The anti-ageing benefits of massage you probably didn’t know about
Regardless of weight or fitness levels, most of us will have experienced that puffy, bloated feeling. It may come from looking in the mirror and seeing a face that doesn’t hold its usual contours, a ring that doesn’t slide easily onto your finger, or from slipping on a pair of jeans that somehow just don’t feel right. It can also manifest in a sensation of lethargy or sluggishness. It may even be something as subtle as the movement of your arm against your body as you walk...
Before you banish the baguette and forgo the latte, however – have you checked in with your lymphatic system recently?
The word ‘Detox’ has become something of a buzzword, with everything from juices to nifty little gadgets claiming to help achieve it. As it happens, the body is very adept at performing its own detoxification functions, thanks to the likes of lungs, intestines, liver, kidneys, skin and the lymphatic system. Nevertheless, modern lifestyle being what it is, most of these organs and systems can use a little help from time to time – and the lymphatic system is no exception.
Your vital network
Less well known than our major organs, the lymphatic system is a complex network of tissues, tubes, vessels and nodes, which run throughout the body and help to flush out unwanted matter.
This system also transports lymph: a clear, watery substance containing white blood cells, which are vital for fighting infection. The lymphatic system flows around the body, with lymph nodes at various points around your body.
The lymphatic system works in a similar way to the cardiovascular system; indeed, it has a supportive function, since a percentage of the blood that’s circulating around the body leaks out into the tissues via the capillaries and is mopped up by the lymphatic system, which filters out debris and then returns the cleaned-up fluid back into the bloodstream.
The lymphatic system is a vital network which helps the body to rid itself of toxins, but it can sometimes need a little TLC itself. When the system isn’t functioning smoothly, lymph pools and collects in the tissues, resulting in swelling commonly known as lymphoedema.
According to Sheena Spencer, clinic manager and therapist at Bodytonic Clinic (bodytonicclinic.co.uk), surgery – whether medical or cosmetic – is one of the biggest indicators for a lymphatic system that’s operating under par, as the trauma to the body provokes an inflammatory response that it may struggle to handle without assistance. The removal of lymph nodes, often experienced by cancer patients, can also compromise the system, as the remaining lymph nodes are left to do double their usual work.
“Lymphatic massage has mental health benefits, boosting self-esteem and wellbeing.”
Yet it doesn’t only take circumstances of such magnitude to cause a go-slow in the lymphatic system. Heat, flying, dehydration, alcohol consumption, minor illnesses such as cold and flu – all of these can cause the lymphatic system to struggle, with bloating and swelling the outcome. As a result, says Sheena, just about anyone can benefit from lymphatic massage, which assists in the drainage of lymph and reignites the body’s memory. Like muscle memory is how she describes it – helping the lymphatic system to re-establish a regular pattern of flow and elimination.
The power of massage
Flow is the word that springs to my mind when experiencing lymphatic massage for the first time. Unlike many traditional massage therapies, lymphatic massage uses a firm gliding motion across the body. Far from the kneading, pressing sensation that I’ve come to associate with massage, this is more of a firm glide, with long strokes along my legs and arms encouraging below-surface action. Sheena identifies my lymph nodes – small, peanut-shaped lumps located in the jaw, neck, armpits and groin, as well as in the crook of the elbows and knees – and manually pumps them to improve function.
When it comes to my stomach area, the pressure becomes more intense, as the intestine lies at some depth: it’s not at all painful, but it does feel slightly odd, as if everything I’ve eaten in the past few days is getting a good shove along the path to where it needs to be. Afterwards, I feel noticeably less bloated, my under-eye area looks less puffy and my limbs feel oddly, pleasantly loose.
As well as the effects that a smoothly functioning lymphatic system will have on appearance, there’s the equally compelling fact that, when the white blood cells transported by the lymphatic system aren’t moving adequately through the body, they’re less able to perform their function of fighting infection and bacteria. Perhaps surprisingly, lymphatic massage has mental health benefits too.
In addition to the ‘self-care’ element that comes simply from taking the time to do something that feels pleasant and relaxing, there’s also the fact that it’s much harder to feel in a good state of flow when things aren’t, well, flowing! Heaviness, constipation, bloating, discomfort… none of these are conducive to a positive mindset – and, as superficial as it may be, there’s also something to be said for the fact that it’s often difficult to feel our best when we don’t feel that we look our best, as outward appearance very often impacts on self-esteem and, therefore, our wellbeing.
Reducing the appearance of cellulite
Lymphatic massage can assist with post-flight swelling, as long as there are no contraindications, such as signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Unsurprisingly, when you consider that sitting for long hours on a plane can cause pooling fluids and bodily swelling, immobility is often a factor in the underperformance of the lymphatic system – so regular exercise goes a long way to complementing the effects of the massage.
“Just 30 minutes of physical activity stimulates blood circulation, while muscle contractions stimulate the lymphatic system,” says Flavia. Exercising vigorously enough to raise a sweat is also advisable, as perspiration is one way by which the body excretes toxins.
Various other lifestyle elements will also boost the massage’s effects. Some of them – limiting caffeine, salt and alcohol, for instance – aren’t rocket science. Others, such as drinking around three litres of water a day, may feel counterintuitive – isn’t the issue to eliminate fluids, not to take in more?
“Hydration is vital,” says Sheena. “You need at least two litres per day just for adequate physical function; an additional litre assists in creating a frequent need to empty your bladder, which again helps with that all-important excretion of toxins.”
Other helpful habits include having Epsom salt baths, which draw out fluid, and dry-body brushing, always moving towards the heart. You can also, says Flavia, self-stimulate the lymph nodes, pumping them rhythmically and repetitively around 8–10 times each.
“Lymphatic drainage helps flush away water and toxins, which reduces the appearance of cellulite.”
On a purely cosmetic level, the presence of toxins is also often linked with cellulite. So can lymphatic massage, and its attendant detoxifying qualities, have an impact on the ‘hail damage’? According to Flavia Morellato, physiotherapist and lymphatic drainage specialist (flaviamorellato.co.uk), “Lymphatic drainage helps to flush away water and toxins, which in turn reduces the appearance of cellulite – but it doesn’t shift it,” Sheena explains.
“There’s no quick, pre-holiday fix,” she adds. “To really make a difference to cellulite, you need regular, vigorous massage that reddens the skin, signifying increased blood flow, then to follow up with drainage to eliminate the toxins.”
So, how often should we be having lymphatic massage? Flavia says, “As long as there are no contraindications, then really, as often as you like. I recommend once a week, or 2–3 times a week following surgery. By oxygenating and bringing new nutrients to your tissues and cells, it speeds up healing processes and regeneration; even for someone not recovering from illness or surgery, it’s a powerful anti-ageing tool.”
