With fans including Cher, Jennifer Aniston, and Gwyneth Paltrow, lymphatic drainage isn’t an in-demand treatment for nothing. From de-puffing and reducing cellulite to boosting circulation, immunity, and metabolism, it’s a technique that stimulates the body’s lymphatic system and can incorporate cupping, massage, and cold water exposure. Running like a network beneath the surface of the skin, the lymphatic system transports waste (including toxins) to be metabolized from the body, helping you to feel lighter, more energetic, and generally healthier in the process.
What are the benefits of lymphatic drainage?
“Lymphatic drainage massage is an incredibly beneficial treatment, which works to flush out excess liquids and toxins from our system and subsequently helps to combat water retention and inflammation,” explains Tetyana Probyy-Holova (also known as the “cellulite slayer”), who knows a thing or two about shifting puffiness.
She combines her own lymphatic drainage massage with cupping therapy, to dramatically reduce fluid retention and “break down fat deposits, which improves the lymphatic drainage process,” acting as the ultimate detoxification. “If a client is suffering from water retention or inflammation within the body, they leave feeling totally revitalized and energetic—water build-up can make us feel sluggish,” adds Probyy-Holova.
Meanwhile, lymphatic drainage expert Flavia Morellato also sings the method’s praises. “It has a positive effect on blood circulation, immunity, metabolism, and the digestive system, and is brilliant for those who are pregnant,” she says. “A struggling lymphatic system is linked to a drop in metabolism, which is linked to increased BMI, too.” Put simply, stimulating your lymphatic system isn’t just a matter of vanity—it’s also about boosting your sense of self and how well your body deals with its environment.
Since it boosts blood circulation and helps get things moving, it is also great for the skin—and can help you quickly rediscover your cheekbones. You’ll likely have been treated to some manual lymph drainage techniques during a professional facial, but now, an increasing number of experts are incorporating clever, wearable machines, like the Body Ballancer and Slimiyonik Air Bodystyler, to get the lymph system moving as they work on the skin for enhanced results.
How to Stimulate Your Lymphatic System
Of course, our lymphatic system already knows what to do—it sometimes just needs a little encouragement. Easy and accessible ways to stimulate it include regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and avoiding any processed foods. But massage is a great tool to supercharge the benefits, and there are other techniques to try that you can take advantage of at home.
Elevate Your Legs
“Keeping your legs at a 90-degree angle also works,” Probyy-Holova advises. “Just make sure you keep them really high, not just resting on a coffee table.”
Sit Straight
“Sitting with your legs crossed is one of the worst things you can do for your circulation, and it’s bad for women’s health in general, so I advise avoiding this wherever possible,” says Probyy-Holova.
Body Brushing
“Body brushing is a very old technique, but I recommend it highly,” says Morellato. “Our skin is full of mechanoreceptors that, in addition to toning and rejuvenating, understand rhythmic strokes. With proper pressure, the body brush can stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, eliminating toxins, fighting cellulite, and assisting with the formation of natural collagen.” Cue plump skin and firm limbs.
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