Lymphatic drainage has become a hot topic in the beauty and wellness sphere in the past few years. It has a staggering 980 million views on TikTok, while beauty booking service Treatwell reported a 41 per cent increase in bookings of the treatment last year.
For the uninitiated: the term is used to describe a specific type of massage which enhances the function of the lymphatic system — a large network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins and waste. It’s often promoted for its ability to debloat and sculpt.
Jennifer Aniston is to thank for the treatment reaching viral status, after she posted a series of photos to Instagram from her summer. Among beach snaps was a more curious photo of her wearing a lymphatic drainage suit in a fitness studio.
It had people asking why she was dressed like a spaceperson, and after they’d learnt she was wearing a Body Ballancer suit for lymphatic drainage, Google searches for the term ‘lymphatic drainage massage’ doubled within a month. Then there was a clamour to try the treatment, in pursuit of legs like Jen’s, with people sharing their own experiences all over social media.
So does it really work? And can you do it at home?
How does lymphatic drainage work?
A lymphatic drainage massage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to help lymph move to an area with working lymph vessels.
“The fluid or lymph in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from the body,” says Dr Galyna at award-winning Knightsbridge beauty salon, Dr Rita Rakus. “Your lymphatic system works directly with your cardiovascular circulatory system to keep blood and lymph levels in balance.”
As well as reducing puffiness, the technique relieves swelling and discomfort in the limbs caused by lymphoedema, a chronic condition brought on by a malfunction of the lymphatic system, which is often experienced by people suffering from breast cancer.
“Lymph carries immune cells throughout the body to help defend against infections,” Dr Galyna explains. “Think of all the vessels in your body as motorways; some bigger, some smaller; some carry blood and some carry lymphatic fluid.
“If there are traffic jams along the way, nutrient rich blood won’t be able to travel freely and infection fighting lymph won’t be able to get to the organ that needs help. Hence the reason lymphatic drainage is so very important for any healthy body.”
What can you expect during a lymphatic drainage massage?
There are essentially two types of lymphatic drainage techniques: manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), which is administered by certified therapists, and simple lymphatic drainage (SLD), which, as the name implies, is a more straightforward method that can be done in the comfort of your home.
A manual lymphatic drainage massage is usually a full body treatment and is very gentle and relaxing. Because the lymphatic system is close to the surface of the skin, to move your lymphatic fluid, a therapist simply needs to warm and move the skin without impacting deep tissue. The techniques used involve massaging with very gentle upward and circular strokes to encourage the fluid to move into vessels.
An in-clinic, manual lymphatic drainage massage is a two-step process: clearing (which releases lymphatic fluid in your tissues) and reabsorption (which moves your lymphatic fluid to your lymph nodes).
It strengthens and regenerates cells, moves toxins, relaxes the nervous system and improves the immune system.
What are the benefits?
A clogged lymph system can cause a lot of problems. Cells rely on lymphatic fluid, which contains disease-fighting white blood cells, to transport substances, communicate with neighbouring cells, and help them perform their functions. Therefore, a compromised network can disrupt these processes, potentially leading to conditions like lymphedema, which involves persistent swelling in a particular area of the body.
“It strengthens and regenerates cells, moves toxins, relaxes the nervous system and improves the immune system,” says Sana Kirse, a massage therapist at Neville Hair and Beauty in Belgravia. “It can also improve skin condition, help with weight loss and cellulite.”
So, how is it different to any other massage? Well, your typical massage will mostly focus on the muscles and pressure points. Lymphatic drainage massages, however, release tension and toxins, so you’ll feel rejuvenated and lighter – as well as less tense.
Are there really any weight loss effects?
Often people come across lymphatic drainage, via hard to believe ‘before and after’ photos of clients online. While these photos might make it look like the recipients have lost weight, lymphatic drainage does not create actual fat loss. Instead, it may help reduce water retention and bloating, which can then have a short-term slimming effect. Short-term is the key here: most clients see the physical effects of a lymphatic drainage massage for up to six hours.
Famed Hollywood lymphatic drainage expert Flavia Lanini, who has worked with countless A-listers and supermodels, told Us Weekly that a lymphatic massage can "promote a contouring effect while also promoting relaxation” – hence the effects that are seen in before and after pictures.
So it’s perfect if you want to debloat for an event. But don’t expect the effect to last longer than that, and definitely don’t expect any fat loss.
Can I do it at home?
The good news is, if you like the sound of lymphatic drainage but don’t want to fork out for it, you can always give the DIY version a go at home. Dry body brushing is thought to help eliminate toxins and dead skin cells. We like AnatomÄ’s Detox Brush (£16). Use small circular movements along the thighs, glutes and stomach and follow with a rich moisturiser.
The pros recommend massaging the arms, legs, and stomach up to three to four times a week for 20 minutes.
“Start from the legs and always aim up,” says Kirse. “The larger lymph nodes are located around your knees, groin, abdomen, underarms, elbows, neck. Try to work towards them. Some people recommend working towards the heart if that’s easier to understand”.
“Apply good pressure but be careful. You can damage the skin cell bonds and cause lacerations. Gentle touch is key.”
Aftercare is also key – make sure to prioritise hydration for 48 hours post treatment to promote drainage. While the results won’t be as striking as they would be after an in-salon treatment, it’s still a quick and effective way to wind down and debloat.
The best London salons for lymphatic drainage
Neville Hair and Beauty
This six-storey Belgravia townhouse is the perfect place for head-to-toe pampering, and their lymphatic drainage massage is one of the best in the city. After 55 minutes with Sana, you’ll leave the salon feeling like a lighter, healthier version of yourself.
Book: £175 per session. 5 Pont St, Belgravia, London SW1X 9EJ. nevillehairandbeauty.net
Dr Rita Rakus
Located in London’s Knightsbridge, opposite Harrods, Dr Rita Rakus is one of the world’s leading medical clinics, with over 25 years of experience in non-surgical cosmetic treatments. The salon’s state state-of-the art lymphatic drainage technology was developed in the USA specifically to assist lymphatic drainage.
A la Jennifer Aniston, your legs and lower torso are placed into a ‘legging suit’ which is inflated and pressurised using compressed air for a period of time.
Price: £200 per session. 34 Hans Rd, London SW3 1RW. drritarakus.co.uk
Flavia Morellato
Lymphatic drainage specialist Flavia Morellato is loved by London’s wellness set, counting models Shanina Shaik and Sara Sampaio among her celebrity clientele when in town. Her personalised lymphatic drainage massage technique is said to help debloat, detoxify and help with water retention.
Book: £280 per session. Harvey Nichols, 4th Floor, 109-125 Knightsbridge , SW1 7FJ.flaviamorellato.co.uk
Dimple Amani
Dimple specialises in personalised lymphatic drainage therapies for the face, head, and abdominal regions, drawing inspiration from Ayurvedic principles. Each treatment is customised, and ends with a cup of her unique detoxifying tea. This special tea combines chamomile, ginger, and ashwagandha to enhance the immune system and combat inflammation.
Book: £160 for full body treatment. 42 Vauxhall Bridge Road SW1V 2RX; Harrods, 5th Floor, 87-135 Brompton Road SW1X 7XL. dimpleamani.com
Ana Trida
With over 20 years of experience under her belt, Ana Trida is the woman to go to for lymphatic drainage with a purpose. Rather than simply aesthetic goals, Ana’s technique is particularly helpful for those recovering from surgery, flushing out retained liquids and toxins, and helping you work towards better general wellbeing.
Book: Price on request. At-home treatments are available in London. anatridatherapist.co.uk
