Key Summary of Facial Edema and Lymphatic Circulation
Ulfit Korean Medicine Clinic Representative: Shin Jeong-min
01 General Causes vs. Root Causes of Facial Swelling
- General Causes: Diet high in sodium, late-night snacks, incorrect sleeping posture (low pillows, sleeping face down), or systemic diseases (reduced kidney function, thyroid disease, etc.).
- Root Cause (Structural Problem): If you experience swelling despite no abnormalities in medical tests, the cause is stagnation of lymphatic circulation. This occurs because imbalances in the temporomandibular joint or cervical spine tense up surrounding muscles, blocking the lymphatic drainage pathways.
02 Two Key Muscles That Impede Lymphatic Circulation
- Digastric Muscle (Jaw Muscle): The passage through which 70% of facial lymph flows. When this muscle becomes tense due to "text neck" or temporomandibular joint instability, it causes jaw swelling and a double chin.
- Platysma (Neck Muscle): A thin, cloth-like muscle covering the entire neck; if it becomes stiff and tight, it constricts lymphatic vessels, leading to lymph stagnation and hindering overall body circulation.
03 Facial Swelling Management & Stretching Tips
โจ Opening the Lymphatic Drain (Terminus)
Gently massage the sunken area above the collarbone (the terminus) to open the passage through which lymph fluid finally drains.
โจ Digastric & Platysma Stretching
Press down on one collarbone and tilt your head diagonally upward to stretch the platysma. After tilting your head back, press your tongue against the roof of your mouth and slowly open your mouth to stretch the digastric muscle.
