How to reduce swollen legs
Tips to eliminate bloating and accumulated toxins
G-Club
July 8th, 2024
July 8th, 2024
You know that feeling when you come home from a long holiday, look in the mirror and think, 'Wow, I really look... bloated'. Well, you are not the only one. Maybe the bloating is due to a lack of regular exercise or sport during the trip, or the salty foods you ate copiously during the summer holidays; or you just did not drink enough water because you did not want to go to the toilet every hour. Regardless of the cause, feeling bloated and heavy is not a good feeling.
What to do for leg swelling
But the good news is that there is something you can do to restore (and perhaps even improve) your face and body. How? With lymphatic drainage, a technique that reduces swelling and water retention by increasing circulation and reducing inflammation in the body.
What is lymphatic drainage
The discovery of lymphatic drainage is due to Emil Vodder and his wife Estrid. Before the Danish physiotherapist, however, it was Alexander von Winiwarter who, towards the end of the 19th century, developed a series of techniques aimed at the natural drainage of lymphatic fluids. Vodder saw his predecessor's methods and popularised this type of massage in 1936. But how does it work exactly? The manipulations follow the exact course of the lymph flow and act on the affected areas with increasing pressure. In this way, the lymph is pushed towards the lymphatic ganglia, resulting in improved blood circulation and an increased sense of well-being. If you prefer not to do it yourself, we recommend the Renata França massage, a technique that originated twenty years ago in Brazil and is named after its creator. Over the years, it has quickly become one of the most loved massage methods worldwide, known for its effective draining abilities and suitability for everyone, both men and women. It is offered at Rigenera Clinic in Milan.
How to do lymphatic drainage at home
The good news is that you can also try this technique at home, using various methods that nss G-Club has selected for you.
Dry brushing
Would you like a scrub for your skin that reduces puffiness and promotes circulation? Try dry brushing. The procedure itself is very simple: brush dry skin in long upward strokes, starting with the feet. Glowing skin, here you go.
Lymphatic drainage massage
If you have sensitive skin and think dry brushing is too aggressive a treatment, opt for a lymphatic drainage paddle instead. While the paddle has the same benefits of promoting circulation, reducing swelling and water retention and promoting digestion, it is much gentler. Instead of rubbing the device directly onto dry skin, first smear the body with oil or cream to allow the paddle to glide easily over it. Similar to the dry brush, the process works almost the same with the lymph paddle. Start at the lower part of the body and glide the paddle upwards.
Leg position against the wall
The legposition against the wall is by far the easiest trick for lymphatic drainage: all you have to do is lie against a wall and lift your legs at an angle. You can move as far back as you like as long as your legs stay above your heart. And how exactly is this supposed to help? Elevating the legs can improve circulation by reducing pressure in the veins of the legs and redirecting blood flow to the heart. This can also promote lymphatic drainage and fluid retention so that the legs swell less. Stay in this position for five to twenty minutes and you will immediately feel lighter and less inflamed. Plus, you can do it anywhere. Oh, and it's free.
Infrared sauna ceilings
Why go to a gym or spa to use an infrared sauna when you can have the best solution right in your own home? Although you may feel like an alien wrapped in tin foil, these home-use devices have incredible benefits. First and foremost, the heat given off causes deep sweating, which eliminates toxins and improves circulation.
Products for lymphatic drainage at home
Are you ready? nss G-Club has selected for you some products for heavy legs:
Does drinking water help to reduce bloating?
You have probably heard this health tip hundreds of times in the course of your life: drink more water. And although it may seem trivial, drinking more water actually helps reduce water retention in the body. But what to do if water is too boring and not tasty enough? Try adding fruits, like lemons or berries, and an aromatic herb, like mint or basil, for a refreshing and hydrating summer drink.
