3 Handy Hacks To Boost Lymphatic Drainage

It’s hard to scroll through social media right now without seeing something about lymphatic drainage. But what actually is it? How does it work? Why haven’t I heard of the lymphatic system before now? And how important is it to our body? These are just some of the questions you may be thinking. Hi, I’m Olivia Johnson, a Brazilian lymphatic drainage expert based in London, and I’m here to tell you everything you need to know about lymph.

The lymphatic system is one of the most overlooked but powerful systems in the body. Just like your arteries and veins run through every part of you, your lymphatic vessels do too, though they are much finer. And instead of carrying blood, they transport a clear, slightly thick fluid called lymph.

As blood circulates through your body, a small amount of fluid naturally leaks out of your blood vessels and into the surrounding tissues. This fluid collects waste products, bacteria, excess hormones, and damaged cells. Your lymphatic system then collects this fluid into tiny lymph vessels, at which point the fluid is called lymph.

The lymph travels through the lymph nodes — small, bean-shaped glands that act as your body’s natural filters and can be found in the head, neck, face, chest, underarms, inside elbows, stomach, groin, and behind the knees. These nodes help to “clean” the lymph fluid, removing anything that doesn’t belong. White blood cells are also found in lymph, which help protect your body by fighting infection.

From there, the cleaned lymph travels through larger vessels until it reaches the thoracic duct at the base of the neck, where it reenters the bloodstream, and the cycle continues.

The liver and kidneys also support this system by removing excess waste naturally through the bowels, urine, and sweat. It’s a constant process, and it plays a major role in detoxification, immunity, and keeping the body in balance.

Lymphatic drainage massage, therefore, is a treatment designed to encourage the removal of lymph fluid. Although the lymphatic system is structurally similar to blood circulation, it does not have a pump like the heart. As a result, lymph fluid can become stagnant and may need encouragement to flow properly.

Because lymph fluid is very close to the surface of the skin, a build-up can cause inflammation, puffiness, and bloating. Removing this fluid and the waste it carries can work wonders for your health and also result in a more sculpted physique, making lymphatic drainage popular for both its aesthetic and internal benefits, including:

• Stronger immune system
  
  
• Reduced inflammation
  
  
• Feeling lighter
  
  
• Reduced bloating
  
  
• More toned appearance
  
  
• Increased energy
  
  
• Clearer mind
  
  
• Better sleep
  
  
• Hormone balance
  
  
• Less period pain and more regular cycle
  
  
• Improved metabolism
  
  
• Lower stress levels
  
  
• Less congestion
  
  
• Improved digestion
  
  
• Healthier bowel movements
  
  
• Clearer skin
  
  
• Reduced facial swelling
  
  
• Faster recovery from viruses
  
  
• Better mobility
  
  

Or, if you want to start boosting your lymphatic drainage at home, here are three easy techniques to incorporate into your routine:

‍Gentle massage in the direction of lymph flow. Encourage drainage, enhance circulation, and reduce bloating. Find a professional tutorial and keep the movements simple and memorable when working on yourself.

Legs up against the wall. Lie on your bed with your legs resting against the headboard for 5–15 minutes per day (or whenever you have time). This promotes natural lymphatic drainage and instantly depuffs the legs. Gravity helps fluid flow toward the lymph nodes in the groin and behind the knees.
Top tip: Try a red light face mask while you lie down for wellness habit stacking! I’m currently using the Therabody Therface Glo Mask.

Deep breathing exercises. Inhale deeply while your stomach expands, then exhale fully to encourage lymphatic drainage and debloating. Taking a few of these breaths daily also helps calm the nervous system.