What we know as lymphatic drainage of the legs is a kind of massage done on both legs in a gentle way, this massage benefits the circulation and prevents the lymph from accumulating in excess. The lymphatic system is the one where this form of drainage is focused, it works as a kind of filter that eliminates some waste or residues that can harm our body. If we promote the drainage of lymph, we can alleviate certain conditions such as fluid retention or cellulite .
Lymphatic drainage is actually an automatic function of our body. However, when this natural drainage function is not enough, a gentle massage performed by an expert will help the lymph move more easily within our body, and this will improve the circulation of our legs and give them a good appearance. .
It is important to note that the lymphatic system is made up of a fluid called lymph, and the channels through which this substance travels are called lymphatic ducts. This important organic system fulfills several fundamental functions, among them it drains the liquid with which the cells of our body bathe, transports the fats extracted from food and is responsible for suppressing waste or harmful substances that may lodge in our body.
Knowing the importance of the function of the lymphatic system for our health, we must also recognize the great importance of the medical / aesthetic method of lymphatic drainage of the legs. If you want to know all the details related to this outstanding treatment, we invite you to read this article.
Index
How is lymphatic drainage of the legs performed?
Leg lymphatic drainage can be done in two ways: manually and mechanically. The lymphatic drainage manually as the name implies, is performed by a specialist using his hands on the legs of the patient, this makes a kind of massage through slow movements, constant, integral and soft that will incite drainage lymphatic ducts present in our legs, cleaning up the obstructed areas.
Mechanically lymphatic drainage is performed using a special machine created for this purpose, where the patient will insert his legs and receive the mechanical massage.
Anatomy of a lymphatic drainage in the legs
The anatomy present in a leg lymphatic drainage includes the venous axis. The axis is made up of two parts: the front part, made up of the peroneal femoral artery and the back part, made up of the gluteal arteries and veins, its ramifications can reach the upper thigh area.
Lymphatics in the leg comprise about 7 to 12 vessels. About 3 to 5 glasses are found in the thigh.
Function of lymphatic drainage of the legs
Leg lymphatic drainage has a double function:
- In the first place, it is done to purify our legs of any harmful substance. Its function is to eliminate possible toxins located in areas that present congestion. With this drainage the aim is to avoid the retention or accumulation of liquids and the circulatory flow is promoted correctly.
- Secondly, the lymphatic drainage of the legs is carried out to protect our immune system , since through it it usually improves the response of our body against possible bacteria or viruses.
It can also be said that the lymphatic drainage of the legs fulfills an aesthetic function, since after this treatment the appearance of the skin on our legs can visibly improve and effectively combat actions such as stretch marks or cellulite.
Leg lymphatic drainage technique
Lymphatic drainage is one of the most popular and recognized medical / aesthetic treatments that exist today. His technique has been widely shown to be effective in eliminating fluid retention and in purifying the legs of any toxins or waste. It seeks to regulate the function of the lymphatic system in order to contribute to the health of our legs and our body in general.
Basically the technique of lymphatic drainage of the legs consists of the activation by the specialist of the patient’s lymphatic system in the legs, through a gentle massage that will increase the amount of lymph and the ability of said system to effectively dispose of any toxin or harmful substance or infectious in nature.
What equipment is used for lymphatic drainage in the legs?
The lymphatic drainage of the legs can be performed only with the use of the hands of the specialist, who will stimulate the activity of our lymphatic system through a gentle massage , thereby promoting the elimination of liquids and toxic substances accumulated in our legs.
It can also be performed mechanically with the help of a machine similar to a sleeping bag , which is based on a compression mechanism called pressotherapy. However, it is important to note that although lymphatic drainage is performed mechanically, this procedure must be complemented by manual lymphatic drainage to prevent the tissue from hardening.
Benefits of lymphatic drainage of legs
Performing a lymphatic drainage of the legs can bring us innumerable benefits both internally and externally, among them we find:
Leg lymphatic drainage represents a great option when it comes to preventing any illness or condition related to fluid retention and those problems related to our circulatory system, such as poor circulation, cellulite or tired legs. It is important to add that this treatment to be effective must be complemented with a healthy diet and constant physical exercise.
It is a great way to eliminate harmful substances dammed in our legs , because through it, we can get rid of excess fluids and purify the lower part of our body.
It also highly benefits our immune system , since by releasing harmful substances that may lodge in our legs, it helps to strengthen the immune system . This treatment is also highly recommended in cases of enemas or conditions after surgery.
It is also beneficial for people who have poor blood circulation in their legs. It has been found that after several sessions of this treatment, patients have had a notable improvement and their circulation has normalized.
