The Home Lymphatic Drainage How To
Lymphatic drainage is one of the ultimate self-care practices that every wellness ‘it girl’ is doing. Boasting a variety of health and beauty benefits, this ritual is a secret weapon for Hollywood celebrities and supermodels. Though lymphatic drainage has previously been known to be an expensive and exclusive clinic treatment, it is now emerging as a prominent DIY-able form of self-care. Today we’ll break down the benefits of lymphatic drainage and how you can enjoy them at home…
What is lymphatic drainage?
Lymphatic drainage relates to our lymphatic system, a system within our bodies that is responsible for removing toxins, waste and excess fluids; it is a vital part of our immune system. The lymphatic system is comprised of millions of tiny vessels like our circulatory system, except unlike our circulatory system which has a heart to pump blood around the body, our lymphatic system has no ‘pump’. This means that it can become stagnant and sluggish. A build up in the lymphatic system can bring about numerous health issues such as a weakened immune system, lack of energy, fluid retention, as well as cellulite and fatty deposits. So, lymphatic drainage is the process of massaging certain areas of the body to stimulate the lymphatic system to help ‘drain’ it so that there isn’t a buildup of lymphatic fluid and toxins in the body.
What are the benefits of lymphatic drainage?
Lymphatic drainage can bring about numerous benefits that make it a worthwhile addition to your wellness routine. Firstly, lymphatic drainage can help to debloat and depuff the face and body by helping to reduce water retention and fluid buildup in the lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage methods can also lead to a more glowing complexion by improving circulation and blood flow, leaving the skin looking fresh and youthful. When we use lymphatic drainage methods on our face, it can help to depuff areas such as our under eye bags, as well as to debloat areas of our body such as our stomach when performed there. It can also simply be a relaxing practice, helping to ease tension we may be feeling within the body. Furthermore, it can help to increase collagen production and improve your immune system, so there are many positives to adopting lymphatic drainage as part of your routine.
What are some different ways I can experience lymphatic drainage at home?
Lymphatic drainage has usually been known to be experienced in a professional clinic via a lymphatic drainage massage. However, the wellness community is always sharing ways to experience the benefits of professional treatments in the comfort of your own home. When it comes to lymphatic drainage, there is a plethora of ways to ‘do it yourself’…
- Dry brushing
One way to experience lymphatic drainage at home is by dry brushing. Dry brushing involves using a brush with a long handle and brushing it in circular clockwise motions, usually before a bath or shower. The bristles on the brush stimulate the pores, opening them up which allows the body to easily release toxins flowing through the lymphatic system via our sweat.
- Lymphatic drainage paddle
If you want to take things up a notch from dry brushing, another way to ‘lymphatically drain’ yourself is by using a lymphatic drainage paddle. A lymphatic drainage paddle is a wooden paddle that has a curvy edge so you can reach various edges of your body. In contrast with dry brushing, paddling should be done post-shower. Paddling digs a bit deeper than dry brushing, so is arguably a more effective way to clear the lymphatic system.
- ‘Legs up the wall’
An incredibly easy way to experience lymphatic drainage at home is by simply lying on the floor with your legs straight up against a wall. Aim to have your body at a 90-degree angle, but if that isn’t possible, feel free to move backwards away from the wall, however, keep your legs elevated and above your heart. Keeping your legs elevated can help to improve your circulation and help release buildup of lymphatic fluid in the legs. This is a method that anyone can do anywhere for no cost, so it’s a great entry level method to experiencing lymphatic drainage benefits!
- Gua sha and facial rollers
Sometimes lymphatic fluid can buildup in our face, and methods such as dry brushing or paddling aren’t gentle enough to deal with it. This is where having a tool such as a gua sha or facial roller can come in handy. Using these devices can help to sculpt areas like the cheekbones and jawline, as well as reduce puffiness by stimulating the lymphatic system.
With a wide array of methods to practice lymphatic drainage at home, it has never been easier to enjoy the benefits of this wellness trend!
