Various Ways To Use Lymphatic Drainage For Skin And Health
- Feb 23, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 2
Ida is a certified aesthetician (graduate of Marvel School of Beauty), offering home-based services since 1994. Ida provides various holistic services. She graduated from Zanqara’s Skin Care’s Dermatician course in 1994, which required her to understand homeopathic remedies.
The Lymphatic system is a crucial part of our immune system, delivering vital nutrients to the body. Lymphatic capillaries are thin vessels that absorb the excess fluid from the body's organs and return it to the bloodstream. Lymphatic fluid is a clear liquid consisting of unwanted cellular waste or microorganisms in the body's tissues. In a healthy body, the organs drain lymphatic fluid toward the thoracic duct, which drains upward into the left subclavian vein and empties in the heart to recirculate through the body. Lymphatic drainage gently encourages the movement of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system, assisting the body's natural process of filtering cellular debris and metabolic waste. This fluid is eventually processed by the liver and kidneys, supporting the body’s inherent, everyday filtration systems.
Approximately nine hundred lymph nodes exist in the body. The lymphatic system does not have a pump. It depends on skeletal muscle action, respiratory movement, and smooth muscle contraction in vessel walls for movement. It piggybacks along the blood vessels and relies on external manipulation such as gravity, exercise, massage, acupressure, acupuncture and reflexology to function correctly.
Effects of sun and aging on the lymphatic system
As the body ages, natural lymphatic circulation can slow down, and the number of lymph nodes naturally decreases. Protecting the skin from UV radiation is essential, as sun damage can compromise the structural integrity and efficiency of the skin's surface-level lymphatic capillaries, leading to localized puffiness or sluggish circulation. Sun damage, specifically from UV radiation, reduces the quantity and function of lymphatic vessels and can cause the lymphatic vessels to become dilated. In studies, mice exposed to UVB radiation exhibited leukocyte (a type of WBC) penetration of the skin, which can cause thickening of the top layer of the skin, redness and swelling caused by lymphatic vessel leakiness.
Lymphatic drainage benefits the skin and health
The neck contains two hundred lymph nodes. The face and neck massage starts on the neck and shoulders and moves up to the face. It helps promote glowing, healthy skin by reducing swelling by increasing lymphatic drainage in the armpit lymph nodes. The face massage helps reduce muscle pain, stiffness, stress, anxiety, tension, and headaches. Gentle facial massage helps refresh the skin by reducing surface puffiness, supporting the skin's natural renewal process, and promoting a clearer-looking complexion. Our lymph nodes are the body's detoxification plant.
Lymphatic drainage benefits for sinus infections, colds and allergies
As a holistic aesthetician and reflexologist, I explore natural ways to address health issues.
Facial massage techniques can be an excellent way to soothe the temporary feeling of facial tension and congestion associated with seasonal allergies. By gently massaging the face and neck, you can encourage fluid movement to temporarily reduce the appearance of puffiness. Please note: If you have an active bacterial or viral infection, or acutely swollen lymph nodes, you should avoid manual massage and consult a healthcare professional. Stimulating lymph flow during an active infection requires professional medical guidance.
During the winter months, respiratory infections are on the rise. Lymphatic massage can be useful when medication isn't readily available or to work along with your treatment choice. As long the internet is accessible, you can utilize this method. After a while, you will have it memorized, and it will come naturally to you.
Watch the helpful videos below. A lymphedema physiotherapist demonstrates gentle lymphatic massage techniques such as light pressure, tapping, stroking, rubbing, and pushing. These techniques gently stretch your skin toward the lymphatic flow, encouraging drainage to an area with working lymph vessels. Repetition is critical to achieving results, and it's something that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. I perform a facial lymphatic drainage massage every morning, which has helped me avoid and minimize the severity and duration of colds.
Lymphatic Drainage and Sinus Massage for Allergy, Cold Congestion, and Sinus Pressure Relief – By a Lymphedema Physical
It's essential to be aware of the lymphatic pathways' location.