The lymphatic drainage of the legs has a great relieving effect on ailments and conditions of the muscles of our legs , it also has a toning effect and combats sagging. As we mentioned before, to enhance the treatment of lymphatic drainage you must complement it with a healthy diet and the usual practice of exercises.
We can say that it is an incredible alternative for those who want to improve the health of their legs , their appearance and also optimize the overall health of their body.
Helps reduces cellulite
As we already know, through lymphatic drainage of the legs we can purify our body and eliminate toxins that are lodged in our legs, therefore it will also help us to reduce or completely eliminate cellulite. Cellulite appears on our skin when internally there is an excess of toxins or substances that are harmful to our health.
Although it is a good option to treat cellulite, we should not expect it to immediately solve this problem, and it is very necessary that the treatment be complemented with a balanced and healthy diet and exercise should also be done.
If these healthy guidelines are followed, it is more likely that it can help to visibly reduce the signs of cellulite , since the incorrect functioning of the lymphatic system is closely linked to the origin of cellulite. It is also well known that when lymphatic drainage of the legs is performed, the appearance of the skin in said area improves remarkably.
You may also be interested in this article on how to completely eliminate cellulite .
Can it be done with swollen legs? Why?
We often hear that women suffer from swollen legs, and this is simply a product of fluid retention, this retention can originate due to various causes, including pregnancy , menstrual cycle disorders or as a side effect after surgery.
In the case of swollen legs, the lymphatic drainage of the legs can benefit highly, since through this treatment the lymph will circulate through the affected area and will purify and clean toxins. To date, there is no more effective treatment to improve this condition. Almost immediately we can visualize a great improvement and you can see the swelling of the legs. This drainage can be done manually to help drain the tissues or it can be done with the help of a specialized machine.
Prevents and reduces stretch marks
Stretch marks are like a kind of scars that appear on our skin. There are two types of stretch marks, the recent stretch marks that are reddish in color and the old stretch marks that are white in color. Stretch marks usually arise due to pregnancy , adolescence, and weight changes.
Lymphatic drainage of the legs can help prevent and reduce stretch marks, since by draining the tissues, toxins will be eliminated and circulation in that area will be reactivated. Although we must say that this treatment does not magically erase stretch marks, we can say in its favor that it does attenuate them and that it greatly improves the appearance of the skin .
It is important to note that the results after this treatment will vary according to each patient, but in general we can affirm that white stretch marks can be reduced by up to 60% while red or more recent stretch marks can in most of the patients. cases eventually disappear.
If you have stretch marks, don’t miss our articles on Stretch Marks: Prevention, Treatments and Causes
When to use lymphatic leg drainage
Leg lymphatic drainage treatment is indicated in the following cases:
- Post-traumatic or post-surgical situation.
- Rheumatic problems.
- After an infection.
- Dermatological problems.
- Allergic problems.
- To cleanse the skin.
- Swollen legs
Physiotherapy of lymphatic drainage in the legs
Leg lymphatic drainage is applied by a physiotherapist, who will imitate the usual activity of the lymphatic system with the help of his hands. Physiotherapy can help improve its function and avoid the accumulation of fluids in the tissues.
The physiotherapist must have a broad knowledge of the organ system, lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels that are those that manufacture and transfer the lymph to the bloodstream to purify and protect the body.
The lymphatic circulation is intimately with the blood circulation. The lymphatic system acts as a purification or cleaning tool and its function is so important that only a highly qualified and professional person is the one who can apply this treatment, since this lymphatic drainage of the legs is not a simple massage but must be applied based on the principles of physiotherapy.
Before and after lymphatic drainage in the legs
Before lymphatic drainage of the leg, the patient must be prepared, for this he must be in a calm, harmonious and pleasant environment, then he must proceed to diagnose which are the affected areas and then finally the lymphatic drainage will develop.
After the session of the lymphatic drainage of the legs , it is recommended to drink a lot of water and consume foods of a diuretic nature, which promote the production of urine. It is also recommended to consume foods with a high degree of potassium such as apple , eat foods low in salt. It is also highly recommended to do exercises or some physical activity, do push-ups and keep your legs up.
It is important to note that to see definitive results it is necessary to attend a certain number of sessions of at least 60 minutes each.
During pregnancy, is it safe to do it? why?
Lymphatic drainage is perhaps one of the most recommended therapies for pregnant women . This gentle therapeutic massage can activate the lymphatic system and eliminate excess fluids, preventing them from immobilizing and improving circulation.
Lymphatic drainage in pregnant women must be performed with a fairly gentle manual skill that can also help the patient to enter a state of deep relaxation.
For all this, this treatment is ideal for pregnant women who tend to retain fluids due to their condition, with this treatment inflammation or swelling is suppressed as the fluids are returned to their course. It can also serve to improve the appearance of the patient’s skin.
