When it comes to massages, seafarers have experienced some “uplifting” ones around the world. This massage is different regarding who is giving it and where it is given, but the result is definitely “relief”. But why this system is of concern for seafarers? Let’s address your WHY, WHAT & HOWs here.
Table of Contents
What is Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system, or lymphoid system, is an organ system, that is part of the immune system. It consists of a large network of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphoid organs, lymphoid tissues, and lymph. Lymph is a clear fluid carried by the lymphatic vessels back to the heart for re-circulation.
Why lymphatic system is essential to us?
Fluid from circulating blood leaks into the body’s tissues by capillary action, carrying nutrients to the cells. The fluid bathes the tissues as interstitial fluid, collecting waste products, bacteria, and damaged cells, and then drains as lymph into the lymphatic capillaries and lymphatic vessels. These vessels carry the lymph throughout the body, passing through numerous lymph nodes which filter out unwanted materials such as bacteria and damaged cells.
What are the issues seafarers face?
Here we can speak for all the people but this article focuses on seafarers because of the following:
- Extreme working conditions, be it the temperature or the pressure.
- Ever-changing time zones take a toll on the biological clock of the body.
- different weather conditions along the route of the vessel.
- never-ending work on and off the desk.
- Eating and drinking off the refrigerators or chillers.
Now, working in such conditions with limited manpower can worsen some minor congestion, headaches, and allergies to such an extent that the body fails to recover through that shallow sleep.
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What are the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage?
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
- Improve blood flow.
- Reduce symptoms of cold and sinus blockage.
- Reduce dark circles.
- Reduce fatigue signs.
How to give yourself a lymphatic drainage massage?
When you visit a physician over a cough-cold flu they check the glands underneath your jaw-line at both sides. They are checking the lymph nodes, it swells as a result of working overtime to restore your system. The massage will help stimulate the fluid out to the lymph nodes and out of your face thus relieving you in case of congestion, headache, or even sinus.
We will look at the steps in massage, involving areas on the face and neck. There are some pre-requisite though:
- Do not press hard
- Use flat hands or fingertips
- Keep in mind that you have to simulate something to drain down the neck
Step 1
Step 1.1 Feel the tip of your collarbone toward the center and move your fingertips in a circle.
Step 1.2 Move your fingertips to the top of the collarbone area and do the same motion.
Step 2
Move your fingertips to the side of your neck, putting little pressure when you come downward with every motion.
Step 3
Do the same circular rotation behind your neck with a slight downward push. Ignore the facial expression in this image.
Step 4
Consider this a checkpoint amid the exercises, move your fingertips from your chin along the jawline then drag your fingers softly down the neck making a figure of seven. It helps to help drain fluid from the above exercises.
Step 5
Use the middle and index fingers of your hands and move them along over your cheeks making an arc.
Step 6
Move your fingertips from the center of your forehead to the side making an arc over your eyebrows.
Step 7
Run your fingertips over the back of your neck parallel to the spine to the start of your shoulders.
Finish with Step 4 to facilitate the draining of the fluids.
Looking at the movements involved in the exercises, we can see that the motive is to drain the fluid downwards towards the chest as the capillaries convert to a duct that can transport the fluid easily.
You may watch the full video here
Kindly note these massage is just to relieve you through Sinus Pressure, Allergy and Cold. DO NOT treat it as its cure.
Do try to avoid following things onboard that can burden you with cold and your fellow crew member with overtime:
- Avoid drinking super chilled water, especially when you come back from work to relax.
- Sitting under a UNIT cooler after work.
- Change your working clothes if you are drenched in sweat.
- Avoid taking cold showers immediately after a workout or coming back from work.
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Wish you a happy and safe voyage.
