Skincare and Your Lymphatic System: Wooden Massage Roller

Our final DIY project for this month’s focus is preparing body oils that compliments lymphatic drainage using a massage roller. A couple weeks ago we lightly touched on dry brushing, which is a skincare practice that exfoliates the skin, improves circulation, and helps to promote lymphatic drainage by using a stiff-bristled brush on dry skin. Dry brushing also helps to remove dead skin cells making skin softer and smoother, which is why we mentioned it in our Body Exfoliation blog.  Today we are continuing with this topic but discussing a different manual tool that is used to stimulate the lymphatic system.

First things first, let’s get our body oil preparation out the way...  

Body Oil

Carrier oils: grapeseed, olive, coconut, and shea butter 

Grapeseed oil is a lightweight, non-greasy option that helps detoxify and tone the skin.

Olive oil deeply moisturizes, provides antioxidant protection, and reduces inflammation.

Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, it nourishes the skin and has antimicrobial properties.

Shea butter’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce swelling and inflammation to encourage and support healthy skin.

To this oil mixture you have the option of including essential oils that add to the lymph stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties. Essential oils of lavender, geranium, ginger, rosemary, or grapefruit can be used, but be sure to dilute using a 3% ratio. In other words, if you’re making a 2oz oil blend then you would add no more than 36 drops of essential oil.

Recipe:

¼ ounce shea butter

¼ ounce coconut oil        

½ ounce olive oil

1 ounce grapeseed oil

36 drops of essential oil

Directions:

Melt shea butter and coconut oil (if not using a fractionated coconut oil) using a double broiler method on low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and add the grapeseed and olive oil. Transfer oil mix to a 2-ounce bottle and add the essential oils. Secure the lid tightly and shake gently to blend the ingredients. Store your body oil in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.

Wooden Roller Lymphatic Drainage Massage

A manual wooden roller is used for lymphatic drainage to stimulate the lymphatic system. After applying your body oil to the areas of focus, you’re going to use gentle to moderate pressure with long, upward strokes, towards the direction of the heart and lymph nodes. This technique is part of maderotherapy (wood therapy), and it stimulates lymph flow and circulation.

Technique

• Direction: The most important rule is to always roll in an upward motion, toward the heart and the nearest lymph nodes, following the natural flow of the lymphatic system.

• Pressure: Use gentle to moderate pressure. The goal is to stretch the skin and move fluid, not to press deep into the muscle tissue (which can be the goal for muscle recovery but not lymphatic drainage). Pressing too hard may cause bruising.

• Strokes: Use long, smooth strokes. Repeat the motion several times on each area.

Body Area	Motion
Legs/Thighs	Roll from ankle toward the inner thigh/hip and up toward the underarm/groin area.
Arms	Glide the tool from the wrist up towards the armpit.
Stomach/waist	Use gentle, circular, or upward motions to move fluid toward the hip and underarm nodes.
Back	Use upward strokes toward the underarms or the base of the neck.

Once you have completed your self-care practice, be sure to hydrate with at least 16 ounces of water to help flush toxins from your body now that your lymphatic system has been stimulated. Clean the wooden massager with a water-based disinfectant spray and wipe with a clean cloth. Remember, the more consistent you are the better the results you’ll see in enhancing your skin texture.