Therefore, when choosing a master, study the reviews and entrust the care of your beauty only to experienced specialists and professionals.
• At the first session, tell the beautician about chronic diseases and ailments in order to eliminate the likelihood of unwanted consequences.
• Stimulating the outflow of lymph is a serious task, the solution of which requires certain knowledge and experience from the performer. Therefore, if you plan to carry out the facial massage procedure yourself, we recommend that you first make an appointment with a beautician for several procedures. Then you will be able to remember the technique and scheme, and in the future you will be guided by your own feelings.

• To begin with, all procedures are recommended to be done while sitting in front of a mirror in a well-lit place. But over time, you will be able to massage even while lying in bed or while taking a relaxing bath.
• Choose your beauty products carefully. Cream, oil and milk should contain vitamins A and E. Before applying a new product to your face, be sure to test for allergies on your wrist or elbow.
• It is important to understand that it will not be possible to get rid of age-related changes and skin imperfections by performing a light relaxing massage several times a year. It is necessary to solve the problems of preserving youth in a comprehensive manner. Skin care should include several procedures: cleansing, nourishing, moisturizing, strengthening and relaxing the facial muscles. Therefore, include facial gymnastics in your skincare program, which will help tone the muscles, relieve them of tightness and stiffness.

To learn how to do a lymphatic drainage facial massage at home, see the video.