In this blog find out everything you need to know about lymphatic stimulating massage.
Massage is hailed for its stress-relieving, knot-releasing benefits – but what if we told you it can break down fat, smooth cellulite, and give your skin a glow as well? We’re not just talking about any massage treatment; it’s a Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage, designed to detoxify your body with just the right combination of techniques and level of pressure.
It takes skillful hands and unique knowledge to unlock the benefits of MLD, and we’ve just launched the treatment at our Mallucci London South Kensington clinic.
Here we reveal exactly how it works, the rewards of a regular massage, and how you can get started on your own lymphatic drainage journey. This is what you need to know…
How does lymphatic drainage massage work?
First, it’s important to understand how the lymphatic system works. It’s your body’s built-in detoxifier, working hard to get rid of ‘waste’, such as bacteria and excess fluid. Sometimes the system needs a little extra help to effectively cleanse your body of unwanted toxins. The goal of a lymphatic drainage massage is to give it a ‘reboot’, so it can work more efficiently.
The massage consists of precise, skillful gestures that deftly sweep stagnant ‘waste’ towards the lymph nodes, which makes it easier for your body to eliminate the toxins – and fast. But make no mistake: it takes an expert to carry out these techniques properly, so it’s always recommended that you seek a professional to give your lymphatic system a boost. This also isn’t like your usual massage, which works to loosen knots and tension; it combines firm pressure with a specific set of motions to unlock a raft of other tangible body benefits.
Lymphatic drainage massage: what’s it good for?
1. Reduce bloating and puffiness
Fluid retention can happen to us all. Whether around your belly or your legs, ‘water weight’ can result in puffiness and bloating that your lymphatic system may need help clearing. A lymphatic drainage massage helps to ease all that fluid away, pushing it toward the lymph nodes where it can be eliminated. This is one of many reasons you may leave your treatment feeling lighter and more energized. If you suffer from heavy legs, this is a big benefit.
2. Breaks down fat cells and cellulite
Your practitioner can target cellulite during your lymphatic drainage massage, using a clever technique that, over time, may contribute to the smoothing of dimpled skin. This manual process also aims to break down fat cells, with some people reporting that it’s helped them lose weight faster.
3. Gives skin a glow
Massaged skin often glows because the manual gestures give your blood circulation a boost, but we haven’t just seen boosted radiance on limbs, legs and decolletage. Some of our lymphatic drainage clients notice the skin on their face also looks more luminous – again, as a result of stimulated blood flow.
4. Helps with post-injury swelling
When you have an injury – say from working out hard in the gym – you might find the area doesn’t circulate fluids as well, which causes extra swelling. Excessive puffiness may be a sign that your lymphatic system isn’t working quite as it should, so a lymphatic drainage massage could be needed to help drain some of the swelling away.
5. Optimised results after liposuction
If you’ve undergone liposuction or a body-sculpting treatment, booking in for MLD post- procedure can help to enhance the contoured results. Talk to your surgeon or practitioner first, as they may advise some downtime before you go for a massage. However, in many cases, you can visit soon after your procedure.
6. Reduces body tension
Last but not least, a lymphatic drainage massage is really relaxing. The sweeping gestures and the increase of lymph flow often work wonders at easing tension throughout your body. So, if you’re feeling pent-up, you can lie back and allow your practitioner to ease away stresses, all while receiving the benefits above.
To find out more about Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage, contact our spa center or get in touch to book your first session with us.