What if it is done after pregnancy?
Lymphatic drainage is also highly recommended for women who have just given birth, and who want to regain the body they had before giving birth to their baby . The main problems of women who have just had a child are loss of tone or flaccidity, excess fat and cellulite .
The flaccidity appears due to the stretching of the skin that occurs in an intense way during pregnancy, also during it the destruction of certain fibers that provide elasticity to the body occurs, in addition to that the body can accumulate fat and toxins that will generate overweight and will promote the appearance of cellulite.
Lymphatic drainage is one of the few therapies that are not restricted during the lactation stage and the short term of postpartum, with this treatment it is possible to reduce a significant amount of repressed toxins, and by discarding them from the body, the benefits will be appreciated. granted by this procedure, the first of them is the cell renewal of the skin, it acquires greater firmness, tone and visibly improves its appearance.
How is lymphatic self-drainage of the legs performed?
To perform a lymphatic drainage of the legs, the ideal would be that you go to a specialized center and leave everything in the hands of certified specialists in the matter, who can perform a manual or mechanical lymphatic drainage.
But you can do a simple session of self lymphatic drainage of legs that will last a maximum of a quarter of an hour. Each movement you perform must be repeated 15 times for 3 repetitions
To begin you must assume a comfortable position that allows you to massage both legs without difficulty. After that you should start with one leg and then repeat the same on the other. First you must put both hands at the groin level and press gently on three different points in this area, it is important that the pressure is made in 3 different places.
Then you should place both hands on the upper area of the thighs, and make gentle pressure movements until you reach the lower area of the thighs.
Later you must place your hands one behind the knee and you will press slowly inwards and then release, so you must do it 15 times in 3 repetitions . Then with both hands you will press different points on your ankle, and you should also do this 15 times for 3 repetitions. When you finish with one leg, you must repeat the procedure with the other.
Remember that you must gently stimulate the legs with light pressure movements, you should not hit or press very hard at any time, since this can generate an injury and far from benefiting your lymphatic system you would be harming it.
Contraindications and Risks of lymphatic drainage of the legs
It is an undeniable fact that lymphatic drainage of the legs can bring great benefits to our health in general, however it is important to take into account the fact that there are certain pathologies or conditions in which the application of this treatment is not recommended or in which the The same can be applied but with great care.
The total contraindications of this treatment appear in those cases where the application of lymphatic drainage is totally prohibited, since it can aggravate the person’s condition and put their health at risk.
And the relative contraindications appear in those cases where the application of lymphatic drainage can be carried out, but it must be done with great caution and care, monitoring the development of said treatment. At the slightest negative sign, the application must be immediately suspended.
Among the total contraindications we find:
- Advanced cancer (With the presence of tumor metastasis).
- Serious infections
- Heart disease or serious heart disease.
Among the relative contraindications we find:
- Hyperthyroidism Cases: Avoid touching the first chain of ganglia.
- Hypotension: Lymphatic drainage can be performed gradually, starting with short sessions and progressing slowly according to the adaptation of the patient.
- Infections: Lymphatic drainage can be performed if the area affected by the infection is avoided and as long as the infection is not severe
- Tumors already treated: Lymphatic drainage can be performed as long as it is performed in an area far from the tumor.
- Bronchial asthma: Lymphatic drainage can be performed as long as pressure on the sternum is avoided, since this pressure can stimulate the bronchi and this could generate a serious asthma attack.
- Pregnancy : Lymphatic drainage can be performed during pregnancy, if it is not a high-risk pregnancy or does not present complications. In any case, the procedure must be done with great care and caution.
How is a home lymphatic drainage done on the legs?
You can perform a lymphatic drainage at home, the first thing you should do is prepare the skin for this you can use a good essential oil such as almond oil , you should apply it on the legs and wait for them to absorb the oil a little .
To perform home lymphatic drainage you can use your hands or a special sponge or roller.
Keep in mind that you must start the massage from the bottom up, this is done to move the lymph to the groin area, there are some important lymph nodes, this will make the drainage function much easier and will reduce a considerable amount of liquid. This means that we are going to start from the ankle area to the height of the groin, we will do this by means of an upward circular movement.
If we are doing the massage with our hands, they will help us to slightly press the ankles while we are making very delicate circular movements.
When we reach the knee area, we are going to press the inside of it with the assistance of our thumbs and with them we will make small circles. Remember that all this must be done gently, the pressure must be light, we simply want to clear that area.
Finally we will reach the thighs, here we will also do a gentle circular massage, and then we will reach the groin, there we will use the palms of the hands and the massage will be a little more energetic in this area.
