Lymphatic Drainage – What is it?

My facials are a sacred time where I simultaneously get to relax and learn about my skin.  (I swear I don’t go in just for the heated hand and foot mitts!)

During one appointment, we started discussing the importance of our lymph nodes.  Lymph nodes are little organs throughout our body that filter toxins and bacteria out of our blood stream via lymphatic fluid.  This lymphatic fluid also contains white blood cells and protein – food for our cells.  Here’s an interesting fact:

Did you know that there is more lymphatic fluid in our body than blood?

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What was even more startling to me was that there is no system in our body to help the lymphatic fluid move into our blood and ultimately to the kidneys to cleanse it.  This is where lymphatic drainage comes into play.

Lymphatic drainage, also known as lymphatic massage or lymph drainage, is most common before and after surgeries to assist with movement of the lymphatic fluid and swelling. What I learned is that everyone can benefit from it – remember what I mentioned about there not being a system to help the fluid move along?  It is also great for:

• Sinus pain sufferers
• Acne-prone individuals: the drainage helps to move the bacteria and redness away from the face

I consider myself a healthy person, young-ish, and I take good care of my body.  Could this treatment make a difference for me?  I decided to try it out and scheduled my appointment.

The day the appointment arrived, I was both excited and skeptical.  Was this really going to make a visual difference?  We took before pictures (rather scary looking), then the experience began.

My esthetician applied a cleanser with cinnamon that helped to stimulate the fluids.  Then the drainage began!  She used an apparatus to push my lymphatic fluid from the auricular lymph nodes, then submandibular lymph nodes to the supraclavicular nodes – in directions that follow the structure of the lymphatic system, allowing the fluid to drain through the appropriate channels.

We started with my right side first and then took photos so that we could see the difference.  After the photo comparison, I was looking forward to my left side matching the right.  There was definitely a visual difference.

During the treatment, it felt like little suction cups massaging my face, as my esthetician brought the lymphatic fluid away.  It was rather soothing.  Afterwards I was told to drink plenty of water to help flush my system.

These photos don’t even give it justice.  By removing the fluid from my cheek and jawbone area, my face appeared thinner and my cheekbones were more defined!  The best after effect of this procedure was that my lymphatic fluid was given a little “help” in moving along to transport the white blood cells and protein to my cells as well as push the bacteria and toxins out of my system.

Here are the three images, side-by-side to get a better look.

Lymphatic drainage can be done before a big event, or in a series of 6 – 2 times a week for 3 weeks.  The series allows for a full cycle of lymphatic fluid to course through one’s body.

What’s great is I can add this service to a facial or do it alone, as I did this particular time.  If you live locally, I highly recommend Sanda Gane Day Spa and not only for the lymphatic drainage, but for massages and facials as well!

Would this be a treatment you’d be interested in?