Heaviness, swelling or feeling of “balloon” in the calves … This frequent uneasiness of the legs mainly concerns women, especially in summer. In question: poor venous or lymphatic circulation, aggravated by heat, standing or sedentary lifestyle.
Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical recalls this mechanism. “”Blood stagnates in the veins, which leads to dilation of the vessels and inflammation“. Result: the lower limbs swell, become painful, even bluish.
But a natural method is attracting more and more attention. A simple technique that allows you to restart the lymph and lighten the legs.
Why dry brushing relieves heavy legs
Unlike the blood system, the lymphatic system has no pump. It depends entirely on body movements to function properly. “”The lymph, responsible for draining the waste and the excess of liquid, circulates badly when one remains motionless, aggravating the edema “ Specifies Dr. Kierzek. Dry brushing, by mechanically activating the skin, stimulates the lymph nodes and fluidifies drainage.
This gesture also has other advantages:
- It improves skin microcirculation, reducing the feeling of heavy legs;
- It promotes the elimination of metabolic waste, helping to alleviate the “orange skin” appearance;
- It fills a lack of movement, especially in sedentary or prolonged telework.
The doctor, however, adds a warning. “”Brushing does not treat the deep cause as venous insufficiency, but it is an excellent complement “.
How to practice dry brushing at home?
No need to invest in an expensive device: a soft brush with natural hair is enough. It is preferably chosen with a long handle to easily reach the legs. The best time to brush? In the morning, before the shower. “”This stimulates circulation for the whole day, while allowing to rinse dead cells in the shower“Advises Dr. Kierzek.
Here are the golden rules for effective and safe brushing:
- Brush 3 to 5 times a week, or even every day if the skin tolerates it;
- Make light movements, always directed towards the heart, starting from the ankles and going up towards the thighs;
- Insist on the stagnation areas, especially behind the knees and inside the thighs;
- Plan 5 to 10 minutes per leg for optimal effect, without forcing or irritating.
And to prolong the benefits, “Suit your legs 10 minutes after the session and finish your toilet with a cool shower, to stimulate vasoconstriction “ advises the doctor. “”Without forgetting to apply then, a veinotonic cream, based on red vine or hammelis “.
When should you consult a doctor for heavy legs?
If the feeling of heaviness is accompanied by persistent pain, visible varicose veins or edema that cannot be absorbed, a consultation is essential. “”A hard swelling or a skin that keeps a sign of the bucket must alert“Explains Dr. Kierzek. Other disturbing signs include: redness and local warmth, which can sign the presence of an infection.”The presence of venous eczema or ulcers can also indicate an advanced stage of venous insufficiency “ warns our expert.
He therefore recommends consulting a vascular doctor or a phlebologist if these symptoms appear. Because if brushing is useful, it does not replace targeted medical treatment.