Ever wondered why celebrities never miss a massage appointment before a big event? Two words— lymphatic drainage. Think non-bloated bodies and chiselled jawlines, carved to perfection for photo ops. Seriously, in places like Brazil, it’s as common as hitting the showers. And let’s not forget about ancient Korean skincare wisdom – if anyone knows skincare, it’s them! Incorporating lymphatic drainage practices into your daily routine isn’t rocket science; it’s the secret sauce for better digestion, smoother skin, and that extra pep in your step. So, what do you say? Ready to give lymphatic drainage a whirl?
What Is Lymphatic Drainage?
Our bodies are not designed to withstand the stress of modern life, so we retain far more toxins and fluids than ever before, which is why lymphatic drainage methods are becoming increasingly popular. When these toxins build up inside of us, they can cause illness, pain, and fatigue. I mean, really? No, thanks.
The lymphatic system acts as the body’s garbage disposal, removing toxins and waste while also protecting us from infections in body tissues. Lymphatic drainage methods involve rhythmic movements on various parts of the body with the goal of increasing lymphatic flow, detoxification, and reducing puffiness. Essentially, your lymphatic system is responsible for removing toxins and delivering nutrients to all cells in your body and these methods allow it to happen extremely effectively. Ready, set, go.
Dry Brushing, Sweeping Towards Your Heart<3
Always sweep towards your heart. How cute is that? Start at the tops of the feet and always brush upwards toward the heart because the heart is where all the lymphatic fluid comes back to collect and recirculate. Spend extra time on stagnant areas, like the inner thigh. This is oldest body care trick in the book—quite literally! All you need is one brush with gentle bristles.
So, what exactly does dry brushing do? It is a method of body exfoliation that stimulates the lymphatic system by increasing blood flow, allowing toxins to be removed while also increasing elasticity, making it ideal for lifting and toning problem areas like the buttocks and backs of the thighs. It greatly stimulates collagen production, which means it helps reduce skin aging. The secret to every Korean Amma.
Gua Sha/ Facial rollers
It’s like a gym for your face. Of course, doing it once in a while benefits your health, but the more you do it, the stronger the results will be, and the best part is that it only takes 5 minutes out of your day. The main purpose of these tools is lymphatic drainage and that’s why you look less puffy after and it contours your face. Because of their naturally cooling properties, it also alleviates redness and irritation. Definitely make sure to not ignore your ears, there are many lymph nodes around our ears, it helps clear the path for inflammation in the face and reduces sore throats and ear congestion.
You can also do this with just your hands, take a look at Valeriia Veksler’s page!
Oil massages
These can be self done or professionally but it’s the most effective way.
The long, gentle, rhythmic strokes increases the flow of lymph fluids and thereby, reduce toxins in every part of your body and you might even feel lighter all around, relaxed and less bloated for a couple of days after the treatment. I highly recommend adding this to your monthly maintenance routine!
I mean can you believe doing this regularly over time can even lower your risk of getting sick because it strengthens your immune system and supports your overall health. So, beyond the immediate effects, it’s like a steady friend keeping you feeling good in the long run. Feel free to do one body part weekly if you can’t seem to fit in a whole massage.
Ice Facials
So, after icing your face or getting an ice facial, you may notice that you are less puffy? Let us explain why. Cool temperatures constrict blood vessels, reducing circulation and swelling and so it promotes the drainage of excess fluids from the lymphatic system and the improved lymphatic circulation helps the skin achieve a more glowing and radiant complexion. You can do this at anytime of the day. I recommend mornings for a refreshing boost.
Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing exercises improve the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body. It works by changing the pressure in your abdomen and chest. This encourages lymph flow back into the blood circulatory system, and, of course, breathing exercises have been linked to a myriad of benefits since like the dawn of time like reduced anxiety, so you’ll feel a lot calmer. We all want that.
Legs-On-The-Wall Pose
This one might take you by surprise but legs-on-the-wall pose, recently caught wave on wellness TikTok for reduced bloating before night-outs in tight jeans but it actually, it has its roots in Yoga— ‘Viparita Karani’ to reduce bloating overall. Do less and relax more. It’s recommend you do this in the morning on an empty stomach.
You put your legs up the wall with your pelvis elevated on either yoga blocks or just a pillow, lymph and other fluids that can lead to swollen ankles, tired knees, and congested pelvic organs flow into the lower belly; this refreshes the legs as the blood circulation gently boosts toward the upper body and head, which creates a pleasant rebalancing to your body.
