Still relatively unknown to the general public, lymphatic drainage has been around since 1936. This technique, which stimulates lymph circulation, offers numerous benefits, including drainage, relaxation and immunity boosting.
In this article, you will find all the information you need to better understand lymphatic drainage and its natural properties. I will also tell you more about how a session works.
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system runs through the body parallel to the bloodstream. 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 defending the body by producing and transporting lymphocytes involved in destroying pathogens. This system also drains excess fluid from tissues, contributing to the detoxification of the body. Finally, lymph participates in the circulation of nutrients and hormones essential to the functioning of the body.
In practical terms, this manual drainage involves applying circular pressure to the skin using the fingers and palms of the hands. By following the path of the lymphatic vessels and the flow of lymph, this pressure helps improve circulation throughout the body.
What are the benefits of lymphatic drainage?
The magic of lymphatic drainage is that it offers both aesthetic and therapeutic benefits.
Aesthetics first, by fighting cellulite (whether watery or fatty). Drainage will effectively unclog cells and eliminate their contents into 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 well known is that drainage also improves healing by allowing cells to regenerate. The same effects can also be observed on stretch marks.
But lymphatic drainage is not just a cosmetic treatment. It also has many therapeutic benefits. Its main medical indication is to relieve oedema. This is simply an accumulation of lymph fluid in an area of the body. Drainage reduces oedema, relieves pain and speeds up the healing process.
This method can also be very beneficial after surgery (such as for a woman who has undergone a mastectomy. It can relieve swelling in the arms caused by lymph accumulation in this area) or facilitate recovery from an injury (such as a sprain).
The two most popular lymphatic drainage techniques
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 practised directly on the skin. It very slowly moves the skin over the underlying tissue towards the lymph drainage centres.
The second lymphatic drainage technique, the Renata method, developed by Renata França in 2016, is completely different from other drainage techniques on the market. It is a manual massage technique that involves applying firm pressure to the whole body using precise toning movements at a faster pace along the lymphatic system’s circulatory path, firm « pumping » pressure on the lymph glands and exclusive manoeuvres. The results are impressive and immediate. This drainage technique dries out the body by detoxifying and reactivating all of the body’s circulatory systems. It therefore quickly reduces oedema and shapes the body.
How to choose the method that suits you best?
These two lymphatic drainage methods offer broadly the same effects.
The Vodder technique is performed either locally or globally depending on the treatment required, whereas the Renata technique is more holistic and is practised on the whole body.
Depending on your requirements, we may recommend one method over another.
→ To reshape your figure, reduce fat and cellulite, the Renata technique will be much more effective. If you are looking for an experience closer to massage, the use of oil can also be a plus.
→ However, if you wish to treat oedema or scarring, it is better to use the Vodder technique. This approach is gentler and, above all, very targeted.
How does a session work?
Manual lymphatic drainage is performed by a massage therapist. The session will always begin with a collection of information (in the form of a questionnaire) to identify any contraindications and, above all, to target your needs.
You will then be asked to lie down on a massage table, covered with a towel.
Regardless of the method you choose, lymphatic drainage will last one hour. You will also be advised to undergo a course of 5 sessions (for Renata) or 8 to 10 sessions (for Vodder).
Enjoy the benefits of lymphatic drainage and book your first sessionat Maison Magnifisens!