With this we can end our home lymphatic drainage. It is recommended after the same to keep the legs elevated for about 15 minutes, this will help the lymph to circulate more fluidly. Possibly after performing the home lymphatic drainage we will feel the desire to go to the bathroom, and this is considered a positive sign that indicates that our drainage was done correctly and is working perfectly.
What is a leg vodder lymphatic drainage?
Lymphatic drainage of the Vodder legs or DLM, is a manual treatment that comprises a set of manual movements performed gently and that aims to achieve the transfer of the arrested lymph. This drainage helps the lymph circulate properly.
The MLD Vodder is currently considered a highly advanced massage technique as it moves through tissue Iterative and oscillating movements. As in most medical / aesthetic treatments, the benefits of this treatment can be appreciated after a considerable time and in order to maintain its positive effect the patient must keep moving and perform exercises, only in this way will he be able to preserve the results of the same.
Essential points of lymphatic drainage in the legs
The essential points of lymphatic drainage of the legs are the lymphatic channels, which constitute an extended network that crosses various points which are called lymph nodes, these have been distributed throughout the legs and serve as a filter, in order to eliminate waste and toxins.
Lymphatic drainage of legs in men
Lymphatic drainage of the legs is a treatment that is often performed by women, but nothing prevents men from enjoying the benefits of it as well. Since men can also stimulate their lymphatic system and can in turn effectively suppress all kinds of harmful substances or toxins that are present in their legs. The automatic effect of lymphatic drainage of the legs is that pain and swelling can drastically decrease and the patient can reach a state of calm and relaxation
Lymphatic drainage can be an ideal treatment for those men who have fluid retention problems or want to reduce the fat located on their legs, also if men want to improve the appearance of the skin on their legs they can resort to this therapy. Currently, apart from lymphatic drainage of the legs, men have a type of drainage exclusively for them which is the prostatic lymphatic drainage .
Advantages and disadvantages of lymphatic drainage in the legs
Leg lymphatic drainage has a number of considerable advantages but it also has some important disadvantages, let’s see what they are then.
Advantages of lymphatic drainage of legs
It helps our body in the elimination of toxins or waste that accumulate if we can notice it.
- Enhance and tone our legs.
- Suppresses excess fat and cellulite .
- It makes our skin much healthier, smoother, brighter and more beautiful.
- It stretches our muscles after a long and complicated workday.
- Reduces the ailments and swelling of our legs.
- It can also help reduce stress and lower our anxiety levels.
Lymphatic drainage of the legs is an excellent treatment that together with a healthy and balanced diet can make us feel more energetic and vital.
Disadvantages of lymphatic drainage of legs
- You can produce heart rhythm disturbances
- It can generate complications in the immune system in some cases.
- It is dangerous during pregnancy , if the drainage is done over the abdomen area.
- It is risky in cases of severe infections, since by activating the circulatory system it can help the infection to spread in the body.
- It is risky to apply over an area where a tumor is located, as this could cause it to worsen or worsen.
- It is very important to note that the person who performs lymphatic drainage of the legs must be a highly qualified and professional person in the area.
Differences between lymphatic drainage and conventional massage
Many people often confuse the lymphatic drainage procedure with a regular massage. Since in both cases the hands are used and circular movements are applied. But it is important to note that they are not the same and that there are substantial differences between one and the other. To clearly delimit these differences, we are going to state the characteristics of each one.
Conventional Massage
- Has direct effects on the circulatory system
- Stimulates muscle tone
- Often causes redness of the dermis
- It can generate painful sensations
- It is done using moderate to strong pressure
- It is done through fairly fast movements
- The hands are in tension and transmit firmness in their contact.
- It is done with the help of oils or creams
The direction of the massage movements is not very relevant. Movements can be made in different directions.
Manual lymphatic drainage
The direction of the massage is very important, it must follow the route of the lymphatic system, therefore it must be performed by a person who knows the direction of the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels.
- It has effects only on the lymphatic system and not on the blood system.
- Has a muscle relaxant effect
- Does not cause redness of the dermis
- It should never cause pain
- It should always be done with gentle pressure
- It is done with a very slow and constant speed
- The hands must be relaxed, the movement must come from the wrists and arms.
- In professional areas it is not applied together with creams or oils.
If you are interested in lymphatic drainage, be sure to read all our articles related to the subject:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Contraindications and Benefits in Cellulite and for Weight Loss, can you be pregnant?
- Lymphatic drainage of the abdomen: Contraindications, Disadvantages, Benefits and how to do it
- Lymphatic Drainage in Pregnancy: Health Benefits and Risks
- Facial and Neck Lymphatic Drainage : Contraindications, Risks, Benefits and How to Do It
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.