A Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Massage That You Can Do From the Comfort of Your Own Home
We all know that the human body is a complex organism comprising various systems including the lymphatic system. When it comes to this system, which works in tandem with the circulatory one, its importance cannot be overstated. It helps with immunity, digestive, brain and nervous system health, inflammation, swelling, and so much more.
Its broad network of vessels and nodes throughout the body means that, when stimulated properly, you can help your body better get rid of toxins and waste. One of the ways in which stimulation can occur is through the right type of massage. And an interesting fact about massages is that a 60-minute one is roughly the equivalent of getting a relaxing eight hours of sleep.
But what is the difference between a lymphatic drainage massage and the relatively recent Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage? What are the benefits and what should you expect? Finally, how can you perform Brazillian lymphatic drainage at home? We take a closer look.
What happens in a lymphatic drainage massage?
A lymphatic drainage massage, which is also commonly referred to as a manual lymphatic drainage massage because it is performed by a qualified specialist by hand on the body, involves stimulation of the lymphatic system. This is done by targeting the lymph glands throughout the entire body (as such, it is a full-body massage), gently stimulating the lymph fluid and toxins that have accumulated there, leading to reabsorption by the body so that these toxins can be flushed out.
When considering getting a lymphatic drainage massage, you should be aware that there are four primary types. The first is the Vodder technique that uses sweeping motions around the treated area. The second is the Foldi technique, which alternates between circular hand motions and moments of relaxation. The third is Casley-Smith that involves circular hand movements, however, primarily using the sides of the palms. Finally, there is the Leduc technique. It uses hand motions to “collect” lymph fluid and then redirects it for reabsorption into the lymphatic system.
While some people have lower levels of swelling as a result of improper lymph drainage in their bodies, others with lymphedema for example, can experience excessive levels of swelling in various parts of their bodies including their legs, feet, arms, armpits and more. Lymphedema can be experienced by people with obesity, inflammation, infection and cancer.
The lymphatic drainage massage is therefore good for people who are not only experiencing lymphedema but other conditions as well. These may include fibromyalgia, swelling or edema, skin disorders, fatigue, insomnia, stress, digestive problems, arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, chronic venous insufficiency, lipedema, migraine episodes, after breast cancer surgery and after giving birth.
On the other hand, this type of massage is not recommended for people who have congestive heart failure, blood clots, kidney problems, infections or circulatory problems and seeking the advice of a medical professional before having a lymphatic drainage massage is highly recommended.
If you are wondering about what some of the benefits of a lymphatic drainage massage might be, they can include the following:
- Reduces swelling and water retention, helping you feel lighter and less bloated
- Removes pathogens and toxins from the skin
- Boosts and stimulates the immune system
- Opens up the lymphatic system by increasing lymph flow
- Relieves sinus pressure, congestion and common cold symptoms
- Improves digestion
- Helps with sleep and relaxation and can relieve stress
- Reduces fine lines, wrinkles and puffy eyes
- Increases collagen production
- Improves the body shape while supporting faster muscle recovery
- Relieves pain and stiffness where there is fluid retention
- Improves flexibility and range of movement
- Helps with skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis or eczema
- Provides temporary facial rejuvenation and aesthetic benefits
Now that you know what a (manual) lymphatic drainage massage is, let’s take a look at one of its newer cousins, called the Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage.
What is a Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage?
The Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage also focuses on addressing swelling and getting rid of toxins from the body by stimulating the lymphatic system. It uses face and whole-body gentle strokes and light pressure. However, the main difference is that it works something akin to a vacuum because it also aims to eliminate excess body fluids that have accumulated in the deeper tissue of the skin and muscles.
As such, the Brazillian type of massage goes a bit deeper than the traditional lymphatic drainage massage. But there is another crucial difference and that is that motions such as cupping could be applied as well. As opposed to muscular types of massages, this type focuses on promoting circulation. It may be supplemented with different lotions such as caffeine-induced ones.
The Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage comes with multiple benefits, not least of which include:
- Helps with cellulite appearance, creating a “sculpting” or “contouring” effect
- Increases blood and lymph circulation
- Speeds up surgery recovery
- Boosts the immune system and metabolism
- Improves the elasticity of the skin
- Helps with digestion and weight loss
- Improves muscle toning
- Helps with hormonal imbalances
- Aids constipation
- Improves bloating puffiness and water retention
- Encourages a clear complexion and the reduction of acne
- Detoxes the skin
- Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as puffy eyes
- Lowers skin irritation and improves the appearance of your complexion
- Reduces signs of stress and fatigue
What to expect after a Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage
Even though the Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage is very light and gentle in nature, there are some potential side effects that may be experienced by people who have had this massage performed on them. Some of these may include feeling light-headed, thirsty, slightly sore or aching, feeling flu-ish or possibly having a slight headache. You are also more likely to want to urinate more frequently. This is all good news though because it means that blood and lymph are flowing better in your body and the results are showing.
As for what you should do after such a massage, experts advise that you give your body a chance to rest as it adjusts to the healing processes. Also advisable is to put your body into action but avoiding exercise that is considered too strenuous for your physique. You also need to replenish water and fluids lost by drinking lots of water and eating healthy and balanced meals.
Do Brazilian lymphatic massages work?
In short, the Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage is an excellent way of bringing about a remarkable improvement in your general health, your skin, complexion, overall sleeping patterns and even aspects such as body sculpting, the reduction of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as cellulite and it will also have an overall detoxifying effect, which is extremely healthy for most people when done the right way.
How to do your own Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage at home?
If you don’t feel comfortable stepping out of your home or simply don’t have the time to go for this specialised type of massage, you can always try the vibration plate for lymphatic drainage. Vibration plates are a no-impact type of gentle massage that can help improve your overall blood and lymph circulation while you perform a lymphatic drainage massage on yourself. It’s a highly convenient option for people who prefer privacy, comfort and convenience and it also enables you to perform these procedures as regularly as you wish in the comfort of your own home.
In short
A Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage comes with a wide variety of benefits and the beauty of it is that it can be performed in the comfort of your own home using a vibration plate for lymphatic draining. This level of convenience is hard to come by and you can perform your massages on your vibration plate on a regular basis while enjoying significant expenses and time saved related to travelling and having a lymphatic drainage massage performed by someone else several times a week.
Resources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324518#benefits
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/style/slimming-brazilian-massage-is-hottest-treatment-hollywood-1218820/
https://www.byrdie.com/brazilian-lymphatic-drainage-massage-5101241
