On Instagram, many influencers praise the merits of lymphatic drainage, and more particularly those of the Renata França method. We tested and we tell you everything about this Brazilian massage!
What is lymphatic drainage?
The lymphatic system is made up of lymphatic vessels, in which lymph circulates, and lymph nodes. It performs a dual function of defense and elimination of waste from the body via tissue drainage, and thus has an essential role in the immune system. Its primary function is to ensure the circulation of immune cells throughout the body. To stimulate it, we can then resort to lymphatic drainage. "The different slips and pressures in the direction of lymph flow promote good circulation and prevent clogging of waste at the various ganglion relays", explains Estelle Chaunard, osteopath practicing lymphatic drainage in her practice.
The benefits of lymphatic drainage
Lympathetic drainage is a detox treatment that offers many benefits:
- It decreases cellulite
- It decreases water retention and edema
- He struggles with heavy legs
- It improves blood circulation
- It promotes the elimination of waste
- It strengthens the immune system
- It improves transit and decreases bloating
- It promotes sports recovery
Who is lymphatic drainage for?
Lymphatic drainage is suitable for a large number of people. Professionals recommend it to those who are prone to water retention, those who suffer from heavy legs or who have transit disorders. It is a treatment that can also be recommended to women who have undergone liposuction because it activates the resorption of edemas and bruises, following an accumulation of lymph in the operated areas.
It can also be recommended to relieve pregnant women. During the third trimester of pregnancy, the baby's volume bothers and blocks the natural return of lymph. Water collects in the feet, ankles, legs and pelvis, sometimes also in the arms, hands and face. To reduce this water retention, lymphatic drainage will be effective, at the rate of one to two sessions per week.
Finally, it can be beneficial for people with functional colopathy (irritable bowel syndrome) or chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive system (Crohn's disease). To benefit from the treatment, however, medical advice will be necessary. We are also careful not to make an appointment when we are in a crisis.
The contraindications for lymphatic drainage
Today, lymphatic drainage is contraindicated in cases of:
- fever
- inflammatory condition
- phlebitis
- asthma
Does lymphatic drainage make you lose weight?
By itself, lymphatic drainage does not make you lose weight, but "by promoting the elimination of waste, it can help with weight loss and the 'lean' of the body", says Estelle Chaunard."It has happened to me to have a patient in full rebalancing diet who could not lose weight and had the feeling of stagnation. This may be due to an engorged lymphatic system due to stress, emotional shock, or drug treatments. In this case, the lymphatic drainage will help a lot ", continues the osteopath.
What is the particularity of the Renata França method?
The Renata França method bears the name of its founder. Brazilian native of Bahia, Renata França has revolutionized lympathetic drainage by imagining new types of maneuvers that offer much more effective results than those of traditional massages. "Gestures are more precise and movements performed with firmer pressure and a faster pace which improve circulation ", explains Estelle. "We practice pumping and pressure that will stimulate and drain the different nodes to avoid the accumulation of waste", she continues. Practitioners of the Renata França method work on the whole body: legs, stomach, arms and back.
What happens during a session ?
Estelle Chaunard tells me that the session lasts about an hour and is practiced on the whole body with oil. I lie down on the massage table and she explains to me that she will stimulate the lymphatic system all over the body, by working on the lower limbs (thighs, calves, feet), then the stomach and upper limbs ( arms, forearms, hands). Estelle's work combines firm pressure with quick movements. If this pressure is largely bearable on the legs, it is much less on the stomach! The beginnings are quite painful but you eventually get used to the pressure of the massage after a few minutes.
The Renata França method, what results?
The massage finished, I immediately feel a sensation of well-being. The stomach is deflated, the waist slimmer and the legs lighter. The results are visible from the first session but Estelle advises to follow the Renata França method as a treatment of 5 sessions. "Obviously, for the effects of lymphatic drainage to last over time, you have to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, continue to hydrate yourself well and practice regular physical activity ", she informs us.
Where to make an appointment for lymphatic drainage – Renata França method?
Estelle Chaunard
14 Boulevard des Sports, 77700 Bailly-Romainvilliers
130 € the lymphatic drainage session
Elodie Chaunard Institute
Home Care
From 130 € per session
Betty chayeb
25 rue du Mont Thabor, 75001 Paris
150 € the treatment
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