You think ‘lymphatic health’, and your mind instantly takes you through a complex set of human anatomical information, right? You studied it briefly in science class, and mostly hear about it during massage therapies. But, with the rise in massage tools like gua shas and jade rollers, there’s been a constant buzz around the topic, this past year. And if you’re wondering what that has to do with beauty, here’s the scoop. It’s more closely connected to your beauty regime than you think.
ABOUT THE SYSTEM
When someone says, ‘lymphatic system’, they are referring to a network of tissues, organs and vessels in our body that facilitates waste removal at a cellular level and assists with bringing nutrients and oxygen to cells. Since the lymphatic system does not have a pumping device (like the heart), the body relies on natural movements like laughing, exercise, and massages to get things moving. Estheticians have been using various methods of lymph drainage massage for years to improve skin. You need some form of massage to drain out toxins from your body for clear skin. However, you don’t need to go to a specialist for this. Keep reading to find out how you can get your lymphatic system kicking at home.
1. DRY BRUSHING
If you think that dry brushing is about simply brushing dry skin, then yes, that is what it is. It is usually done before a shower, in circular motions using a natural bath brush. You start from your feet, moving all the way up to your heart. Benefits of doing this at least twice a week include exfoliation, clear of pores and melting of cellulite. Since a lot of vessels run just under the skin, dry brushing helps to stimulate lymph flow and detoxify the body.
2. GUA SHAS
The face tools scene is currently pretty dense right now, but one tool that stands out is the gua sha. They’re designed in a way as to fit every contour of your face for an optimal facial massage. When it comes to lymphatic drainage, the gua sha is one of the most effective at-home tools. It is perfect for reaching the lymph nodes just under your ears, enabling it to drain out toxins and improve skin quality. If you experience facial puffiness and have been curious about face tools, the gua sha is the way to go.
3. HYDROTHERAPY
Just like most things, lymphatic vessels also contract in the cold, and dilate when exposed to heat. You can try a simple form of hydrotherapy, wherein you take a hot and cold shower that uses temperature and pressure to move stagnant lymphatic fluid and boost circulation. All you have to do is alternate between hot and cold water every 90 seconds and several minutes. Make sure to always end it with cold water.
4. TRAMPOLINE WORKOUTS
Need a quick method for lymphatic decongestion? A trampoline might be what you need. Bouncing up and down charges lymphatic function and the gravitational pull caused by the jumping opens and closes the one-way lymphatic valves. If you don’t have a trampoline, you can also jump on an exercise mat. Be sure to start slowly as going too fast can release too many toxins. Other alternatives also include an exercise ball that you can use to do your bouncy workouts on.
5. LYMPHATIC MASSAGES
Lymphatic massages are essential for reducing swelling, detoxifying the body, and boosting regeneration of tissues and cells. It’s best to go for a whole-body massage or but you can also just focus on targeted areas. This is why we massage the face or the head. And you don’t even need a tool for it. Just use your hands to massage any part of your body, or get someone close to you to do the same.
