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Interview

Everything You Need to Know About Lymphatic Drainage with Aesthetician Laure Seguin

From benefits to proper technique to lifestyle habits, here’s why lymphatic drainage should be an essential part of your overall well-being care. 

If you randomly crack open Ageless Beauty the French Way to any page, chances are you’ll see the words facial massage. BWB founder Clémence vonMuefflingswears by the magic of the five-minute French facial massage. If you haven’t heard it from her already, facial massage can help tone and hydrate the skin for a healthy glow and a firm texture. In addition, regularly massaging the face can help facilitate lymph drainage and reduce excess inflammation. But if you want significant long-term results, it might be time to go beyond pinching your face in between commercials.

As such, we’ve called in the best expert we know: Laure Seguin. While working with plastic surgeons in France, Laure began learning the crème de la crème of her signature facial: Manual Lymphatic Drainage. After honing her technique at the Dr. Vodder International School in France, she brought her recipe to a natural face lift overseas. Now an NYC-based aesthetician, she offers a holistic menu of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Foot Reflexology, manual body lifting and facial treatments. If you’re looking for a facial pick-me-up, or perhaps just wondering what lymphatic drainage even means, you’ve come to the right place.

What is lymphatic drainage?

Aesthetic manual lymphatic drainage technique is a soft, slow and manual detox technique. The massage itself is very light and slow. It respects the directional flow of the lymphatic fluid in our bodies. Oils and creams are never used. This would interfere and prevent the action of the massage from being effective.

What is the one thing that most people don’t know about lymphatic drainage?

There are three common misconceptions about the manual lymphatic drainage technique in the U.S.:

  1. You do not use any tools to perform the aesthetic manual lymphatic drainage technique. It’s only your hands working on the body.
  2. It’s critical to follow the manual lymphatic drainage technique protocol. The massage starting point is always the belly. This is the most important area. We have between 800 and 1200 lymph nodes around the intestine and those nodes need to be emptied by the movement of the hands on the belly.
  3. The lymphatic drainage technique is a light and slow massage. It does not leave bruises.

Could you tell us more about how it all started and how you learned your technique?

I am a New York-based aesthetician who specializes in the manual lymphatic drainage technique at my own practice, Laure Seguin Wellness. I moved to New York from Paris 15 years ago. For 30 years, I worked with physicians and surgeons in both pre- and post-op to reduce recovery time.

I studied the aesthetic lymphatic drainage technique in France under the last student of Dr. Emil Vodder, the creator of the lymphatic drainage technique.

Beyond the positive impact of the massage, what you do is a real treatment. What are some of the benefits that your clients can expect?

The main benefit of manual lymphatic drainage is its ability to thoroughly detox the tissues. Additionally, lymphatic drainage:

  • Fights edema caused by poor blood circulation
  • Reduces water retention
  • Smoothens the skin and tissue
  • Lessens the appearance of cellulite
  • Boosts the immune system

What can we do in our daily routines to improve our circulation and the appearance of the skin around our thighs?

I recommend swimming, walking, biking, and jumping on a trampoline! These exercises encourage flow in both your blood and lymphatic system. Try not to sit too long because you block your lymph flow in the groin area.

In the morning, you can use a dry brush, but always use a soft dry brush. Dry brushing is great for removing dead skin cells while re-boosting lymph flow. The movement should always start from the ankle to the thighs.

What type of activities do you recommend? Which ones should we avoid? How about food?

The exercises I listed above boost flow for the both blood and the lymphatic system. While the heat causes the blood vessels to dilate, the cold causes them to contract, which boosts both the blood and the lymphatic system.

I’d then recommend using a steam room which has great benefits. The routine of sitting in a steam room is always completed by a cold shower.The combination of hot and cold always boosts the blood and lymphatic system.

Avoid:

  • Processed foods
  • Sugary foods
  • Salty foods
  • Fried foods
  • Too much raw food – it’s irritating for the gut!

Always:

  • Eat slowly. Digestion starts in your mouth. If you don’t eat slowly, you don’t release the satiety hormone, which reduces appetite and creates the feeling of being full.
  • Set aside between 30 and 45 minutes for each meal.
  • When you eat, you should chew your food at least 15 times.

Where can our readers find you?

On my website and Instagram. I am also currently providing private home sessions!

Image Credit: e.sidneypaul

Teresa Deely

Teresa Deely is a graduate from Columbia University with majors in English and Creative Writing. She is a freelance writer and marketing assistant working for clients in the wellness, jewelry, creative, and sports industries. She believes that one’s skin is yet another canvas and vehicle for art, and has loved styling her hair and applying makeup from a young age. Spending much of her time in educating youth and leading enrichment programs for children, she is highly motivated in discovering new ways to care for herself and sharing them with others.

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