In urban spas,lymphatic drainage facialsoften appear on menus of services.
Always there are promises of toned skin and reduced under-eye puffiness.
The photos look convincing, but does it work?
To answer this, it’s important to understand the origins of this massage.
Let’s begin with a better comprehension of the body.
Your body contains thousands of lymph nodes (or glands) that serve as filters along the lymphatic channels.
The nodes are made of tissue and contain lymphocytes, white blood cells that help fight infections.
Lymphatic drainage, a light massage technique that encourages movement of lymph fluid, is one such treatment.
Emil Vodder is credited with developing Manual Lymph Drainage, the technique on which lymphatic drainage facials are based.
In 1936, Vodder premiered hisManual Lymph Drainage methodfor his peers and critics at a scientific conference.
Today, physical therapists around the world rely on his systematic massage technique to optimize lymphatic circulation.
So promoting lymphatic flow can have benefits," he said.
She considers it unnecessary but added that it is not detrimental to healing.
Another expert is far less neutral.
Dermatologist George Cotsarelis dismisses lymphatic facials entirely, suggesting they are useless.
For most people, though, a facial qualifies as theultimate self-care experience.
Enjoy, then, with realistic expectations of a temporary boost to your appearance.
