Many people wonder what is the difference between lymphatic drainage and anti-cellulite massages? And which one is better? Let's try to figure this out.
Lymphatic tissue and cellulite formation are closely related. Lymphatic fluid contains many compounds beneficial to the body. In addition, it, in turn, removes harmful metabolic products from cells. When lymph stagnates, toxins accumulate and create traffic jams, and metabolic processes in cells slow down. Therefore, the subcutaneous fatty tissue becomes uneven, which manifests itself in the form of cellulite.
Lymphatic drainage massage is aimed specifically at normalizing the lymph circulation system. And anti-cellulite to get rid of visible signs of cellulite.
In general, both types have a positive impact and complement each other.
Features of lymphatic drainage massage
This type of massage was developed back in the last century to get rid of swelling after surgery. Subsequently, it was successfully used to combat varicose veins. Now this type of massage is widely used in cosmetology. The effect of the massage is observed after the first procedure, and over time, you will notice that many diseases will pass, including cellulite, and the metabolism will be restored.
This is due to the fact that lymphatic drainage massage has the following effects on the body:
- Relieves lymph stagnation;
- Promotes the removal of harmful substances;
- Removes swelling, as it enhances the outflow of excess fluid;
- Removes orange peel;
- Increases immunity;
- Makes the skin elastic and firm;
- Accelerates skin regeneration processes;
- Normalizes metabolism;
- Promotes weight loss, shapes your figure;
- Increases immunity;
- Relieves dark circles under the eyes;
- Improves skin color and condition;
- Treats varicose veins;
- Gets rid of acne;
- Removes stretch marks, shallow scars and scars;
- Restores the functioning of the digestive and genitourinary systems;
- Gives strength and fights fatigue.
After a course of lymphatic drainage massage, you will feel a significant increase in strength and vigor, and also get rid of a number of diseases and excess weight.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
A sedentary lifestyle often leads to stagnation of lymph and the formation of edema. A course of lymphatic drainage massage is recommended in the following cases:
- Pronounced cellulite;
- Swelling;
- Decreased skin elasticity, sagging;
- Excess weight;
- Reduced immunity;
- Poor blood circulation;
- Varicose veins in the initial stage.
It is recommended to visit a doctor before taking the course. The procedure has a number of contraindications. For example, it is not recommended to carry out the procedure for infectious diseases, inflammation, dermatitis, eczema, thrombosis. Also, massage is not performed during pregnancy and immediately after operations.
Absolute contraindications for lymphatic drainage massage are cardiopulmonary failure, gangrene, thrombosis, aortic aneurysm, osteomyelitis, mental illness, AIDS.
Any inflammatory processes in the body (acute respiratory infections, tonsillitis, pancreatitis) are temporary contraindications. After complete recovery, you can come for a massage.
You cannot massage the part of the body where there was a malignant tumor (after its removal), there is psoriasis, warts, cavities. If a woman is diagnosed with mastopathy, chest massage is contraindicated for her.
Features of anti-cellulite massage
This type is also widespread in cosmetology. Its main goal is to get rid of cellulite and sagging skin. It has the following effects on the body:
- Returns skin elasticity;
- Improves blood supply to the skin and subcutaneous layer;
- Accelerates the metabolic process in cells;
- Helps remove toxins;
- Increases muscle tone;
- Opens pores, so the skin breathes better and metabolic processes increase;
- Improves the functioning of the skin glands;
- Eliminates pronounced signs of cellulite: orange peel and sagging skin;
- Promotes weight loss.
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Preparation
Before any type of massage, you need to cleanse the skin. To do this, you can exfoliate with a scrub. The areas being massaged should be cleaned especially thoroughly. After which the skin should be blotted dry with a towel, since the wet epidermis is easily damaged during the massage.
It is better not to eat before a lymphatic drainage massage; the last meal should be at least two hours before the procedure. But at the same time you need to drink as much fluid as possible. There are no special instructions in preparing for anti-cellulite massage.
To better understand the difference between lymphatic drainage and anti-cellulite massages, let’s take a closer look at their types and techniques.
Indications for use
The doctor prescribes lymphatic drainage massage or anti-cellite massage, based on the patient’s medical history. Lymphatic drainage procedure is indicated for:
- Tendency to swelling;
- Obesity;
- Cellulite;
- Stretch marks or scars;
- Decreased immunity;
- Uneven color of the dermis;
- General weakness;
- Impaired blood flow.
Anti-cellulite massage is chosen when congestion is detected, accumulation of fat deposits, deterioration of the skin texture - the appearance of cold areas and lumpy areas.
On a note!
You can detect cellulite at home. It is necessary to squeeze the skin on the thighs or buttocks. The pits and tubercles that appear indicate the initial stage of cellulite.
