Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage helps deliver cellular waste and microscopic villains like viruses and bacteria, which may cause cellulite, to the lymph nodes. These filter-like masses, which are found from head-to-toe, deliver this material to the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
This drainage is essential because the lymphatic system lacks a pump of its own to transport the lymph through the body and must rely on movement, muscular contraction, and massage to flush the fluid.
Also called manual lymph drainage, it was developed in the 1930s in France by Emil Vodder, a Danish physical therapist, and his wife, Estrid, a naturopath. It consists of very gentle, rhythmic pressure, whispery soft finger strokes, or ultralight drumming -and stretching the skin in the direction of the lymph pathways toward the lymph nodes. The logic is that this will counteract the lymph system’s tendency to become sluggish or even blocked by causes like spending too much time on the couch or eating unhealthy processed foods. Lymphatic drainage is credited with preventing swelling and bruising, healing acne and wrinkles, relieving fatigue and sports injuries, and generally enhancing the immune system, to name a few other benefits. This massage is actually a draining process intended to firm and tone skin and to improve health.