Swollen legs: the benefits of lymphatic drainage
Veno-lymphatic insufficiency is a disease unknown to the French(1): only 43% know that it is a real chronic pathology, while 45% of them say they suffer from at least one of its symptoms, such as swollen legs. In addition, although the disease has a real impact on quality of life, few people seek care and follow-up from a doctor. However, adjunctive treatments exist, such as lymphatic drainage. Find out how this massage technique can relieve leg edema.
Why do we have swollen legs?
Swollen legs, associated or not with sensations ofheavy legsand paresthesia, are most of the time due to veno-lymphatic insufficiency.
Venous insufficiency
Venous insufficiency results in adefective venous return. The blood circulating in the legs has trouble going up to the heart. Often this phenomenon is due to a loss of tone of the veins of the lower extremities, associated with dysfunction of the valves located on the venous walls. In normal situations, the venous system manages to fight against gravity and propel the blood “upwards”. In case of venous insufficiency, blood stagnates in the lower body and can cause swelling of the legs (venous stasis). It is even worse if the blood vessels are porosity: fluid can escape and seep into the tissues. This is calledwater retention.
Lymphatic insufficiency
Lymphatic insufficiency is significantly different. Lymph is a colorless liquid that circulates in the body through a network parallel to the blood network. Its role: to relieve the body of its waste (toxins, cell debris, interstitial fluid, etc.) by transporting them to the lymph nodes for elimination.The major problem with the lymphatic system is that it does not have a pump, unlike the venous system. The stimulation of the lymphatic circulation is done by muscular contraction and by the pulsation of the blood network. But in some people, no matter the movement, the lymphatic circulation is not done properly.The lymph then stagnates in the lower body, which can cause leg edema.
Also, swollen legs can be the result of venous insufficiency, lymphatic insufficiency, or even a combination of the two .
The contributing factors
Finally, it should be noted that one can suffer from edema of the lower limbs without being affected by one of these disorders, and simply suffer the temporary effects of high heatgoldwearing too tight clothes, for example. Smokingandpregnancy are also aggravatingFactors.
What is lymphatic drainage?
The principle of massage
Lymphatic drainage is actually amassage techniqueintended toovercome lymphatic lazinessandrestore fluid circulation of lymph. It is based on two very precise manipulations:
- pumping movements in the lymph nodes, to create a call of the lymph;
- stimulation of lymphatic circulationby gentle massages, including pumping and smoothing maneuvers, performed in a very particular direction (towards the lymph nodes or the heart).
These manipulations are generally carried out by a health professional, mainly physiotherapists. They are done manually and can be supplemented by the use of a pressotherapy device (boots for thelegacy , sleeves for the arms, belt for the stomach, etc.).
Benefits for swollen legs
For swollen legs, lymphatic drainage is generally recommended. If it is estimated that the swelling is due to veno-lymphatic laziness, the massage not only helps to reduce the feeling of discomfort (tingling, heaviness, numbness), but also to improve the appearance of the legs, reducing their edematous aspect. In effect:
- , so blood can travel up to the upper body;
- the lymphatic stasis is limited , so the lymph is drained towards the nodes and can do its work of purification;
- water retention is reduced , since the lymph can relieve the connective tissues of their “overflow” of interstitial liquid and transport it towards the natural ways of elimination.
Finally, it should be noted that in the event of swollenbequest,a single drainage session is not sufficienttag. Massages must be carried out regularly, because veno-lymphatic insufficiency is a chronic disease.
How to do lymphatic drainage to deflate your legs?
. This is why it is generally carried out in a physiotherapy practice (in this case, and if prescribed on prescription, it is reimbursed by the Health Insurance) or an institute (in this case, it is important to inquire beforehand about the training of the professional).
Thus, unless you have been trained in the technique, it is impossible to perform real lymphatic drainage yourself, at home. On the other hand, some self-massages, by hand or with the help of accessories, can come close. It is therefore possible to reduce the swelling of his legs, by a few simple maneuvers.
Alternatives to lymphatic drainage
Cupping massage
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The use of ananti-cellulite suction cup (such asCellublue’s) can improve circulation. The suction cup massage is certainly closer to palpate-roll than lymphatic drainage, but it allows a revival of circulatory flows, since it combines a movement of detachment of the tissues and a movement of drainage by sliding. Also, to treat your legs swollen with cupping, it is advisable to:
- perform some gentle pumping movements at the level of the popliteal lymph nodes (back of theknees) and inguinal (at the level of the groin fold);
- then massage his legs with a suction cup, from bottom to top, on previouslyoiled skinSkin;
- Finish with a few smoothing maneuvers, by hand, always from bottom to top.
Anti-Cellulite suction cup
Dry brushing
The technique is similar to lymphatic drainage, as it also aims to stimulate circulation. Dry brushing consists ofbrushingyour skin dry, using a brush or horsehair glove, in the direction of lymphatic flow. In addition to deflating the legs, it exfoliates the skin, tones the tissues and resorbs nervous tension. The procedure is the same as for cupping massage, except that the skin does not need to be coated with oil and the movements consist essentially of a gentle smoothing.
Gua Sha massage
This method is directly inspired by Traditional ChineseMedicine , which recommends “scratching the disease” using a stone, metal or horn utensil, to invite the body to expel it. The Western technique aims instead to stimulate lymphatic flow. The massage is performed with a Gua Sha, a small accessory with curved edges adapted to the different curves of the body. The leg massage is relatively similar to the previous two:
- pump maneuver at the level of the inguinal and popliteal nodes;
- “scraping” using Gua Sha on previously oiled skin, from the ankle to the knee and from the knee to the groin;
- New pumping of the lymph nodes, to restart the lymphatic pump.
Latest recommendations
In addition to lymphatic drainage, certain hygiene and dietary measures can reduce swelling in the legs:
- Tuxedo cessation , for smokers, as smoking induces vasoconstriction;
- avoidance of static positions, standing or sitting, which promote the phenomenon of stasis;
- DailyWalking , which stimulates the venous pump;
- avoidance of heat sources in direct contact with the legs, as heat causes vasodilation;
- the elevation of the legs, which facilitates the proper circulation of fluids;
- the application of cool water on the legs, to boost microcirculation;
- wearing loose pants and shoes, to avoid any compression of the vessels;
- wearing compression stockings, which “massage” the legs.
Finally, if the discomfort and swelling are serious and accompanied by sensations of heat, it is better to consult a doctor (attending physician or better yet, angiologist).
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.