Indications for anti-cellulite massage
Types of lymphatic drainage massage
There are several types of this massage. The choice of one type or another depends on the area being treated and the desired result. The following types of lymphatic drainage are usually offered:
- Facial lymphatic drainage is used to relieve puffiness, fatigue and dullness of the skin. It will return an even tone, eliminate acne, small wrinkles and scars.
- Lymphatic drainage of the area under the eyes perfectly relieves bruises and puffiness of the eyes.
- Lymphatic drainage of the body will get rid of cellulite, help you lose weight and get back in shape. Speeds up metabolism and improves lymph flow, helps in the treatment of certain diseases.
- Lymphatic drainage of the legs will help with swelling and fatigue of the legs. It is an excellent prevention of varicose veins.
Lymphatic drainage massage technique
Lymphatic drainage massage is based on the classic one. The peculiarity is that all techniques are performed along the flow of lymph in the direction of the lymph nodes. The movements are smooth, slow, gentle, wavy.
The duration varies depending on the area of the body part being treated, so it can last from 30 minutes to 2 hours and consists of the following stages:
- Before the procedure, the skin is cleansed with a special gel, after which massage products are applied.
- The body is warming up. To do this, the massage therapist strokes the skin with the edge of his palm. Movements occur in one direction, towards the lymph nodes.
- Subsequently, the movements become more active.
- After the procedure, the skin is cleansed and lubricated with cream or milk.
Manual massage is divided into several subtypes:
- Superficial: movements are performed only in the upper layers of the skin, stimulating metabolism in the cells of the epidermis;
- Deep: done with pressure and deepening. Acts on capillaries and normalizes lymph flow;
- Internal: acts directly on the lymph nodes. The techniques are the same as in anti-cellulite massage (pinching, rubbing, patting, etc.). The differences are that the movements are made along the line of lymph flow.
Massage technique
Typically, lymphatic drainage massage is performed only on those areas of the body where there is swelling or cellulite, so the procedure can also be considered an anti-cellulite massage. It represents an active effect exclusively along the movement of lymph. In this case, strong pressure on the skin is not allowed, so as not to damage the deep layers of the epidermis and blood vessels. There should be no bruises left after the massage.
It is not advisable to eat food 3-4 hours before the procedure . But throughout the course you need to drink more pure water (without gas or flavorings). This will speed up the removal of excess fluid, promote weight loss and improve metabolic processes in the body.
To quickly notice the effect of lymphatic drainage massage, you need to properly prepare for it. Before the procedure, do some cardio, warm up, and then take a shower. You need to thoroughly cleanse the skin with a washcloth and shower gel, scrub. There should be no cosmetics on the skin, so after a shower there is no need to use moisturizing lotions and creams.
The procedure is carried out using massage oil or a special cream. It is worth informing your specialist if you are allergic to any oils or herbal ingredients. Sometimes massage is done through a towel so as not to damage the skin.
There are several techniques for performing manual lymphatic drainage massage:
- Surface technology . The massage therapist gently acts on the skin, strokes the dermis with light movements, and warms it up. He presses on the skin, but lightly, only with his fingertips, to improve the movement of lymph and relieve vascular spasm.
- Deep technique . In this case, the specialist acts not only on the skin, but also on muscle tissue. He carefully works on all problem areas, moving in the direction of lymph outflow. This massage increases blood circulation in certain areas of the body, relieves tension, which promotes rapid fat burning.
- Point technique . The specialist acts locally on the lymph nodes. This technique has a general strengthening effect on the body.
Movements should always be directed along the line of lymph outflow: from the neck to the chest, from the fingers to the shoulders, from the knees to the groin, from the abdomen to the pelvis. All movements are smooth, neat, without strong pressure or jerking. Lymph moves slowly, so the massage therapist’s hands move without haste. With each new repetition of the movement, you can increase the pressure. But the patient should not feel pain. Any unpleasant sensations should be reported to a specialist.
After the massage, you need to lie down for 10 minutes, and only then get ready and get dressed. For 2 hours after the procedure, you need to limit your fluid intake, and then you can drink as much as you want.
Lymphatic drainage hardware massage
Hardware massage is performed using special equipment and is divided into the following types:
- Galvanic – produced using low current, helping to activate metabolic processes and eliminate excessive swelling;
- Electroiontophoresis - special substances are introduced into the skin that remove toxins from the skin and moisturize it, eliminating wrinkles, puffiness, and uneven color.
- Pressotherapy is performed in a special suit with a microprocessor. The suit creates pressure and accelerates the circulation of fluid and its removal. This method is the most effective and comparable to manual massage.
- Vacuum is produced using cans.
