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Philosophia Botanica: Gua Sha Facial For Lymphatic Wellness

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The lymphatic system is one of the most significant systems in the body. This expansive system travels throughout the body to remove waste from every cell while helping to regulate the immune system. It includes a complex network of vessels, ducts, lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus, the adenoids, and the tonsils.

 

The lymphatic system does not have a built-in pump like the heart, which propels blood through the circulatory system, where it gets oxygenated, filtered, and circulated. Therefore, the lymphatic system relies on the contraction and relaxation of the muscles and joints to move the lymph. The rhythmic tensing and relaxing of the muscles during physical movement wring out the tissues and propel fluid through the lymphatic channels.

Lymph Drainage Methods: 

 

The following methods assist lymph flow and cleansing activity in order to boost overall immune response:

 

  • Lymphatic Massage helps by increasing lymphatic circulation thus detoxifying the body and increasing the function of the immune system. It can improve the function of the immune system, increase the production of antibodies that fight off infection and reduce inflammation in the body.

  • Dry Brushing is a highly effective technique for assisting the lymphatic system and boosting circulation. Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system as it stimulates the skin.

  • Gua Sha lymph drainageRebounding (trampoline) spurs lymph drainage. It also boosts the health of every cell in your body due to the beneficial acceleration and deceleration that occurs while rebounding. It also helps to strengthen your heart and bones as well as increasing energy and balance.

  • Laughter and deep breathing involve movement of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles that help push lymph through the vessels.

  • Hydration is essential to the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is primarily composed of water and must be hydrated in order to function at the highest level.

  • Drinking purified and mineralized water is an excellent strategy to push toxins from the body.

 

                                                                 Self-Care Gua Sha lymphatic face massage steps:

 

Because the lymphatic system plays a huge role in immunity and healing, the benefits to lymphatic massage are endless. For the skin, conditions like puffiness, acne, dryness, dullness, and even skin sensitivity can be improved and even resolved by simple lymphatic stimulation because it helps the body do what it’s meant to do: heal. You have the highest concentration of lymph nodes in your face and neck, so this means lymphatic drainage massage can really produce results.

 

Find a room where you can relax and practice deep breathing during the self-care lymphatic drainage techniques..

It's better if you are warm as your muscles are more flexible.

Use light pressure on your skin - the lymph vessels are located closely under the skin so too much pressure will only compress them.

Use a good quality Gua Sha board such as our GODDESS (as seen in the video) or APHRODITE stones to stimulate the lymphatic vessels.

It's also important to keep your skin well-lubricated in order for your hands and tools to easily glide across the face. We recommend our ANTIOXIDANT FACE OIL or Award winning ROYAL AFRICA FACE OIL. Skipping can cause unnecessary pulling and lead to premature aging or deepen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Take a deep breath in through your nose until you feel your stomach pushing into your palms. Breathe out until your stomach is flat and repeat around five times.

Get comfortable. You can choose to sit, stand, or lie down!

 

  • Start at the base of the neck, where your arteries are. Massaging these “pathways” will help lymph fluid to flow and “drain” from the body. When around the neck, start massaging toward the lymph nodes located in the terminus region and the underarms.

  • Massage the forehead, beginning alongside the eyebrows’ inner corners, ending at the temples, applying gentle pressure to slowly stretch the skin down toward the lymph nodes in your neck. Keep going, moving all the way down your face.

  • Massage under the eyes to reduce eye puffiness by using care around this delicate area.

  • Massage the cheekbones, beginning at the area on either side of the nose.

  • Massage the chin area.

  • Repeat the process around five times in each area. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water!

 

By routinely incorporating these methods, you will assist your body to eliminate toxins and give your immune system the tools necessary to defend itself against disease.

 

Interested in learning more? We run ongoing online self-care MASTERCLASSES, as well as in-person Masterclasses in London, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Rome, Hong Kong and Lyon! Get in contact for more informations or check out our Event's page!


                                  Featured here is international Facialist and medical aestethician, Nika Sheinina, based in Lyon, France.

Nika is available for online consultations, facials, bespoke treatments and Masterclasses via her webpage www.studiobynika.com

                                                         Nika is a Philosophia Botanica official retailer, ambassador and trainer.

As with any cleansing or detoxification program, be sure to check with your physician before making changes that are appropriate for you. When your lymph is flowing well, it will support natural revitalization and cleansing of your body. Follow these daily habits and exercises to naturally                                                                         decongest your lymphatic system for vibrant skin, digestion, and health!

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