Lymphatic Drainage After 40: How to Reduce Swelling and Soften Cellulite 0 18

Why the Lymphatic System Needs Support

The lymphatic system is the body's "cleaning service." It removes excess fluid and metabolic waste from tissues and returns them to the bloodstream while supporting immunity. After the age of 40, its function slows down:

• estrogen levels drop;
• vascular tone and collagen quality change;
• activity decreases due to a sedentary lifestyle.

The result is that legs become "heavy" by evening, the face swells from lack of sleep and salt, and cellulite becomes more noticeable.

Lymphatic Drainage Against Cellulite

Cellulite is a combination of fat lobules and fibrous septa, around which fluid accumulates and inflammation increases. Lymphatic drainage helps:

• reduce swelling;
• relieve heaviness in the legs;
• make cellulite softer and less noticeable.

It is important to note: this is not a permanent cellulite treatment, but significant improvement in appearance is achieved through drainage.

Hardware Procedures

For pronounced swelling, the following are beneficial:

• pressotherapy;
• vacuum-roller massage;
• gentle LPG;
• microcurrent drainage for the face and body.

Recommendations:

• 1–2 times a week, course of 6–10 procedures;
• then maintenance every 2–4 weeks;
• contraindications: thrombosis, heart and kidney decompensation, active inflammation, oncology — only with a doctor's permission.

Nutrition and Water

To improve lymphatic drainage:

• reduce salt, sugar, and alcohol;
• include sufficient protein (1–1.2 g/kg body weight);
• consume potassium-rich foods (leafy vegetables, avocados, beans) and magnesium (nuts, whole grains);
• drink water evenly throughout the day;
• light dinners 2–3 days before menstruation if prone to swelling.

Pump Exercises for Lymph

Muscles help move lymph:

• "calf pump": rise on toes 2–3 sets of 30–40 times;
• "bicycle" lying down;
• "legs up the wall" position for 5–10 minutes in the evening;
• swimming, Nordic walking, gentle yoga with twists.

In the office, take a break every 50 minutes: walk around, do 20 "bounces" on your toes.

Self-Massage and Care

• Use oil or light cream for hand glide;
• Movements from feet to groin, gently and calmly;
• On the abdomen — circles clockwise, on the face — from the center to the ears;
• Additionally, contrast showers and compression stockings help during prolonged sitting or flights.

Breathing, Sleep, and Clothing

• Diaphragmatic breathing: 3–5 minutes in the morning and evening, inhale into the belly, long exhale;
• Sleep: 7–8 hours to reduce hormonal and inflammatory background;
• Clothing: not too tight, without compressing lymphatic drainage.

Source: womanhit