Try to eat only a light meal a few hours before your massage. Avoid greasy or heavy foods that can make you feel sluggish. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. This will make it easier for the therapist to reach the areas they need to work on.
Make sure you eat very little or nothing on the day of your massage. A full stomach will get in the way of your masseuse giving you the best and most effective lymphatic drain. When your stomach is full, and the massage isn't done properly, then the aim is forfeited.
By avoiding hot showers or baths immediately after, you can help your lymph nodes continue to function optimally. Massage therapists often advise against intense heat, which can cause your lymphatic vessels to dilate and become less effective. Give your body time to fully absorb the benefits of the lymphatic massage.
Do not consume a lot of caffeine prior to your appointment. Caffeine is a natural diuretic and it quickly depletes your system of water. LDM targets the elimination of excess water in the tissue, so naturally when you combine the two, you can cause a mild dehydration on your body.
Avoid lotions and oils: It's best to avoid using lotions or oils on the skin before the massage, as they can interfere with the therapist's ability to perform the massage. Drink water: Drink water before the massage to help hydrate the body and promote the flow of lymph fluid.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the drainage of lymph nodes and the movement of lymph fluids around the body. It can help relieve symptoms of lymphedema. The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from body tissues.
Usually, some results will be noticeable immediately after your facial lymphatic drainage massage however the fluid will begin to properly drain around 24 to 48 hours post massage. For each individual client, the rate of lymphatic drainage can differ and therefore each individual will notice different results.
Possible side effects of lymphatic drainage massage can include: Increased urination/bowel movements: after the massage, the lymph waste will need to be removed from the body. This leads to an increase in urination and bowel movements, as these are the methods the body uses to eliminate lymph waste from the body.
A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling.
Get a good night's rest – It's possible you may feel a little tired after receiving a lymphatic drainage massage. That's completely normal as your body's energy is concentrated on the detoxification process its undergoing. Get to bed early if you can and enjoy a deep rest.
Rare side effects of lymphatic drainage massage include dizziness and nausea caused by blood flow changes. A full medical history will be taken to examine the risks. It is advised to have something to eat or drink before your appointment to prevent dizziness caused by drop in blood pressure.
Expect to undress to your level of comfort but know that direct contact with the skin is always best. Tight clothing and under wire bras will make it difficult to get lymph moving.
Lymphatic drainage massage may improve the appearance of cellulite but will not get rid of it completely. The most likely cause of weight loss immediately following the massage is the loss of excess fluid and potential bowel movement that occurs afterwards.
In conclusion, it is not uncommon to notice a smell on your skin after receiving a massage. Factors such as the type of oil used, sweating during the session, and poor hygiene practices can all contribute to any odors present.
We like to think that everything that our lymphatic system picks up actually leaves our body, but unfortunately this isn't always the case. When we can't eliminate what's been picked up by the lymphatic system, it can go right back into our system and make us feel ill.
If you observe an increase in your urination or bowel movements after the massage, don't fret. It's an expected side effect and a positive sign that your body is efficiently removing lymph waste. These are the body's natural methods to eliminate waste, ensuring that your system continues to function optimally.
The takeaway. Lymphatic drainage facial helps encourage circulation in the face, which makes the skin look brighter, reduces puffiness, and helps with double chin, eye bags, and breakouts.
The best products for lymphatic drainage, at a glance:
Best Dry Brush With Handle: Goop Beauty Dry Brush, $25. Best Gua Sha for Body: Skin Gym Sculptural Body Gua Sha, $52. Best Handheld Dry Brush: OSEA Body Brush, $28. Best Jade Gua Sha: Mount Lai The Jade Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool, 29.