What is Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage is a particular massage technique, exercised in areas of the body characterized by excessive reduction of the lymphatic circulation.
Lymphatic drainage, as the word itself suggests, favors the drainage of lymphatic fluids from the tissues: the manual mechanical action is exerted at the level of areas affecting the lymphatic system (composed of the spleen, thymus, lymphatic nodules and lymph nodes), in order to facilitate the outflow of stagnant organic liquids.
Indications
As mentioned, the purpose of lymphatic drainage is to drain (therefore, drain) the lymphatic fluids. For this reason, this particular massage technique is indicated and successfully used for:
- Promote the reabsorption of edema;
- Regulate the autonomic system;
- Promote the healing of ulcers and sores in diabetics.
Furthermore, lymphatic drainage is also widely used in the field of aesthetic medicine. Not surprisingly, there are many women who resort to this type of massage to combat the imperfections of cellulite.
Furthermore, lymphatic drainage treatment is often recommended to patients who have undergone cosmetic surgery, such as liposculpture and liposuction.
Finally - given its ability to eliminate the stagnation of liquids favoring the reabsorption of edema - lymphatic drainage is a particularly useful technique and also indicated in pregnant women (for more information: Lymphatic drainage in pregnancy).
History
The "discovery" of lymphatic drainage, as well as the coining of the name "Manual Lymphatic Drainage" (or DLM), are ascribed to the Danish physiotherapist Emil Vodder and his wife Estrid Vodder. However, the foundations of this massage technique go back to earlier times.
In fact, it was Dr. Alexander Von Winiwarter - at the end of the 19th century - who was the first to introduce a particular and new method of massage in order to counteract lymphedema. This method involved the execution of a light massage, followed by compression and, finally, by the elevation of the patient's extremities in order to favor the outflow of lymphatic fluids.
However, this type of massage was not very successful, until it was perfected by Dr. Vodder who made it public in 1936.
From this date and for the next 40 years, the Vodders continued their activity as physiotherapists, demonstrating and teaching their method. Over time, the number of doctors, masseurs and physiotherapists interested in this innovative massage technique increased more and more, until - in 1967 - the "Society for Manual Lymphatic Drainage of Dr. Vodder" was founded. .
Effects and Benefits
Lymphatic drainage performs its functions and benefits according to three methods:
- Draining action of liquids: favors the elimination of interstitial and lymphatic liquids;
- Relaxing activity of muscle fibers;
- Ability to introduce leukocytes and immunoglobulins (produced in the organs of the lymphatic system) into the bloodstream.
All this translates into an improvement in lymphatic circulation and the consequent well-being of the patient.
Techniques
Lymphatic drainage - contrary to what one might think - is a difficult technique to perform. The operator, in fact, must perfectly know the lymphatic circulation and the areas to be treated: only in this way, the drainage of interstitial fluids and lymph can be favored by the right manipulations. The aim is to direct the lymph towards the lymphatic areas. closer to the massaged area: in this way, the superficial circulation of the lymph and its flow is facilitated.
Over time, various techniques have developed in order to perform effective lymphatic drainage.
In any case, we can affirm that the main methods used are basically two: the Vodder method and the Leduc method.
The methods differ mainly in the type of movements performed, however, they are based on the same fundamental principles.
The lymphatic drainage technique is implemented by applying a slight pressure movement on the skin, which must be slow and delicate, taking care to apply tangential thrusts.
The lymphatic drainage must follow the path of the lymph: in this regard, the massage requires starting at the level of the neck, the area where the lymph nodes are located where the lymph mixes with the bloodstream. Only subsequently, the technique proceeds in the other areas of the body.
Vodder's method
Vodder's school provides for the execution of four typical movements: circular thrusts, rotations, pumping and dispensing movements.
Circular movements, which must always be applied lightly but consistently at the same time, are generally carried out at the level of the neck and face: lymphatic drainage frequently begins with this circular massage, due to the fact that, as mentioned, at the level of of the neck the blood and lymphatic circulation are mixed by means of lymph nodes present in the aforementioned area.
The massage continues with rotational movements, in which the expert physiotherapist performs movements with the wrist, raising and lowering it, rubbing the hand on the skin in a circular way.
Subsequently, lymphatic drainage involves pumping movements: the pressure of the tissues is altered to allow better circulation of the lymph (the physiotherapist moves the patient's skin trying to "draw" a sort of oval circles, moving the fingers in the same direction).
All these movements are alternated with a dispensing clutch, which consists in the rotational movement of the wrist on the patient's skin.
Leduc's method
Unlike the Vodder method, the Leduc method provides for the execution of a smaller number of movements falling within therapeutic protocols that vary according to the type of disorder that needs to be treated.
The movements envisaged by the Leduc method for performing manual lymphatic drainage are two:
- The recall maneuver;
- The resorption maneuver.
The recall maneuver must be carried out downstream of the area affected by the disturbance and has the purpose of emptying the lymphatic collectors.
The reabsorption maneuver, on the other hand, is carried out in correspondence with the areas affected by retention and has the aim of favoring the reabsorption of liquids inside the superficial lymphatic vessels.
The experience of the masseur
The dexterity of the physiotherapist is certainly a very important factor. With experience, in fact, the specialist refines the ability to apply lymphatic drainage: the massage must follow the lymphatic flow and the friction on the skin must not be too heavy, to prevent the patient from perceiving pain; the skin, moreover, must not redden after the session (it is no coincidence that lymphatic drainage is often also referred to as "gentle massage").
Only if the physiotherapist applies these basic rules, the lymphatic drainage will be able to carry out the desired therapeutic effects.
The masseur, in addition to the aforementioned basic rules, must put into practice some small - but effective - tricks, so that the subject can benefit even more from the lymphatic drainage:
- The hands of the physiotherapist must be warm;
- The environment must be suitable: the temperature must not be excessively hot or cold;
- The patient must be comfortable, the muscles must not be tense, the areas of the body not affected by the lymphatic drainage must be covered;
- The pressure of the massage should gradually increase and, at the end of the massage, the subject should rest for about 15 minutes.
Furthermore, it is essential that the lymphatic drainage is carried out directly with the hands, without the aid of oils or creams, because the contact with the patient's skin must be direct. The creams, on the other hand, would favor the sliding of the hands along the body, while the friction is fundamental to push the skin and the stagnant liquids in an appropriate way.
The pressure exerted by the hands of the specialist on the patient's skin must not be excessive, to avoid increasing the passage of liquids from the tissues to the blood vessels but, conversely, favoring the drainage of lymphatic liquids.
Duration of treatment
It is rare that in a single session the lymphatic drainage maneuvers can completely resolve the edema, as well as the stagnation of liquids. Generally, the patient must undergo several treatments to obtain good lasting results. Obviously, the frequency and duration of the sessions will be established according to the patient's ailment.
Contraindications and advice
Like all therapies (since lymphatic drainage is a therapeutic method), there are contraindications: lymphatic drainage is strictly not recommended in subjects suffering from acute inflammation, malignant tumors, cardiac edema. Even those suffering from blood pressure changes (hypo / hypertension) should not undergo lymphatic drainage treatments, as well as people with asthma and women during their menstrual cycle.
It is advisable to practice sports and follow a "healthy and regular diet, free from excesses and rich in liquids (water), in order to stimulate the metabolism, reactivate circulation and reduce the accumulation of fat, promoting water exchange. practicing these simple precautions, lymphatic drainage is certainly favored and can give good results in a short time.
