Still little known to the general public, lymphatic drainage has existed since 1936. This technique which allows to stimulate the lymph circulation offers many benefits, in particular draining, but also relaxing and immunizing.
In this article, you will find all the information you need to better understand lymphatic drainage and its natural properties. I also tell you more about the course of a session.
The lymphatic system runs through the body in parallel with the blood system. Distributed throughout the body in the form of lymph nodes, vessels and capillaries, it transports and filters fluids throughout the body.
It plays an essential role in the body’s defense by ensuring the production and transport of lymphocytes involved in the destruction of pathogens. This system also allows for the drainage of certain excess liquids from the tissues, contributing to the detoxification of the body. Finally, the lymph participates in the circulation of nutrients and hormones that are essential to the functioning of the body.
In concrete terms, this manual drainage consists of applying circular pressure on the skin using the fingers and the palms of the hands. By following the path of the lymphatic vessels and the circulation of the lymph, these pressures will allow it to circulate better in the body.
The magic of lymphatic drainage is that it offers both aesthetic and therapeutic benefits.
Aesthetic first, by fighting against cellulite (whether it is aqueous or fatty). Drainage will indeed allow to unblock the cells and eliminate their content in the lymphatic system. By improving venous and lymphatic circulation, this technique also relieves heavy legs and can help people suffering from water retention.
What is less known is that drainage also improves healing by allowing cells to regenerate. The same effects are also observed on stretch marks.
But lymphatic drainage is not only an aesthetic treatment. It also has many therapeutic benefits. Its main medical indication is to relieve edema. Indeed, the latter is nothing but an accumulation of lymph in an area of the body. Drainage reduces edema, relieves pain, and accelerates the healing process.
This method can also be very interesting after a surgical operation (like for a woman who has had her breast removed). It will indeed allow to relieve the edema of the arms due to an accumulation of lymph in this zone) or to facilitate the convalescence following an injury (a sprain, for example).
Did you know that there are two manual lymphatic drainage techniques?
The first is the Vodder technique, named after its creator, Emil Vodder. Based on the principle of pressure variations, it consists of a series of gentle, precise, rhythmic and pumping movements. This technique is practiced on the skin. It moves the skin very slowly over its underlying tissue in the direction of the lymph drainage centers.
The second lymphatic drainage technique, the Renata method, developed by Renata Franca in 2016, is completely different from other drainages on the market. It is a manual massage technique that is performed with firm pressure on the entire body by exerting precise tonic movements, at a faster pace on the circulatory path of the lymphatic system, firm “pumping” type pressure on the lymph glands and exclusive maneuvers. The result is impressive and immediate effects. This drainage will dry the body by detoxifying and reactivating all the circulatory systems of the body. It therefore allows for the rapid elimination of edema and the shaping of the body.
These two methods of lymphatic drainage offer globally the same effects.
The Vodder technique is performed either locally or globally depending on the treatment needed, while the Renata technique is more holistic and is performed on the whole body.
Depending on your needs, we can recommend one method over the other.
→ To reshape the figure, remove fat and cellulite, the Renata technique will be much more effective. If you are looking for a more massage-like experience, using oil can also be a plus.
→ On the other hand, if you want to treat edema or scarring, it’s best to go with the Vodder technique. This approach is gentler and above all very targeted.
Manual lymphatic drainage is performed by a massage therapist. The session will always start with an information gathering (in the form of a questionnaire) to identify possible contraindications, and especially to target your needs.
You will then be invited to sit on a massage table, under a towel.
Regardless of the method you have chosen, the lymphatic drainage will last one hour. You will also be advised a treatment in 5 sessions (for Renata) or 8 to 10 sessions (for Vodder).
Enjoy the benefits of lymphatic drainage and book your first session at Maison Magnifisens!
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