Relaxing facial massage: How to perform lymphatic drainage

What are the benefits of a facial lymphatic drainage massage?  

Gently stroking the skin on the face is known as lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system extends throughout the whole body and is responsible for removing toxins and waste products. Toxins and waste products are substances that are no longer needed by the cells. If lymph fluid becomes congested, this can lead to swelling around the eyes and on the face. This can occur, for example, due to dehydration and can also cause migraines and tension headaches.

Manual lymphatic drainage helps your skin to cleanse and detoxify itself. Gentle stroking with the fingertips gets the fluid moving. It also stimulates blood circulation and the skin’s metabolism, and reduces skin blemishes. The gentle massage relaxes the facial muscles, helping the body to relieve stress and find calm. These massages also improve wound healing following injuries.

Good to know: Lymphatic drainage promotes the natural functioning of your skin. If you use skincare products, a lymphatic massage can improve their absorption into the skin. Is there a difference between lymphatic drainage and lymphatic massage? No, the terms refer to the same technique.

A simple guide to lymphatic drainage

How do I perform a lymphatic massage on the face? With this simple step-by-step guide, you’re sure to master the lymphatic massage. Always start at the neck and collarbone. You should perform each movement 30 times using gentle pressure.

1. Place your hands, crossed over each other, on your left and right collarbones and massage outwards without applying pressure. This will stimulate the lymph nodes.

2. Next, massage the sides of your neck using circular movements. 

3. Then massage the nape of your neck where the skull begins. To do this, massage downwards in a synchronised motion, slowly moving your fingers towards your shoulders.

4. Place your middle and index fingers in front of and behind your ears. Massage using gentle pressure.

5. On your chin, place your index and middle fingers on either side of your jaw and stroke in circular movements from the inside out. Repeat between your chin and lower lip.

6. Next, continue with circular movements between the upper lip and the tip of the nose.

7. Massage the bridge of the nose using circular movements, then stroke from the inside outwards over the under-eye bags and cheeks.

8. Next, stroke gently over the temples. Then stroke the eyebrows from the inside outwards.

9. To finish the lymphatic massage, massage the forehead using circular movements. This completes the preparations for lymphatic drainage.

10. To start draining the fluid, carry out the steps in reverse order, moving from the outside inwards.

A handy tip: What does a Gua Sha stone actually do?

You can also massage your lymphatic channels using a Gua Sha stone and facial oil. A Gua Sha stone stimulates lymphatic flow and promotes blood circulation. It makes no difference whether you use a Gua Sha stone or massage with your hands. What’s important is using the correct technique and ensuring you feel comfortable.

When should you not have a lymphatic massage?

You must not have a lymphatic drainage massage if you are suffering from acute thrombosis, an infection or severe heart failure. Lymphatic massage does not normally cause any serious side effects. Fatigue, an increased urge to urinate, mild dizziness or a temporary feeling of tightness may be side effects of lymphatic drainage. These reactions are generally nothing to worry about. They are signs that the body is successfully draining the lymph.

Why not give this relaxing and healthy lymphatic massage a go right away? If in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice. At APO24, you can find the opening hours and on-call services of Austrian pharmacies.

Your APO24 team