Do lymph drainage yourself
In general, lymph drainage should only be performed by qualified persons. If, for example, a massage is performed in the wrong direction and thus the tissue fluid is not transported out of the affected area in the direction of the lymph nodes but into the area, damage to vessels and nerves may occur and the actual disease may become even worse. Should you nevertheless wish to try out the individual grips on yourself or your partner, try to avoid too much pressure.
The subcutaneous fatty tissue is always massaged with light pressure, so you should not try to “push away” swellings. Usually you start the lymph drainage at the neck. The movements should always be circular, then work towards the upper body.
You can also try out lymph drainage on your legs. If the legs become swollen in summer or after a long period of standing/sitting, it is usually very pleasant to gently massage the lymphatic fluid from the bottom up (and never the other way around) in the direction of the lymph nodes. Compression can help by applying special stockings or compresses to facilitate the transport of lymph fluid through the lymph vessels.
Exercise also helps, as it compresses the muscles in the legs, which also has an effect on the thin lymph vessels, making it easier to transport the tissue fluid “upwards” to the next lymph node. You should therefore not forego sufficient exercise even in the case of swollen legs. However, you should definitely refrain from taking less water or even tablets for dehydration due to swelling in the body.
This will do even more harm to your body. Under no circumstances should people with a malignant tumor disease, a blood clot in the vascular system (thrombosis/embolism) or a thyroid disease receive lymph drainage. In addition, lymphatic drainage should also be avoided in cases of acute inflammation or infection (with/without fever).
Lymph drainage for cellulite
Cellulite is caused by a weak connective tissue structure, which can cause, among other things, the accumulation of tissue fluid, which then usually accumulates in the thigh or buttocks area. This is caused, among other things, by a blocked lymphatic system, which means that water can no longer be removed properly. The cause of this constipation can be a lack of exercise, wrong eating habits or changes in the hormone system.
As a result, the fat cells bind more water, which means that it is retained in the body and less easily excreted. Usually this fluid is transported away through the lymphatic system. If this no longer functions properly, lymph drainage can help.
The idea behind this assumption is that gentle massage techniques can better remove the stored water and free the lymphatic system. Not only the areas affected by cellulite are treated by lymph drainage, but the entire lymphatic system. In a study it was found that a treatment over several weeks reduced the orange peel skin in the participating women.
Usually about ten treatments are recommended. However, after the lymphatic drainage has been completed, water may accumulate in the tissue again and the therapy may become necessary again. The lymphatic drainage should not cause pain under any circumstances, then the grips are applied too tightly.
Most women find them very pleasant. The lymphatic drainage should be carried out by specially trained therapists (physiotherapist, etc.) and you should plan on about 40€ for 40 minutes.
