Lymphatic drainage massage is one of the therapies to maintain health by draining the fluid that has accumulated in the body through the lymph channels. This massage technique is beneficial for swelling, bruising, infections, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, lupus, depression, and anxiety. The result is maximum if the therapy is done 2-3 times a week. In addition to having a massage by a professional therapist who has mastered this technique, you can treat yourself or someone else after learning how to massage properly and knowing the parts of your body that need to be massaged.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Mastering the Right Way of Massage
Step 1. Give a light touch on certain body parts
Do not apply too much pressure when doing lymphatic massage. If you press firmly, you will massage the tissue under the lymph ducts because these channels are just under the skin. Gently press the skin with your fingers without massaging it, but make sure you can still feel the tissue under the skin.
This pressure seems too light, especially if you are used to massage by massaging or pressing hard muscles
Step 2. Stretch the skin instead of massage
Body massage is usually done by massaging the skin, but this time, the skin is quite stretched a little because lymphatic massage is done by stimulating the lymph channels, which are elastic channels that are just under the skin.
Step 3. Perform massage according to the direction of fluid flow in the lymph channels
When stretching the skin, make sure the direction is correct, that is, in the direction of the flow of fluid in the lymph channels because this therapy works to stimulate fluid flow. Massage is not useful if the direction of stretching the skin is wrong. Lymph flows to the torso and heart.
Lift your fingers off your skin after each stretch. If you move your finger back and forth, you are simply massaging the spleen so that the fluid in the lymph ducts doesn't drain
Step 4. Do the massage with the right rhythm
You should massage the lymph ducts in slow motions because the lymph fluid flows at a normal slow rhythm. Each time you stretch your skin, do it for about 3 seconds. Lift your fingers, then wait a few seconds before the next stretch.
Method 2 of 3: Massaging the Head and Neck
Step 1. Prepare yourself by relaxing yourself so that you feel comfortable
Lymphatic massage is most effective when done in a relaxed state. Look for a quiet, distraction-free room. Play white noise, such as the sound of waves or rain. You can do therapy while sitting, standing, or lying on your back. Choose the most appropriate body position because this therapy aims to provide a sense of comfort.
Find out the most comfortable body position by trying them one by one
Step 2. Begin therapy with deep breathing
Take time to relax for a few minutes before doing the massage. You need to relax your body and calm your mind to get maximum results. Inhale slowly, hold your breath for a moment, exhale slowly. Do 5 breaths. While massaging, continue to breathe regularly to keep you calm and comfortable.
Step 3. Start the therapy by massaging the neck near the collarbone
Massage should start from the top of the body down. First of all, massage both sides of the base of the neck. You can massage them individually or simultaneously while crossing your arms in front of your chest. Place the uppermost knuckles of the index and middle fingers on the left and right sides of the neck slightly above the collarbone. Relax your shoulders. Make sure the tips of your fingers lightly press the skin of the neck.
- Gently stretch the neck skin toward the sternum while applying light pressure. Stop stretching when your fingers touch your collarbone. Each stretch should last for 3 seconds.
- Perform this stretch 10 times for each side of the neck.
Step 4. Massage both sides of the neck
The next step, you need to massage the sides and back of the neck. You can massage them individually or simultaneously. Place your palms on the sides of your neck just below your ears. Stretch the neck skin down and back towards the upper back. Perform this stretch 10 times for each side of the neck.
Step 5. Stretch the skin on the back of the neck
Place all your fingers on either side of the nape of the neck just below the hairline. While applying light pressure, stretch the skin of the neck down towards the shoulders and then lower the hands. Perform this stretch 10 times for each side of the neck.
Apply the same way to stretch the skin on the front side of the neck
Method 3 of 3: Continuing Therapy by Massaging the Body
Step 1. Massage your armpits
Relax your arms at your sides, then stretch them out to the sides so that your armpits are visible. Place your fingers on your armpits, then stretch your armpit skin up and forward towards your chin. Do this stretch 5-10 times.
Stretch both armpits equally
Step 2. Continue the therapy by massaging the hips
Extend right arm up. Place the fingers of the left hand on the outside of the right hip near the thigh, then stretch the skin of the hip towards the armpit. After stretching the skin around the hipbones, move your hands to your waist, then stretch the skin around your waist. Do this step 3 times to massage the entire side of the body.
Lower your right arm, then do the same step by raising your left arm. Perform this stretch 10 times on each side of the body
Step 3. Stretch the stomach skin
Relax the abdominal muscles before the massage. Place the tips of your fingers on your upper abdomen between your lower ribs and your belly button. Make sure your palms don't touch the skin of your stomach. Massage the abdomen towards the center and up towards the chest. When massaging, move your fingers in a regular rhythm while applying light pressure to the abdomen.
- Next, place both palms on the groin in the lower abdomen. Slightly press your palms to massage the lower abdomen towards the center and up towards the chest.
- Do this movement 5-10 times for each side of the stomach.
Step 4. Massage both feet
Do the massage starting from the ankles to the knees. Grasp the ankles with both hands. Slightly press your palms against your ankles, then stretch the skin of your lower leg up toward your knee. Release your palms from your calves, then hold your ankles again with both hands. Massage both feet in a balanced way.
Step 5. Massage your knees
Place your fingers on the creases of your knees, then stretch the skin of your knees up toward your thighs. Release your fingers from your thighs, then grasp the knee creases with your fingers again. Do the massage 10 times for each knee equally.
