When you think about getting a massage (or even DIY-ing it at home) you’re likely thinking about all the benefits: improved circulation, stress-relief and all-around relaxation. But what about a massage that could promise you a stronger immune system and a better muscle tone? We spoke to the pros about lymphatic drainage massagers, and why you’ll want to add it to your routine.
What is the lymphatic system?
“The lymphatic system is part of our immune system and consists of a network of tissues and organs that helps get rid of toxins, waste and unwanted materials from the body,” says Dr Simal Soin, medical director, AAYNA Clinic. “The lymphatic system has three main functions: it maintains fluid homeostasis, helps defend against bacterial and other intruders and facilitates absorption of fats and fat-soluble nutrients in the digestive system,” she says. “Water, protein and other substances keep leaking out of our tiny blood vessels into our body tissues which makes them swell. So, the lymphatic system drains this extra fluid from the tissues and pushes it back towards the blood,” says Dr Harshna Bijlani, medical head of The AgeLess Clinic and celebrity skin expert.
Should you be adding lymphatic drainage massage to your routine?
“Lymphatic drainage massage—being a very deep tissue massage—is relaxing and therapeutic. It also helps in removal of waste and toxins from the deep tissues. It helps to de-puff and decongest the tissues. Lymphatic drainage massage also helps to reduce inflammation,” says Dr Bijlani. “The puffiness you’re feeling in the morning could be attributed to poor lymphatic drainage. Like the heart has a pump which circulates blood all around the body, the lymphatic drainage doesn’t actually have one to perform the same function and hence it relies on the muscle and the movement of the muscle to push the extra fluid back towards the heart. Hence, when you do a sort of a gentle massage that encourages the movement of this fluid back towards the heart, it helps to remove the waste toxins from the tissues and also helps with water retention and puffiness which tend to accumulate in our body,” she confirms. It stimulates the lymph movement back to the lymph modes (which are largely located in the neck, armpits and groin) and accelerates the process of removing the liquid between the cells and directing them to the capillary vessels to be eliminated.
How can you do an at-home lymphatic drainage massage?
“Understand in which direction you are doing the massage. On the body, it's from the fingertips up towards the armpits for the arms and on the legs from the feet towards the groin area. On the stomach you need to go in a downward motion towards the belly button,” says Dr Bijlani. You can do this with your hands or a tool like a dry brush or body gua sha. Since it’s the fluid layer under the skin, you want to be slow and light, rather than making hard and fast movements.
Should you do a lymphatic drainage massage on your face?
“To perform the massage on your face, you need to use some sort of facial oil or serum that will help glide the tool easier on your face. Always remember that your face should be squeaky clean, followed by then applying a few drops of oil or serum or gel in order to perform the massage. The movement of the tool should be away from the centre of your face towards the outer part of your face. Always make sure that you keep the gua sha or the roller flat against your face. It should not be perpendicular but flat and the movement should be from the centre to the outside—towards the ear and then down the neck towards the lymph nodes,” says Dr Bijlani. The best time to try it? The morning, which is when you’re at your puffiest. According to Dr Soin, it helps to reduce swelling and improve circulation, so you look brighter, glowier and more balanced after enough sessions.
Also read:
All the ways an at-home face massage can benefit your skin (and what it won’t do)
4 at-home facials for all your skincare concerns, by 4 celebrity facialists and skin pros
3 tools that will help you get the most out of your at-home face massage, according to a facialist