DRAIN away

While often thought of as a manual technique, lymphatic drainage can now be achieved with a growing variety of technologies and devices. Kezia Parkins gets the lowdown

Lymphatic drainage can bring a host of wellness benefits to clients, while also being highly effective for helping reduce cellulite and making the skin appear smoother. We spoke to two of the best lymphatic drainage experts in the business – Flavia Morellato, a lymphatic drainage and post-operative expert based in London, and Jasmina Connelly, owner of Roseline Academy, which trains therapists in lymphatic drainage techniques – to find out which aesthetic technologies and devices are best for stimulating the lymphatic system.

Why is lymphatic drainage important?

Flavia Morellato: “Lymphatic drainage is a massage technique that, when performed properly, helps reduce swelling, remove toxins and improve circulation. It can also help with gut health, boosting overall health and wellbeing.”

Jasmina Connelly: “Most people come for lymphatic drainage because they want to reduce fluid retention but it’s also great for boosting immunity. It has much deeper health benefits. As well as helping balance gut bacteria, it can also lower cortisol levels, balance hormones and clear constipation. It is also a very necessary tool in tackling cellulite.

“Lymphatic drainage should be a whole-body treatment. You should not just work on the legs or abdomen; to be effective, the lymphatic system should be stimulated all over the body.”

How can you stimulate the lymph nodes before drainage?

JC: “Some people view drainage as opening and closing the nodes but they are not like a tap; all we can do is stimulate them.

“These nodes are just under the skin so the pressure should be very light and just a gentle circular or pumping motion. There is no need to go deeper because they are very superficial. In fact, you can squish the lymph nodes if you are not careful and they will not be functional for around 36 to 48 hours.”

FM: “Look for signs like puffiness, swelling or areas that feel heavy or tender to the touch to identify where stagnant fluid lies in the body.

“To stimulate the nodes, you should use gentle pumping motions together with diaphragmatic breathing, using your flat fingers around the six major lymph node groups.

“Devices like massage rollers or lowfrequency vibration tools can also help. Precise pressure, rhythmic strokes that follow the direction of lymph flow toward the lymph nodes, and gentle pumping movements are most effective.”

Which technologies can help with drainage?

FM: “The lymphatic pathways have neuroreceptors that can be stimulated by changes in pressure (but always gentle pressure). Technologies such as compression devices that increase pressure on the lymphatic capillaries for better absorption and vibration can help enhance lymphatic drainage.

“Technologies such as COMPRESSION DEVICES, which increase PRESSURE on the LYMPHATIC CAPILLARIES, can help enhance LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

“Devices can support drainage only when they mimic the hands in terms of directing lymphatic flow. Expert hands have an ability to feel and guide the lymph. I recommend starting with a gentle device to guide the lymph in the same direction as using your hands, then use your hands to target and finish the drainage process.”

JC: “Compressive microvibration is really good for stimulating lymphatic flow and circulation. The lymphatic system works in parallel with the circulatory system – when the blood begins pumping better so does the lymph.

“It can also help with fascia release, allowing more space for blood and fluid to flow in between the tissues.

“Pressotherapy is designed to stimulate lymph flow and boost circulation and is great for therapists who want to provide combination treatments. I often use it to stimulate the lymph and get things moving before using my hands and wood tools.

“Negative pressure, so anything that has a suction cup or lifts up the skin, can be useful to help soften the fibrotic tissue and to help push lymph fluid towards the nodes to drain.

“Using manual methods and machines together works especially well. Machines can work great in some areas but for other areas the hands work better, especially for clients with an impaired lymphatic system or an illness that affects it.

“Radiofrequency can be an interesting technology to incorporate because while it doesn’t help with lymphatic drainage, it is amazing for breaking down compact fat pockets, which can impair lymph flow. It also firms up the skin, which will help with the appearance of cellulite.”