With fans like Cher, Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow, there’s a reason why lymphatic drainage is the treatment on everyone’s lips right now. From deflating 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 by the body, helping you 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 flushes excess fluid and toxins from our system and then helps fight water retention and inflammation,” she explains. Tetyana Probyy-Holovawho knows a thing or two about swelling displacement.
She combines her own lymphatic drainage massage with cupping therapy, which dramatically reduces fluid retention and “breaks down fat deposits, which improves the lymphatic drainage process,” acting as the ultimate detox. “If a client is suffering from water retention or inflammation in the body, it leaves feeling refreshed and energized – water retention can make us feel sluggish,” adds Probyy-Holova.
Meanwhile, lymphatic drainage specialist Flavia Morellato also sings the praises of the method. “It has a positive effect on blood circulation, immunity, metabolism and the digestive system and is excellent for those who are pregnant,” she says. “A compromised lymphatic system is associated with a drop in metabolism, which is also associated with an increased BMI.” Simply put, boosting your lymphatic system isn’t just about 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’s also great for the skin – and can help you rediscover your cheekbones in no time. You’ve probably received some manual lymphatic drainage techniques if you’ve enjoyed a professional facial, but now, a growing number of specialists are incorporating smart, wearable machines like Body Balancer (at Illuminate Skin Clinic), and Slimiyonic Air Bodystyler (at Debbie Thomas), to stimulate the lymphatic system as they work on the skin for improved results.
How to stimulate your lymphatic system
Of course, our lymphatic system already knows what to do – sometimes it 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 processed foods. But massage is a great tool to increase the benefits and there are other techniques you can try that you can benefit from at home.
Body brushing
“Body brushing is a very old technique, but I highly recommend it,” says Morellato. “Our skin is full of mechanoreceptors that, in addition to being toning and rejuvenating, understand rhythmic beats. With proper pressure, the body brush can stimulate blood and lymph circulation, eliminating toxins, fighting cellulite and helping to form natural collagen.” Get firm skin and tight ends.
