What is lymphatic drainage?

Used for medical or cosmetic purposes, manual lymphatic drainage is a massage technique designed to stimulate lymphatic circulation.

Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique designed to stimulate lymphatic circulation, detoxify the body and strengthen the immune system.

It is performed with the fingers and palms all over the body, following the direction of lymphatic circulation and varying the pressure.

The main principles

Lymph is a colourless fluid that circulates in the lymphatic vessels thanks to the pulsating contractions of muscles and blood vessels.

As a waste disposal system, it removes excess fluids, toxins and cellular debris.

Nodules along the lymph vessels, mainly in the folds of the groin, under the armpits and on either side of the neck, help filter the lymph and remove the toxins and debris it carries.

When lymphatic circulation is poor, the body can become weak and intoxicated, which can lead to various health problems: swollen limbs, premature ageing, cellulite, heavy legs, stretch marks, etc.

Manual lymphatic drainage

There are two main methods of manual lymphatic drainage: the Vodder method and the Leduc method.

The Vodder method: the lymph is drained using circular movements with the hand, varying the pressure.

The method of Dr Albert Leduc: This technique comes from the work of Vodder. It combines manual lymphatic drainage with the use of pressure therapy equipment. The patient's legs are wrapped in long inflatable boots connected to a compressor, which allows a specific pressure to be applied in different places.

Although there is no official organisation that regulates training in manual lymphatic drainage, these two schools appear to be recognised. However, other techniques derived from these approaches have also emerged. One of these is Lymphoenergy, developed by Dominique Jacquemay. It involves the use of phyto-aromatic oils and treatments based on Chinese energy.

The benefits of lymph drainage

According to its practitioners, manual lymphatic drainage cleanses and regenerates the body, speeds up healing and reduces the risk of infection.

It is also said to be useful in treating problems related to blood and lymph circulation, such as varicose veins, cellulite and venous insufficiency.

However, there is little scientific research to support these claims.

Reducing lymphoedema after cancer treatment

According to the results of two trial abstracts, a combined decongestive therapy (CDT) approach, including manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, decongestive exercises, the use of compression belts, and education about preventive behaviours, appears to reduce the volume of lymphoedema caused by breast cancer.

In addition, other randomised clinical trials have concluded that adding manual lymphatic drainage to simple compression therapies would also be beneficial. After 6 months of treatment, the reduction in oedema, although not as great as at the start of the treatment, stabilised at an acceptable level. There was also an improvement in quality of life and less pain.

Reducing oedema and relieving pain in varicose veins

Manual lymphatic drainage may be considered as a treatment for chronic venolymphatic insufficiency of the lower limbs (a disorder of the return of blood and lymph fluid to the heart).

It would reduce the oedema that causes pain and inflammation.

However, this therapeutic approach has not yet been scientifically proven.

Relief for fibromyalgia patients

A randomised clinical trial of 50 people with fibromyalgia evaluated the effect of manual lymphatic drainage compared with connective tissue massage as a potential treatment.

After 3 weeks of treatment, improvements in health status and quality of life were observed in subjects in both groups, as well as a reduction in pain.

In the manual lymphatic drainage group, greater improvements were observed in levels of fatigue with lifting and anxiety compared to the other group.

Contribution to the treatment of limb lymphoedema

Manual lymphatic drainage for lymphoedema caused by obstruction of the lymphatic vessels has only been studied in a few trials.

A summary of the trials concluded that manual lymphatic drainage alone does not appear to be an effective approach to reducing the volume of lymphoedema.

However, the researchers say that more trials are needed to better assess its effectiveness, alone or in combination with other therapies.

Lymphatic drainage in practice

Where is lymphatic drainage performed?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is performed in private practices, clinics, hospitals and beauty centres.

One session course

The duration of a session varies from 1h to 1h30.

The naked person lies on a massage table covered with a sheet.

The therapist uncovers the area to be treated and performs a series of slow, gentle, wave-like movements that create a pumping effect.

The aim is to remove excess fluid from the tissues and improve circulation.

Several sessions may be required before visible results are achieved.

Contraindications to lymphatic drainage

Certain conditions require careful treatment, including carotid sinus sclerosis, hyperthyroidism, thrombosis, cardiac oedema and bronchial asthma.

The practitioner will then apply gentler pressure, away from the affected areas, and reduce the duration of the session.

It is also contraindicated in the treatment of acute infections, tuberculosis and malignant tumours without medical clearance.

Lymphatic massage at home

The right movements for a lymphatic massage at home

To drain your lymph, you need to massage your body and apply pressure with precise movements.

Contrary to what you often read, drainage does not consist of a systematic massage from the bottom to the top.

The method is more complex!

1. Warm the lymphatic areas: The first thing to do is to warm up the lymph node areas to stimulate them. Concentrate on the groin, armpits or neck (although this area is more difficult to treat alone).
2. Direct the lymph to the lymph nodes: Once this is done, direct the lymph to the "evacuation" ports, the famous lymph nodes, stimulated and ready to filter everything! To do this, for example, it is necessary to start from the hand and go up the arm, making a circular movement at the level of the armpit. For the legs, you can go up from the foot to the shin, then massage horizontally from the back of the calf to the front of the shin. The same goes for the thighs, where we bring the back forward before moving up towards the groin. There is no need to press hard! Two gentle strokes are better than one strong stroke.

When to do lymphatic drainage at home?

There is no general rule, everyone can adjust their rhythm according to what suits them best.

Lymphatic drainage at home usually lasts 10 minutes and can be fully integrated into a wellness routine: before showering or exercising, after brushing your teeth and removing your make-up, in the morning to invigorate the body and start the day off right, or in the evening to relax.

You may choose to practice dry brushing (lymphatic drainage with a small brush) if you have had a stressful day at work or if you have spent a long time sitting on public transport.

While some people do this every day, others spread out their sessions much more.

For example, you can do lymphatic drainage during a period of dieting or intermittent fasting to support the body's efforts.

What tools for better lymphatic circulation?

You have the technique, now you need the tools! Lymphatic drainage can be done in several ways: with a roll-on, with a dry brush that allows you to exfoliate the skin, or thanks to a technology specially designed for heavy legs. A quick overview of the options available to you!

Dry brushing not only drains the lymph but also reduces cellulite and exfoliates the skin. As the name suggests, you must use a dry brush.

The skin must not get wet and no products should be used during the massage!

After brushing and drying, you can apply a small amount of body oil. Although this object is very easy to incorporate into your beauty routine, it is not suitable for people who suffer from eczema, psoriasis or irritated skin.

Roll-on 

Used on the body, this roll-on provides a firming massage that stimulates circulation and lymphatic drainage.

This small "knife" has an ideal grip and a shape designed to better massage the curves of the lower limbs.

This allows lymphatic and vascular drainage!

In five minutes a day, it smoothes the skin, fights pore dilation and reduces water retention in the legs.

Ayre Compex Boots

These boots provide very fast relief like no other.

They apply dynamic, pulsating compression to the lower limbs in a wave-like manner.

In addition to promoting venous and lymphatic return, these boots help to relieve tired muscles.

Veinocare Velpeau Compression Stockings

These compression stockings promote venous and lymphatic circulation.