What is lymphatic drainage and what are its effects?

What is lymphatic drainage and what are its effects?

Lymphatic drainage – this term is on everyone's lips. We encounter it in the context of wellness treatments, cosmetology procedures, during massages, or rehabilitation.
The very concept of lymphatic drainage is well known, but do we know exactly what lymphatic drainage is? When is it used and does it have any side effects?
Let's start from the beginning…

Lymph and its role

The human circulatory system is composed of the blood circulatory system and the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system covers the entire body and runs parallel to the blood vessels.

Lymph – both names are used interchangeably – is the fluid circulating in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is responsible for transporting lymphocytes and proteins; it plays a role in cleansing the body because it drains harmful substances from it. It is also part of our immune system: it protects the body against bacterial and viral infections.

What is lymphatic drainage?

Lymphatic drainage is a treatment that affects the lymphatic system. Its goal is to improve lymph circulation, reduce swelling (lymphatic stasis), and regenerate damage to the lymphatic system. 

This treatment is used for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. And what does it involve?

A drainage massage is a combination of pumping and rotating movements performed from the proximal parts of a limb toward the distal parts: in other words, from the inside out, thanks to which the lymph moves toward the lymph nodes. Lymphatic drainage of the legs therefore proceeds from the thigh to the foot.

Regardless of whether the treatment is performed manually or mechanically, it consists of two phases:

Lymphatic drainage treatment effects

Lymphatic drainage primarily improves lymph circulation. It contributes to the removal of excess water from the body, thereby accelerating metabolism and the transfer of fats, which supports weight loss. It enables the body to be cleansed of toxins and improves the appearance of the skin by firming it and reducing cellulite. It effectively helps to eliminate swelling, and when used preventively, it helps to counteract ailments and diseases resulting from lymphatic stasis.

Lymphatic drainage brings multidimensional effects. The treatment improves well-being and accelerates the body's regeneration, which is especially important for physically active people and athletes who want to improve their performance.

Lymphatic drainage of the legs – treatment effects

Lymphatic drainage of the legs is a topic worthy of special attention. This treatment will be appreciated by both those who have a job that requires standing and those who work at a desk. For proper functioning, our legs need changes in position. They were not created only to stand or only to sit, which is why legs hurt, feel heavy, and become swollen after remaining in one of these positions for too long.

Legs also "repay" us with a feeling of heaviness and swelling when they are overworked after physical exertion, during hot weather, or after a day spent in high heels.

Leg drainage comes to the rescue, and we will notice the effects of this treatment immediately: the legs will become light, the pain will stop, and the swelling will be visibly smaller.

If you are struggling with swelling and a feeling of heavy legs, it is worth getting a leg and foot massager Canoo V, which will bring relief from these ailments. 

Contraindications to lymphatic drainage and side effects

As with any treatment, there are contraindications for this one as well.
Drainage massage should not be used when there are open wounds, ulcers, or skin infections on the body. In such cases, you should wait with the therapy until they are fully healed.

Furthermore, contraindications include cancer, venous thrombosis, and heart failure.

If there are any doubts regarding the possibility of using this type of massage, you should always consult a doctor or physical therapist.

Side effects of lymphatic drainage may include: fatigue, headaches, or increased thirst.

Lymphatic drainage is a wonderful treatment with a broad spectrum of action. It is worth including it as part of sports recovery, health prevention, maintaining a shapely figure, and simply for well-being.