How to achieve lymphatic drainage of the belly?
The belly crystallizes all our complexes: not flat enough, swollen, flaccid or distended, it is rarely given the care it deserves. As such, can lymphatic drainage be a beneficial massage in the belly? What are the expected effects? And above all, how to achieve it?
What are the benefits of lymphatic drainage from the belly?
First of all, we might as well flush out a myth: lymphatic drainage is not a slimming massage. It does not trigger lipolysis in the belly or dislodgeabdominal fat. In no way it allows to lose weight of the belly. In this, it differs markedly from palpate-roll which promotes adipocyte emptying. It is therefore a question of differentiating its two types of massage, which do not have the same objective or the same effects.
But then, what are the benefits of lymphatic drainage? From a therapeutic point of view, it makes it possible to treat:
- dysfunctions of the veno-lymphatic system that lead to edema and swelling,water retention,feelings of heaviness, numbness, tingling …;
- skin problems such as eczema or acne;
- waterycellulite;
- slow healing;
- inflammatory states andimmune dysfunctions.
Also, if your belly is swollen andthis swelling is due to localized water retention, drainage will restart circulatory flows at the abdominal level and unclog the skin of the belly of interstitial fluid and accumulated toxins (organic waste, cellular debris …).
How to practice lymphatic drainage on your stomach?
The medical option
The first option is to see a doctor, who will determine the extent of localized water retention and recommend curative measures. Among which,Hygieno-dietetic measuresand possibly, massage sessions. They will then be carried out by aphysiotherapisttag. The latter will practicemanual lymphatic drainage of the belly (a massage) and may possibly combine Pressotherapy Sessions(belt operating compressions and decompressions to stimulate the circulatory flow in the belly). These sessions are partly covered by Social Security, since they are prescribed by a health professional.
The house option
It is first of all good to specify that lymphatic drainage is aprecise technique, requiring training. Also, it seems difficult to improvise masseur-physiotherapist and to perform a perfect massage yourself, at home. Another non-negligible precision: the lymph nodes of the abdomen (lumbo-aortic) being deep, they are very difficult to stimulate. And without stimulation of the lymph nodes by pumping maneuver, drainage point.
However, you can practiceself-massagesthat will benefit the belly and will deflate a little.
Massage no 1 : a very well-known manoeuvre, which consists of massaging your stomach with circular movements, in a clockwise direction. All you have to do is place your palms flat on her belly and, with very slight pressure, rotate them around her navel, more and more widely. This movement allows you to slightlydrain , but above all to relieve stressand encourages transit.
Massage n 2: you can place your hands in a prayer position at the level of the plexus, then slide them down, along the ribs, to the flanks. This movement, which can be repeated several times, helps to release stomach tension and promote the circulation of fluids.
Massage # : Side belly massage can also encourage digestionand provide gentle drainage. Just put the right hand on the right side, between the diaphragm and the iliac crest, and slide it to the left, then do the same in the other direction, with the left hand. You can make 3 to 5 “round trips” for an optimal result.
Massage n ° 4: for decongestion of the stomach and intestines, you can also massage your stomach from bottom to top. Just place your hand like a spoon on your lower abdomen, slide it to the right as if you were trying to “raise” your stomach, then repeat the movement to the left.
Alternatives to lymphatic drainage to lose belly fat
Know that if you are more looking for a Slimming massage , to refine your waist and lose belly, palpate-rolling is a much more suitable alternative to lymphatic drainage. Indeed, it acts both on theMicrocirculation and on The Adipose Tissue, since the peeling and rolling movement of the skin drains the subcutaneous fat. If you are unfamiliar with the maneuver, the use of aSuction Cup and Massage Oil can be of great help.
Certain Massage Devices (like the one from Cellublue) can also be an interesting option. Based on different technologies (vibration, heating, suction, electrostimulation, etc.), they can help to lose a few centimetersof Waistline and above all, find a more toned and firmer stomach.
Swollen belly: in which case is lymphatic drainage useful?
Before considering any massage of your belly, it is better to understand why it is sometimes Swollentag. Because there is no point in (having) practice lymphatic drainage of your abdominal strap if the swelling is not due to lymphatic insufficiency.
Bloating and transit disorders
Belly swelling can first be caused by digestive discomforttag. If the bloated appearance is associated withbloating, abdominal bloating, irregular transit and/or intestinal cramps, there is little chance that lymphatic insufficiency is the cause of the disorder. This is even truer if this abdominal swelling is not accompanied by any other edema (swollen ankles, “studded” legs, pudgy fingers, swollen eyelids).Lymphatic drainage will be of no use here, although occasional massages can possibly relieve abdominal discomfort. In this case, it is betterto look at the diet . Digestive pathology can be at the origin of the punctually swollen appearance of your belly.
Premenstrual syndrome
In women, a swollen belly can also be one of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, which occurs between 2 and 10 days before the start of the period. Indeed, many women reportabdominal discomfort as their period approaches: bloated stomach, sluggish transit, stress, uterine cramps, sudden change in diet (with craving for sugar and fat) with repercussions on the aspect of their belly and their intestinal comfort… In question: a collapse of estrogen and a skyrocketing of progesterone, which have non-negligible effects on the physique and well-beingtag. In this specific case, again, lymphatic drainage will be completely useless.
Water retention
Here, lymphatic drainage is idealtag. Water retention is indeed caused by a failure of the veno-lymphatic system:
- Venous insufficiency, , where the porous blood vessels leak fluid which remains “stuck” in the connective tissues;
- lymphatic insufficiency , where the lymph stagnates in certain areas of the body (including the stomach) and, moreover, no longer fulfills its role of eliminating interstitial liquid.,
This failure can beanatomical (chronic disease), transient (effect of hormones), related to adiet too rich in salt and too low in wateror associated with medicaltreatment (antihypertensives, among others) … In all cases drainage is recommended here.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.