Lymphatic drainage massage – a favorite of celebrities for its sculpting effect – can reduce cellulite, flatten the stomach, stimulate blood circulation, strengthen the immune system and boost your mood.
Interested?
Experts reveal the tools and techniques needed to master the massage at home, plus other body beautifying rituals (like dry brushing) to get you ready for summer!
The technique of wood therapy gained popularity in the 1990’s in South America where people call it maderoterapia (madera means wood in Spanish)
Lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body.
Aimed at releasing any buildup of toxins and restoring the functions of the immune system, the practice helps prevent a variety of unwanted health conditions.
Trained professionals perform lymphatic massage through gentle pressure and massage to stimulate flow and activate the body’s filtration mechanisms.
While beneficial, it does not come cheap. The service can cost anywhere between $100-$250 per session at a spa.
The De La Heart tool is used and loved by celeb fans such as Dua Lipa and Melissa Wood-Tepperberg (pictured) who used it religiously to get her sculpted legs before her Sports Illustrated photo shoot
‘Using these body tools optimizes the function of your own healing and detoxing mechanisms,’ says Gigi Vogel, founder of De La Heart
Body tool method
The technique of wood therapy gained popularity in the 1990’s in South America where people call it maderoterapia (madera means wood in Spanish).
Growing up in Colombia, Giordana (Gigi) Vogel, was exposed to healthy beauty routines at a young age.
Her mother regularly used Gua Sha and lymphatic drainage tools on her, which later inspired Gigi to launch her wellness company, De La Heart, with a patent pending product — the body tool.
The lightweight custom curved wooden tool lets you perform a quick, easy and effective lymphatic drainage massage ritual in the comfort of your own home.
It is beloved by many, including Dua Lipa and Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, who used it religiously to get her sculpted legs before her Sports Illustrated photo shoot.
‘Using these body tools optimizes the function of your own healing and detoxing mechanisms,’ says Gigi.
Benefits of regular use include: early destruction of toxic substances, minimization of tissue damage, inflammation reduction, and enhancing your lymphatic system.
As well as body contouring and reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Gigi advises always hydrating the skin with oil before using the body tool to prevent pulling and bruising of the skin
Preparation
According to Gigi, you should use your hands to massage lymph nodes (neck, armpit, chest, abdomen (belly), and groin) at every hinge of your body.
Then hydrate the skin with oil to prevent pulling and bruising before using the tool.
Technique for using a body tool
‘General rule: all strokes must go in the direction of your heart or toward the closest set of lymph nodes,’ reveals Gigi.
She recommends using the tools 3-5 times a week, saying consistency is key for optimal results.
Gigi’s step by step instruction
Holding the tool in a vertical position, start at your ankle and gently stroke in an upward motion toward your inner thigh (repeat 3-7 times per leg), then repeat on the outer thigh (3-7 times per leg).
Hold the tool in a horizontal position and massage the front of your legs starting at the front of the knee driving towards the groin area.
When massaging the back of the legs, Gigi recommends propping up the leg your massaging on a step stool for an easier reach.
Hold the tool in a vertical position and message in an upward motion from the back of your knees to the gluteal fold.
Since developing the lightweight custom curved wooden tool — used and beloved by Dua Lipa and Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Gigi has since expanded the brand into a complete line including dry body brushes, facial dry brushes, all-natural skincare oils and more
Massage your arms by holding the tool in a vertical position, practicing smooth and gentle strokes as you glide the tool from your inner wrist to your elbow and from the elbow to the armpit.
Repeat this motion on the outer parts of your arm (3-7 times on each arm).
She does not recommend using the body tool on the stomach, but does suggest using in on the sides of the body to contour the waistline.
Holding the tool in a vertical position, massage the waistline going downward towards the lymph nodes that live in the sacrum and groin area (repeat 3-7 times on each side).
Dry brushing
Dry brushing is a self-care ritual that is said to go back to the Egyptians.
It’s performed with a dry, stiff-bristled brush to exfoliate the skin, increase circulation, remove toxins, help digestion – and even improve the appearance of cellulite.
‘Dry brushing must be done before you shower to rinse off dead skin cells and allow for your body to fully detoxify,’ said Gigi.
To perform a dry brush massage, Gigi instructs repeating the same path used with the body brush.
‘With the exception of your abdomen, which you dry brush in clockwise circles—this is the direction your colon runs and will help stimulate your digestion.
‘When you’re using your body brush and body tool to massage your body, you’re often stimulating your system to improve your energy, immune function, and lymph flow —leaving you feeling energized and invigorated.’
‘For an invigorating at-home magic massage, I like to focus on the stomach and thighs – massaging towards the heart to help boost circulation, then over the joints and lymph nodes to help relieve tension and encourage lymphatic drainage,’ said celebrity makeup artist, Sofia Tilbury who favors Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Body Cream
Intentional moisturizing
Applying body lotion after a shower can help to seal moisture deep in the skin to keep it hydrated.
But rather than slapping on any old lotion in a haphazard manner, it would benefit you to use a quality product and be more intentional with your application.
‘For an invigorating at-home magic massage, I like to focus on the stomach and thighs – massaging towards the heart to help boost circulation, then over the joints and lymph nodes to help relieve tension and encourage lymphatic drainage,’ said celebrity makeup artist, Sofia Tilbury.
Sofia suggests using the palm of your hand to massage in upward motions.
The expert is a big fan of Charlotte Tilbury’s newly released Magic Body Cream, inspired by the brand’s best-selling Magic Cream Moisturizer.
Like the face cream, the body cream is formulated with the Magic 8 Matrix, including Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins C & E and Shea Butter, in addition to body-targeted actives proven to help reduce the look of stretch marks and cellulite.
‘We’ve been using it on every runway and red carpet, from Paris Fashion Week to the Oscars – all our celebrity clients, including Lily James and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, are obsessed,’ said Sofia.
For a gorgeous, glowing finish, Sofia recommends applying Charlotte’s Supermodel Body down the center of the limbs and over the collarbones.
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk