LYMPHATIC SYSTEM AND FACIAL CUPPING
LYMPH DRAINAGE AND COLLAGEN STIMULATION

LYMPH SYSTEM

• THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS TO DRAIN TISSUE FLUID, PLASMA PROTEINS AND OTHER CELLULAR DEBRIS BACK INTO THE BLOOD STREAM, AND IS ALSO INVOLVED IN IMMUNE DEFENSE.
• ONCE THIS COLLECTION OF SUBSTANCES ENTERS THE LYMPHATIC VESSELS, IT IS KNOWN AS LYMPH. LYMPH IS SUBSEQUENTLY FILTERED BY LYMPH NODES AND DIRECTED INTO THE VENOUS SYSTEM.

Lymphatic Vessels
The lymphatic vessels of the head and neck can be divided into two major groups; superficial vessels and deep vessels.

Superficial Vessels

The superficial vessels drain lymph from the scalp, face and neck into the superficial ring of lymph nodes at the junction of the neck and head.

Deep Vessels
The deep lymphatic vessels arise from the deep cervical lymph nodes. They converge to form the left and right jugular lymphatic trunks:

• Left jugular lymphatic trunk – joins the thoracic duct at the root of the neck.
• Right jugular lymphatic trunk empties into the right lymphatic duct at the root of the neck.

LYMPH NODES

THE LYMPH NODES OF THE HEAD AND NECK CAN BE DIVIDED INTOTWO GROUPS;

• A SUPERFICIAL RING OF LYMPH NODES,
• A VERTICAL GROUP OF DEEP LYMPH NODES.

Superficial Lymph Nodes
The superficial lymph nodes of the head and neck receive lymph from the scalp, face and neck. They are arranged in a ring shape; extending from underneath the chin, to the posterior aspect of the head. They ultimately drain into the deep

Lymph nodes.

• Occipital: There are usually between 1-3 occipital lymph nodes. They are located in the back of the head at the lateral border of the trapezius muscle and collect lymph from the occipital area of the scalp.
• Mastoid: There are usually 2 mastoid lymph nodes, which are also called the post-auricular lymph nodes. They are located posterior to the ear and lie on the insertion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle into the mastoid process. They collect lymph from the posterior neck, upper ear and the back of the external auditory meatus (the ear canal).
• Pre-auricular: There are usually between 1-3 pre-auricular lymph nodes. They are located anterior to the auricle of the ear, and collect lymph from the superficial areas of the face and temporal region.
• Parotid: The parotid lymph nodes are a small group of nodes located superficially to the parotid gland. They collect lymph from the nose, the nasal cavity, the external acoustic meatus, the tympanic cavity and the lateral borders of the orbit. There are also parotid lymph nodes deep to the parotid gland that drain the nasal cavities and the nasopharynx.
• Submental: These lymph nodes are located superficially to the mylohyoid muscle. They collect lymph from the central lower lip, the floor of the mouth and the apex of the tongue.

Submandibular: There are usually between 3-6 submandibular nodes. They are located below the mandible in the submandibular triangle and collect lymph from the cheeks, the lateral aspects of the nose, upper lip, lateral parts of the lower lip, gums and the anterior tongue. They also receive lymph from the submental and facial lymph nodes.

• Facial: This group comprises the maxillary/infraorbital, buccinator and super mandibular lymph nodes. They collect lymph from the mucous membranes of the nose and cheek, eyelids and conjunctiva.
• Superficial Cervical: The superficial cervical lymph nodes can be divided into the superficial anterior cervical nodes and the posterior lateral superficial cervical lymph nodes. The anterior nodes lie close to the anterior jugular vein and collect lymph from the superficial surfaces of the anterior neck. The posterior lateral nodes lie close to the external jugular vein and collect lymph from superficial surfaces of the neck.

Facial Cupping

Facial cupping is an excellent form of non-invasive treatment that can work to minimize the effects of sun and environmental damage, and aging.

Facial cupping has been used by many people across Europe, Russia, and Asia and is found to be very effective in eliminating wrinkles and lending a smooth, texture to the skin.

HOW IT WORKS:

Facial cupping is done with customized cups that are designed for face and neck. The reverse suction that is applied works to gently lift the facial tissues.

The tissues receive a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients; and waste from cells, and other toxins and substances are eliminated.

Excess fluid is also drained and facial muscles relax.

BENEFITS:

• Drainage of fluid in the lymph glands reducing puffiness
• Better nutrition brought to skin bringing a glow to the skin. Increasing beauty product absorption
• Lifting motion reduces visible lines, and scarring. The skin looks plumper, further the connective tissue under facial skin is stimulated so that it heals and reduces smile and laugh lines.
• Massaging movements help relax tense facial muscles resulting in a softer, younger appearance.
• Helps with sinus issues, headaches and migraines, facial paralysis, earaches and TMJ

A session usually lasts about 30 minutes. 1or 2 sessions per week are recommended and up to 6-12 sessions.

Facial Cupping Technique

• Start with clean face,
• Apply oil of choice Rose hip, jojoba, almond, etc.
• Massage face and neck and clavicle area before starting to cup for about 5 minutes.

START DRAINAGE DOWN THE NECK AND ACROSS CLAVICLE FIRST TO FACILITATE DRAINAGE FROM THE FACE

1. Start at neck and work up the face
2. The X on diagram indicates suction release technique
3. X’s above sinuses and point between the eyes are areas to park the cup and cup and release a few times.
4. The long arrows indicate a long slide all done with negative pressure(suction)
5. *** After draining each coded section to the side of the face move drained fluids down the neck and across clavicle.
6. Treat lines and wrinkles by “parking over line and lifting and stimulating while applying suction
7. Treat 1 side of face first. Treatment time should be 5-15 minutes per side

Slower movements drain more fluids and faster movements improve circulation and collagen

Treatment Direction:

Begin at base of ear and move down neck and across bottom of clavicle: Do 3 passes and then repeat 3 times. (1)

Go to below chin and glide over jaw to base of ear. Do the next two glides under jaw line to base of ear. On third pass drain down neck to clavicle. Repeat pattern 3 times. (2)

Glide from chin to side of face 3 times and glide down neck; repeat 3 times. (3)

Work over upper lip and pause over any lines or indentations to lift finish with long glide to side of face and repeat 3 times. (4)

Pause over sinus, then continue with a glide to the side repeat 3 times finish with glide down the side of face down the neck and across clavicle (5)

Move to point between eyes hold with suction and then glide up 3 times finish with down side of face and neck to clavicle (6)

Start at center of forehead and glide across forehead to side repeat three times (7)
Then down side of face and neck

Start at inner corner of orbital bone on upper eye and suction /release to outer corner and then down side of face.
Next do under eye the same way repeat pattern 3 times (8)

Suction in place for as long as it will hold move cup over brow to end three times and then finish with down side of face and neck. (9)

Repeat entire sequence to other side of face.