LOOK AFTER YOUR LYMPH

Lymphatic health has been a hot topic of conversation in the wellness world as of late.

Celebs such as Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow and the Kardashian sisters all claim to swear by this body-sculpting massage... so, you ask, what makes this wellness modality so popular?

It delivers results.

It's rare to find something tangible or intangible that can provide a 'quick fix' solution to your health-oriented goals.

At Santé, we believe in a sustainable approach to all things wellness and discourage our clients and followers to opt for the 'easy-way-out', especially when it comes to aesthetic goals.

Yet, what if I could tell you that you can hit two birds with one stone and get aesthetic results from a positive and non-invasive therapy that boosts your immunity and circulation right from the comfort of your own home?!

Want to know more? Keep reading!

| WHAT IS THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM? |

The lymphatic system consists of a wide network of 'tubes' that run throughout the body.

The purpose of the lymphatic system is to eliminate toxins, maintain adequate fluid levels in the body whilst supporting an optimal immune response.

Lymph nodes are small, jellybean-like structures which are associated with the immune system as they contain lymphocytes (white blood cells). These cells help fight off pathogens and bolster up the immune system, waiting to trap and/or defend any foreign substances attempting to trespass.

'Lymph' is a constituent of intestinal fluid surrounding the cells and the lymphatic system uses this type of fluid to collect waste from bodily cells and flush these toxins and waste substance our via lymph vessels.

| HOW DOES IT WORK? |

The lymphatic system predominately functions through breath and movement

The best exercise you can do when it comes to looking after your lymphatic health is walking as it contracts the muscles to activate the walls of the lymph vessels, stimulating them to function and do their job properly.

Technically, the lymphatic system is a one-way drainage system.

This means that it moves body tissues into the blood circulatory pathways. Lymph fluid carries waste and destroyed bacteria back into the bloodstream and once there, it is filtered and removed via the liver and kidneys out of the blood. Our bodies naturally pass these waste products and toxins via urination or stool.

It's important to remember that some lymphatic vessels lie just underneath the skin, so damaging the skin can damage these vessels as well i.e. wear your SPF every. day.

| HOW CAN I SUPPORT IT? |

Improper functioning of the lymphatic system can result in:

+ Puffy eyes

+ Digestive complications

+ Dull complexion

+ Bloating

+ Bodily swelling/Water retention

+ Sensitivity to illness and/or infection

+ Poor mood

+ Hormonal imbalance / increased PMS symptoms

To support your lymphatic system:

+ Hydrate frequently throughout the day to help clear waste.

+ Try diaphragmatic breathing and mindfulness. Slow and steady breaths create a 'pumping' style mechanism to encourage lymph flow to main drainage points near the abdomen.

+ Incorporate at least 20 mins of low-impact exercise (walking, swimming, yoga, mat Pilates) into your daily routine.

+ Massage/dry body brush to support lymph flow.

| SOME FAQ'S YOU MIGHT HAVE ... |

Where can I get a lymphatic drainage massage done?

I personally have only been to two lymphatic professionals who I deeply trust for a proper, effective treatment;

+ If you're based in LA --> Check out @misslymph on IG.

I had my first lymphatic massage with Sabrina earlier this year when on holidays in LA, and can I tell you - it. was. amazing. Her aura is deeply nurturing and she makes you feel so comfortable. I also loved the use of the vibrating plate she had me stand on at the end of my treatment to really get the lymph flowing and break up lactic acid. 10/10 would recommend!

+ If you're based in Melbourne --> Check out @therapistkenia on IG.

Kenia is the only specialist I will ever recommend if you're based in Melbourne. I go once every 3 weeks for a 60 min Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage and it quite honestly keeps everything in check for me - my immunity, my hormones, my fluid retention and poor circulation (something which I've struggled with my entire life). FYI, your skin feels smooth as a baby's bottom and you smell like the tropics afterwards as Kenia only uses coconut oil for her massages!

Will regular lymphatic massages give me a more defined body?

Let's reiterate what we spoke about earlier regarding the 'quick fix' solution to your wellness goals. I would not advise you to get lymphatic massages done just for the aesthetic reasons - yes, it's nice to have more stomach definition post drainage - but do keep in mind that nothing lasts forever.

Aesthetic results post-massage are quite frankly based on your genetics, your existing body fat and muscle composition as well as how rapidly your liver can work to excrete the drained fluid and toxins out of your body.

Keeping this in mind, if and when you do book in for your first lymphatic massage - don't expect to walk out with a six-pack (and if you do, kudos to you!)

What I can definitely confirm when it comes to this topic is that you will lose fluid and should feel lighter post-massage, bloating symptoms (if any prior) should dissipate too. As a bi-product of this fluid-loss, majority of individuals do notice that their mid-section and waist do become more defined - remember though that you need strong abdominal muscles and a low body fat percentage in order for them to show through!!

Even though you may feel a little tired and sluggish afterwards (especially if you've never had lymph work done before or are fighting a cold/virus at the time), these symptoms are completely normal and you can rest assured knowing that the lethargy is just your body trying to eliminate all the toxins and excess waste out of the body.

Does a lymphatic massage hurt?

These style of massages are actually very soft as they target the 'lymph'/fluid, rather than a deep tissue massage which works on the muscles and fascia.

Depending on where you go, some specialists can be quite gentle whereas a traditional Brazilian style massage is generally more firm and, in my opinion, more effective at actually moving fluid around and excreting excess waste.

It is is no way painful and you should not be in pain or bruised after your massage.