Step 1: Prepare the lymph nodes
The lymph nodes are small glands that filter and remove extra fluid and waste from the body. They are located in different areas of the body, such as the neck, underarms, and groin. The lymph nodes in the neck and underarms are important for draining fluid from the face and head. To prepare them for receiving fluid, you need to gently massage them first.
Place your index and middle fingers on either side of your neck, just above your collarbone. You should feel a slight dip in the skin where the lymph nodes are. Apply a light pressure and make small circular motions with your fingers for about 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side of your neck.
Next, move your fingers to your underarms and find the lymph nodes there. They are usually located near the inner side of your upper arm. Again, apply a light pressure and make small circular motions with your fingers for about 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side of your underarm.
Step 2: Massage your face
Now that you have prepared the lymph nodes, you can start massaging your face. The goal is to move the fluid from the center of your face towards the sides, where it can drain into the lymph nodes in your neck and underarms. You can use your fingers or a tool such as a roller or a brush to do this massage.
If you are using your fingers, use the flats of your palms instead of your fingertips. This allows more contact with the skin and stimulates the lymphatic vessels better. If you are using a tool, make sure it is clean and smooth and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use it.
Start from your forehead and move downwards to your chin. Use gentle strokes that stretch and release the skin without sliding along it. The pressure should be light enough to avoid pain or bruising. The direction of the strokes should always be towards a lymph node, either under your ear or near your temple.
Here is a suggested sequence of strokes for each area of your face:
Forehead: Start from the center of your forehead and move outwards towards your temples. Repeat 3 times on each side.
Eyes: Start from the inner corner of your eye and move outwards along your brow bone towards your temple. Repeat 3 times on each side. Then start from the inner corner of your eye again and move outwards along your lower eyelid towards your temple. Repeat 3 times on each side.
Nose: Start from the bridge of your nose and move outwards towards your cheeks. Repeat 3 times on each side.
Cheeks: Start from the side of your nose and move outwards towards your ears. Repeat 3 times on each side.
Mouth: Start from the center of your upper lip and move outwards towards your ears. Repeat 3 times on each side. Then start from the center of your lower lip and move outwards towards your ears. Repeat 3 times on each side.
Chin: Start from the center of your chin and move outwards towards your ears. Repeat 3 times on each side.
Jawline: Start from under your chin and move upwards along your jawline towards your ears. Repeat 3 times on each side.
Neck: Start from under your ear and move downwards along your neck towards your collarbone. Repeat 3 times on each side.
Step 3: Finish with deep breathing
After you have massaged all areas of your face, finish with some deep breathing exercises to relax and oxygenate your body. Rest your palms on your stomach and take a deep breath in through your nose until you feel it fill up your abdomen. Hold it for a few seconds and then exhale slowly through your mouth until you empty all the air out of your lungs. Repeat this for 5 minutes or as long as you feel
Tags: massage