Hailey Bieber, every now and then, ensconces herself in her masseuse’s room, and indulges in a full-body massage. Dua Lipa does it too, and so do the Kardashians. Ariana isn’t alien to the concept either. But we’re not talking about your normal, run-off-the-mill massages. We’re referring to lymphatic-drainage massages. Never heard of the technique? Reports suggest that this massage reinstates your radiance, soothes under-eye bags, and tames bloating within sessions— but independent of all the A-listers subscribing to these massages, is the method truly credible?
I’ve roped in Dr. Chytra, Internationally-Renowned Award-Winning Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist and Dr. Nishita Ranka, Internationally-Acclaimed dermatologist, Medical Director & Founder, Dr. Nishita’s Clinic for Skin, Hair & Aesthetics, to tell me more about this massage, and whether there’s any legitimacy to it.
Is Hailey’s Glazed-Donut Skin Courtesy Of This Technique?
What is lymphatic drainage?
Dr. Nishita explains it to me like this, “The lymphatic system, a part of the immune system, works alongside the bloodstream, draining the leaked tissue fluid back into circulation. It consists of lymphatic organs, lymph nodes, lymphoid tissues, and lymph capillaries that form a massive network throughout the body. Lymph is the tissue fluid flowing through these lymphatic channels. It is, sometimes, referred to as the body’s garbage collector as it contains waste and harmful pathogens in addition to components like water, hormones, and lipids.”
“The lymphatic system collects excess fluid that drains from cells and tissue throughout the body, and drops it off to the bloodstream — which is then recirculated through the body. The liver or kidneys, then, remove waste products, and destroy the foreign invaders — such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses from the blood. But certain health conditions can cause lymphatic fluid to build up,” she continues.
What are lymphatic massages?
“Lymphatic drainage massage is a treatment that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body. This gentle massage
technique, with a series of rhythmic, compressive strokes along lymph vessels, targets different areas of the body to help lymphatic fluids flow easily. These movements clear out congested lymph nodes — reducing toxins in different body-parts. Apart from promoting proper circulation, this type of massage helps maintain body-fluid balance and improves immune functions, and on the outside, it helps relieve swelling and the appearance of cellulitis — leaving the skin feeling tighter,” says Dr. Nishita.
Dr. Chytra sums it up for us, “Just like blood supply, we have a lymphatic supply, and sometimes it can get sluggish. This massage helps the lymphatic flow to remove toxins from the body, and this is typically done as long, deep strokes going towards the lymph nodes.”
Can you give yourself a lymphatic massage?
Dr. Chytra informs me of the possibility of a self-massage, “For areas like the face and neck, it can be done once every day. Begin with strokes going from the inside to the outside of the face before stopping close to the ear. This is where the (lymph) nodes are typically located.”
Dr. Nishita breaks it down for us like this, “It only takes a few simple techniques. Try the following methods out on yourself.”
For the face:
- Start with a clean face. Prep your skin with a serum or moisturiser, and keep your hands soft and relaxed. Using the knuckles of your hands, start right between your eyebrows, applying light pressure to move up towards the hairline slowly, and then sideways towards your temples.
- For the under-eye area, gently apply a scrape-like motion from the inner corner of the eye outwards to the temple as the area is so sensitive, it is important only to apply light pressure.
- Place your knuckles on your cheeks near the bridge of the nose, and swipe them gently across your cheeks, and towards the ears.
- Keep going, moving all the way down your face — including the mouth and chin area.
- Repeat each movement five times.
For the arm:
- Start with your shoulder, and gently stretch the skin — pushing the fluid upwards, and release.
- Shift the hand that is performing the massage down to your upper-arm. Gently stretch the skin — pushing the fluid upwards, and release.
- Perform this upward motion on your forearm as well (from the elbow to the wrist).
- Repeat each movement fifteen times.
For the leg:
- Start at the top of your leg. Keep one hand on the inside of your leg, and one hand on the back of your leg without straining your arm, hand, or wrist.
- Gently stretch and release the skin from the inside of your leg towards the side of your leg and up towards your hip.
- Shift your hands lower on your leg, and repeat.
- Repeat at least 20 times.
How many times should we go in for these sessions to see results?
Dr. Nishita asserts, “You’ll notice glowing and de-puffiness right after the massage, and you will see noticeable results in two sessions within two weeks. But it is recommended that you go in for these sessions every three months for long-lasting results.” Dr. Chytra suggests going in a minimum of once within a two-week period, and once every week if losing weight is your end-goal.
And that’s the scoop on Hailey’s commitment to these sessions. This service is redeemable in India, and, as evidenced by the experts’ insights, is truly helpful. What are you waiting for?
Featured Image: Instagram
