Lymphatic drainage therapy – it’s one of the latest, non-invasive wellness treatments that’s being hailed as an all-round ‘holy grail’ by celebrities and medical experts alike, boasting a multitude of health and beauty benefits.
In this guide, we will talk you through one of our most popular treatments, determine if it is right for you and tell you how you can get started with a consultation.
What is Lymphatic Drainage Therapy?
Lymphatic drainage therapy, also known as pressotherapy, is in simple terms, a therapeutic massage treatment that impacts positively on your body and general well-being.
Using a pressotherapy applicator, your lymphatic system is stimulated by compressing and decompressing a specific area of the body. Blood flow and circulation is boosted, the nervous system relaxes and the lymph stimulation reduces excess liquids and toxins from the targeted area. Pressotherapy can also involve manual massage techniques, where your practitioner will use long, gentle rhythmic strokes to encourage the stimulation.
The lymph system acts as part of your body’s immune system, fighting infections. The lymph itself (a clear internal fluid) transports vital nutrients and oxygens to cells throughout the body. It collects toxins and flushes these out via the lymph nodes. The lymph system relies on pressure from blood vessels and muscle movement to push lymph around, so lymph drainage serves to facilitate this process.
What are the benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy?
As lymph is vital to ensuring the immune system is working, encouraging the flow and drainage through this treatment has a wide variety of health benefits, including the following:
✓ Reduce liquid retention – as lymph is not ‘pumped’ around the body such as blood, long periods of immobility (at your desk, for example) can reduce the flow and cause swelling in the feet or hands.
✓ Boost weight loss – a well-flowing lymphatic system encourages higher metabolism, and thus you will be burning calories more quickly and efficiently.
✓ Fight infections – lymphatic Massage can reduce the chance of catching colds and other viruses and speed up recovery time.
✓ Improves digestions – treatment focused on the abdomen can stimulate the bowel passage which can in turn aid with issues such as constipation.
Drainage therapy also offers some beauty benefits, such as the below:
✓ Improve skin texture – the massage element of this treatment reduces swelling and puffiness, as well as improving pores.
✓ Reduce cellulite – the increased blood flow and circulation helps to break down toxins, which are cause the appearance of cellulite.
✓ Reduce stretch marks and scar tissue – the therapy has been shown to speed up scar tissue healing.
How soon can I expect to see results?
Depending on the individual and target areas, this can vary, although more than one session is needed to see visible results.
A course is always recommended - during your consultation we can devise a treatment plan tailored for your needs and areas of concern.
Things to consider before undertaking Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
Although lymphatic drainage therapy is suitable for clients of all ages, there are a few medical instances where this treatment is not recommended. They include:
• Pregnancy
• Heart conditions, such as heart disease or wearing a pacemaker
• Cancer
• Deep vein thrombosis
If you are unsure about your suitability, we are happy to answer any questions during your initial consultation. Please let us know if you are suffering from any medical conditions, are taking any medications or have any allergies.
Tips for treatment
Below we have compiled some tips for clients undertaking this treatment:
• After your session, it is common to feel thirsty. Be sure to drink plenty of water on treatment days, but also daily as this also contributes to flushing out your system,
• Although this treatment is non-invasive, you may feel tired after the session. It’s recommended to let your body ease back into activity afterwards, so avoid exercise or demanding tasks for the rest of the day, following treatment.
• In between sessions (although not straight after treatment!) you should keep active with gentle exercise and enjoy a healthy lifestyle, as this will increase your results from the therapy.
And there you have it – your beginner’s guide to lymphatic drainage therapy, or pressotherapy. We hope this has helped you inform yourself on the various health and beauty benefits this wonderful treatment has to offer.
Interested in this relaxing, detoxing and slimming treatment?
Your friendly, fully licensed aesthetician will assess if this therapy is right for you during your free initial consultation. Contact us to schedule yours today!