Anti-cellulite massage technique
The duration of the anti-cellulite massage is 30-60 minutes and consists of the following stages:
- The body is warmed by soft stroking only with the fingertips, which activates metabolic processes.
- After sufficient warming up, movements that are unique to this type of massage begin, such as pinching, rolling, kneading, and rubbing. They are aimed at affecting the deeper layers of subcutaneous fat.
- After this, toning movements are carried out.
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Anti-cellulite massage: which type to choose
Cellulite most often appears in places where fatty tissue accumulates: on the thighs, abdomen, and back of the legs. Orange peel is not a sign of poor health or improper care. Cellulite appears in almost every second woman, and every tenth man. But few people accept body changes.
Fortunately, getting rid of subcutaneous tubercles is possible. In addition to proper nutrition and active sports, it is necessary to regularly do anti-cellulite massage. The treatment of deep tissues allows you to break up the subcutaneous tubercles and remove the remaining fat cells from the body. There are several types of anti-cellulite massage. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Before starting the course, it is recommended to study information about each procedure.
Honey anti-cellulite massage with deep tissue treatment
To break up dense subcutaneous fat, you need to get to the muscles and fascia. For this purpose, specialists perform anti-cellulite massage with deep tissue treatment. Instead of oil or lotion, warmed liquid honey is used. The procedure is performed without additional equipment, by hand. The sensations can be unpleasant, and after completion, bruises may remain on the body. It is believed that it is with the help of honey massage that optimal results can be achieved.
Lymphatic drainage treatment
In some people, cellulite appears due to pathological water retention in the body. If, in addition to orange peel, there is lymphedema on the body, the specialist recommends taking a course of lymphatic drainage anti-cellulite massage of the abdomen and legs. But the procedure has strict contraindications. Lymphatic drainage is prohibited for cancer and inflammatory processes at the acute stage. If there are no contraindications, a combination of two types of massages (lymphatic drainage and deep) will definitely help achieve the desired results.
How to do anti-cellulite massage “Drybrushing”
Rubbing the body with a dry brush is an effective method of combating shallow orange peel. You need to understand that hard stubble only affects the epidermis, but definitely will not reach the dermis layer where cellulite is located. Drybrushing is an anti-cellulite massage of the thighs and buttocks. The skin in these areas is thicker. But rubbing the abdomen can result in scratches and bruises. To avoid complications, it is recommended to treat the skin with circular movements. After completing the procedure, apply a cream or lotion with an anti-cellulite effect to the warmed buttocks.
Anti-cellulite massage with a jar with vacuum and rollers
Professional massage therapists often combine hardware techniques with manual ones. The most popular device: vacuum roller massager. It is enough to apply the can to the problem area and the device will suck out the air and create a vacuum at the required level. The skin under the cup will swell and the walls of the fat cells will collapse. Additional treatment with rollers will even out the body relief. The procedure has contraindications: weak vascular walls, thinned sensitive skin. Vacuum roller anti-cellulite cupping massage ranks first in the ratings of effective procedures.
Classic anti-cellulite cupping massage
Treating problem areas with rubber cans with bulbs at the end is a “home” alternative to a professional procedure. Instead of turning on a device that sucks the air out of the can, you just need to squeeze the bulb. A simple and inexpensive device allows you to treat only the surface layers of the skin. But the risk of side effects is less. Banks are allowed to treat the delicate skin of the abdomen and hands. You can start the home procedure with a cupping massage, and as soon as the blood flows to the problem areas, move on to a deeper treatment.
Pressotherapy, hardware lymphatic drainage
Professional compression therapy helps get rid of cellulite associated with stagnation of intercellular fluid. The arms and legs are wrapped in special pillows, which gradually inflate and compress the tissue. Simultaneously with compression, myostimulation can be performed: microcurrent effects on muscles. One forty-minute massage procedure is equivalent to 20 minutes of active exercise in the gym.
Pressotherapy improves blood circulation, prevents the development of fibrosis, and breaks up small subcutaneous tubercles. The procedure perfectly relaxes, relieves swelling and removes excess water from the body. Hardware lymphatic drainage is also considered an excellent prevention of cellulite.
Ultrasound therapy
The second name for ultrasonic anti-cellulite massage is cavitation. Ultrasound waves penetrate deep into the skin and act directly on fat cells. It should be taken into account that home ultrasonic massagers have low power, so they can only treat the epidermis. Professional massage equipment works deep tissues. It has been proven that ultrasound can destroy both adipose tissue and fibrous compounds. An excellent addition to classic anti-cellulite massage.
To choose a procedure, it is recommended to study the “before and after” photos, and also exclude possible contraindications. Only an integrated approach will allow you to get rid of orange peel forever.