What is lymphatic drainage and how does it work?

I am a pufferfish—perpetually puffy and bloated, thanks to all the 'Food Babies' and hours of lounging on my bed, scrolling through reels. It also doesn’t help that I get about as much exercise as an indoor plant. I have always been generally comfortable with my body, but this constant puffiness is annoying sometimes. So, I did what most people would do: A 2:00 a.m. Google search. I ended up with a thousand problems and a thousand solutions. After some digging, I landed on masseuse extraordinaire Flavia Lanini’s page and chanced upon a video about lymphatic drainage. 

Lymphatic drainage massages have gained popularity over the years. If you scroll through any beauty or wellness website, you will see numerous articles on how to massage yourself to glowing skin and reduce puffiness. Of course, I was intrigued. Does this wellness trend deliver on all its promises? Can you really have better immunity and more energy by getting a massage (or, in this case doing it yourself)? It all seemed too good to be true. So, to get to the bottom of it, we asked Dr Patel Nishtha Hitendrabhai, consultant dermatologist at Kosmoderma, to break it down for us.   

What is lymphatic drainage?

Dr Hitendrabhai said, “Lymphatic drainage is a specialised type of massage which helps in treating lymphedema, a condition in which lymphatic fluid builds up in specific body regions due to inefficient drainage.” A while ago, it entered the beauty world, and you’ve been spotting jade rollers and gua shas everywhere. However, before we get into what the method is, we must understand our lymphatic system first. 

The lymphatic system is part of our circulatory system. It consists of a system of lymph nodes and channels. Lymph, a colourless fluid consisting of mainly white blood cells, carries away the toxins and waste from our tissues before finally entering the bloodstream. Pretty standard, right? However, unlike blood, lymph doesn’t have the heart to keep it moving. It circulates when we exercise, do general body movements, stretch etc. 

Sometimes, the lymphatic system gets overloaded and slows down due to poor diet, bad lifestyle choices, or even an illness, ultimately leading to bloating and swelling. This is when it needs some encouragement or a little push in the form of a massage. Dr Hitendrabhai says, “Lymphatic drainage is a two-step process: clearing and re-absorption. In clearing, lymphatic fluid is released into the body tissues, and in the second step, lymphatic fluid moves to lymph nodes. During lymphatic drainage massage, always use gentle pressure that affects only your skin, not the muscles. You can use fingertips or palm to do so.” 

Methods of lymphatic drainage 

You can either find a reputed professional with experience and have them massage you or you can do it yourself. But be prepared to feel it—it’s common to be sore for a day or two after it, but you will also feel more energetic and see your skin glow. However, if you feel ill during the massage, stop immediately because lymph circulation can aid a virus in spreading faster. 

If you choose to do it yourself, invest in a good tool like a jade roller or a gua sha, learn where all the lymph nodes are (neck, underarm, chest, abdomen, and groin), and remember not to use the tool in a back-and-forth manner (you aren’t vacuuming your skin). Stick to one direction and always use a face oil before your massage because if you try massaging when your face or body is dry, it can increase irritation on the skin. Dr Hitendrabhai says, “Lymphatic drainage facial starts with deep breathing so you get comfortable with the process. The goal is to drain the lymph and move it towards the lymph nodes in your neck.”  

She goes on to explain the host of benefits of a good lymphatic drainage massage: It not only improves the blood flow and skin quality, but also eliminates toxins and helps in cell regeneration. Facial massage acts like a natural facelift, making your skin look less puffy and more contoured, younger, and brighter. 

You could also try dry brushing, which, when used correctly, helps in skin detoxification by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymphatic drainage. It also exfoliates the skin and can be a great addition to your bodycare routine. Yoga is another natural and effective way to promote lymphatic drainage; all the twists, bends, and transitioning from one pose to another boosts immunity and get that lymph moving.