Larger lymph nodes are located under the armpits, collar bone, belly button, groin and the space under your ear and behind your jaw. Damaged, blocked or surgically removed parts of the lymphatic system will cause fluid retention, swelling pain and an increased risk of infection.
Topical application of castor oil is often used in holistic beauty routines to deeply moisturize the skin and soften the tissues, providing a smooth surface for gentle, manual skin gliding.
Other techniques available to perform Lymphatic Drainage
Gua Sha or Rollers allows you to gently scrape a sculptured crystal stone (amethyst, jade and rose quartz exist) along your neck, face and décolleté.
Gua Sha or crystal rollers have the added benefit of providing a relaxing, cooling sensation that helps soothe the skin and ease facial tension. Research how to use it correctly. Drinking lots of water is essential to help with lymphatic drainage. Here are videos demonstrating these products in use.
Body scraping for the whole body
Metal grastons and crystal-shaped tools allow a firmer scraping action to loosen stiff muscles and limbs. Chiropractors reduce scars with them. Here is an example below.
Dry brushing for the whole body
Soft brushes exfoliate, detoxify, increase circulation, improve digestion, and reduce cellulite. Don't dry brush over moles, warts, raised bumps, infection, redness or general irritation, inflammation, cellulitis or skin cancer. Here is an example below.
For individuals managing chronic swelling or diagnosed conditions like lymphedema, specialized medical devices such as pneumatic compression pumps may be recommended. Because these are regulated medical devices in Canada, they should only be selected, fitted, and used under the direct supervision and prescription of a qualified healthcare provider or licensed lymphedema therapist.
Certified professionals are at the Lymphology Association of North America or the National Lymphedema Network. Lymphedema, a condition marked by chronic swelling, can occur after lymph node removal, obstruction or damage. Some massage therapist specializes in Lymphatic drainage.
Contraindications
High risk of blood clots, congestive heart failure, an active lymphatic infection, swelling with no known cause, or cancer. For example, if someone has a localized infection. The increased lymph flow decreases antibiotic efficiency and spreads the infection to other body areas. *Sinus infections and colds are exemptions to this rule. Research shows lymphatic drainage massages benefit participants 60 years old and younger.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance of the lymphatic system helps with skin and health issues. Stagnant lifestyles result in poor circulation and sickness. Adding a simple lymphatic massage to your day can help maintain common respiratory problems. However, older people and those with sun-damaged skin will not get the same benefits as people with fully functioning lymphatic systems.
Talk to a lymphatic massage specialist for more serious concerns.
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Ida Fanelli, Aesthetician, Reflexologist & IPL & Dolphin MPS Technician
Ida is a dedicated wellness professional and certified aesthetician (Marvel School of Beauty), providing personalized, home-based services since 1994. A certified reflexologist since 1993 (D'Arcy Lane Institute), she has integrated energy therapies and Ion Cleanse foot wellness sessions since 1998. In 2012, she became a certified Sharplight IPL Technician for skin rejuvenation and pigmentation correction, and in 2019 earned a specialized certification from the Center for Pain and Stress Research, using the Dolphin Neurostim system for Microcurrent Point Stimulation to support scar tissue release, skin rejuvenation, and pigmentation lightening. Ida is deeply committed to continuing education in complementary health to provide accessible, high-quality care. She also brings 12 years of experience as a hospital laboratory technologist in Microbiology and Biochemistry to her meticulous practice.
Important Consumer Notice Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis, therapy, or targeted treatment. If you suspect you have a chronic medical condition, an active infection, or require specialized care, please consult a licensed Canadian healthcare practitioner or physician immediately to seek professional medical guidance.
References:
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/swollen-lymph-nodes
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21768-lymphatic-drainage-massage
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-truth-about-dry-brushing-and-what-it-does-for-you
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/12/well/live/lymphatic-drainage-gua-sha.html
