The lymphatic system is the body’s main defence system. It is made up of the lymph nodes (lymph nodes), that is, a complex network of vessels, responsible for carrying the lymph from the tissues to the circulatory system.
Lymphatic drainage is a procedure which consists of performing a massage with gentle movements, which aims to stimulate and facilitate the circulation of lymph through its vessels, and reach the bloodstream more quickly.
As the lymphatic system does not have a pumping, as done by the heart in the bloodstream, this massage can help the return of lymph, especially in people who suffer from fragility of these vessels and have a tendency to accumulate fluid in the tissues.
The procedure also improves circulation in general, relaxes the body and can act discreetly to combat localised fat.
Since the massage increases the metabolism of the area, when there is an improvement of lymph circulation, there is also a greater oxygenation of the body tissues, which improves the appearance of cellulite and localized fat.
Indications and Contraindications for Lymphatic Drainage
The lymphatic drainage sessions are recommended for :
- reduction of lymphedema and edemas
- lipoesclerosis and fibro geloid edema
- headaches
- chronic venous insufficiency
- neuralgias
- mastalgia;
- gestational edemas
- premenstrual syndrome;
- leg pain and pelvic discomfort
- fatigue;
- anxiety;
- irritability;
- rhinitis;
- sinusitis;
- pharyngitis; postoperative, among others.
Lymphatic drainage sessions are not recommended for:
- people with malignant tumours;
- cancer;
- tuberculosis
- acute inflammatory processes and infections;
- edemas resulting from uncontrolled renal, cardiac or hepatic insufficiency;
- congestive heart failure;
- deep vein thrombosis;
- hyperthyroidism, among others.
In the postoperative period
Lymphatic drainage is indicated to relieve pain, remove hematomas, remove fibrosis, accelerate the recovery and healing process.
The method is also considered indispensable in cases of liposuction, abdominoplasty, mammoplasty, hydro-liposuction, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, rhytidoplasty, partial or total mastectomy and surgeries for placing silicone prostheses.
