Are You Doing Your Lymphatic Drainage Massage Right?

Lymphatic drainage massages are having their moment in the sun with videos of content creators trying them racking up millions of views online. The wellness ritual has been around for years but has slowly gained popularity for its various sculpting and de-bloating benefits, thanks to the usual suspects of the wellness trend world (think Kardashian-Jenners).

But is it something you need to adopt into your daily routine too? Here’s everything you need to know about lymphatic drainage massages to give you an idea of what you can expect… 

Everything To Know About Lymphatic Drainage Massage

A lymphatic drainage massage aims to drain the lymph system, which can lead to detoxification of the body and face. In recent times, many influencers have popularised the use of tools such as jade rollers and the gua sha to conduct lymphatic drainage massages on the face and neck. It claims to help depuff the face and make it look naturally contoured and sculpted. 

Celebrities such as Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kendall Jenner, Mira Rajput,and Emilia Clarke have been known to discuss their skincare routines and the different tools they use to carry out a facial massage. And it seems that has become all the rage now, especially for those looking to increase blood-flow to the skin and face for an overall healthy glow. 

But according to experts the massage can also support healing by decreasing inflammation levels, especially after procedures or conditions like acne or rosacea.

“A lymphatic drainage massage reduces facial puffiness by encouraging lymph flow, improves skin tone and texture by removing excess fluids and waste, enhances healing and reduces inflammation, especially for patients recovering from procedures or conditions like acne or rosacea. It also supports detoxification by removing toxins from the skin, potentially reducing breakouts and supports post-surgical recovery when used with a physician’s guidance,” says Mumbai- based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Jaishree Sharad. 

But, she also cautions not to rely on the massage as the only pathway to wellness. “This gentle technique can help clear out fluid and improve blood flow, which might make under-eye bags and facial swelling less noticeable. But it’s important to remember that it’s just one part of a bigger skincare and wellness plan. Everyone’s different, so while some people might notice a temporary reduction in puffiness, it’s best to combine it with proper hydration, a balanced diet, and good skincare routines.”

The massage can be a way to look and feel your best before a big event, so, if you’re a bride-to-be or simply a wedding guest who wants to look more sculpted before the event, then this could be a great avenue. 

“For brides-to-be, this technique offers a non-invasive way to achieve a more defined jawline, reduced facial swelling, and a natural glow before their big day. The stimulation of lymph nodes near the face and neck helps drain stagnant fluid, which can make the skin appear firmer, more lifted, and radiant,” says Dr. Geetika Mittal, a dermatologist and aesthetic medicine practitioner based in New Delhi. 

She also adds the various gadgets and technological tools that have been created for compression therapy and can work well for the body’s lymphatic drainage. 

“Technologies like Ballancer and Lymphastim by BTL offer compression therapy that enhances the effects of traditional lymphatic drainage. These body suits promote detoxification, contour the body, and accelerate fluid removal, making them ideal for pre-wedding preparations.” 

Who Should Be Cautious About Opting For The Massage?

So, if you’re considering getting a lymphatic drainage massage, or carrying it out on yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind. Sometimes, this particular massage can aggravate autoimmune diseases. And, people with cardiovascular issues should be cautious of the wellness practice as it could complicate things. “Patients with underlying cardiovascular conditions, such as congestive heart failure or severe hypertension, should be careful since excessive mobilization of lymphatic fluid can lead to an increased workload on the heart. Similarly, individuals with kidney disorders may struggle to process the sudden movement of excess fluids, potentially exacerbating fluid retention issues,” explains Dr. Geetika. 

“People with active infections, thrombosis, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) should also avoid the massage, as stimulating lymph flow could contribute to the spread of infection or dislodge a blood clot, leading to severe complications. Along with this, individuals with autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis should consult their physician, as lymphatic massage may either alleviate or, in some cases, trigger inflammatory responses depending on the stage of the condition,” she says. 

And in terms of a facial lymphatic massage, experts advise considering skin conditions and other treatments that you have received recently. “If you have active skin conditions such as severe acne, eczema, or rosacea, the stimulation might exacerbate inflammation or irritation. Similarly, if you have any open wounds, infections, or have recently undergone procedures like chemical peels or laser treatments, it’s best to allow your skin to heal before trying this massage,” adds Dr. Jaishree Sharad.

How To Carry Out A Lymphatic Massage Yourself

DISCLAIMER: While the following methods has been prescribed by experts, it will be best to consult a professional before attempting it at home to avoid any complications.

If you’re looking to learn more about how to do a lymphatic facial massage yourself, you must pay attention to the direction in which your hands are moving across your face. However, even before you begin the massage, it is crucial to “open up” or stimulate your lymph nodes. 

Start by gently massaging the areas below and in front of your ears, the areas at the immediate sides of your nostrils, and the hollows above your collarbone and below the eyes. You can try this by, once again, gently pressing down on these areas, and mimicking a slow pumping motion. Repeat this process a few times at each spot mentioned above. 

Then when you finally start the massage, you have to make sure your strokes move towards the heart, so down towards the heart. But, while doing so, do not pull or tug at your skin aggressively. Like all massages, begin by applying a facial oil or cream, then gliding three fingers from each hand, on both sides of the face - from the chin, upwards to your cheeks, then to your nose bridge, towards your forehead and then down from the temples to the sides of your ears and neck. 

Here, take a cue from this video by Karla, a massage therapist based in Miami.

Another method is to use the knuckles of your index and middle fingers to move from your chin, across your jawline, to the sides of your ears. Or by using the knuckles or your index fingers to glide from the centre of your face, under your eyebrows, to the outside of your face, towards your temples. 

Use this video by Face Yoga expert Vibhuti Arora to guide you through these steps.

The same rule applies to performing a body massage on yourself. It’s important to open up your lymph nodes, across the body’s landscape as well. “​​The lymphatic system functions as a unidirectional network that drains excess fluid and metabolic waste into the circulatory system, primarily through the thoracic duct. Unlike the circulatory system, which is pumped by the heart, the lymphatic system relies on manual stimulation and movement to function effectively. Therefore, before initiating a self-massage, it is crucial to first activate key lymph nodes in the body to ‘“open up'” the pathways for drainage,” explains Dr. Geetika Mittal. 

“For example, starting by gently stimulating the supraclavicular nodes (located near the collarbones), followed by the axillary nodes (underarms) and the inguinal nodes (groin area), helps to create a clear drainage route,” she says. 

So, to sum it all up, keep in mind cardiovascular, autoimmune, or other skin conditions and recent treatments you’ve gotten. Use gentle motion; glide your hands towards the heart without dragging your skin down. Start the massage by opening up your lymph nodes. You can also seek out the support of tools and technology such as the gua sha or the Ballancer Pro. Most importantly, though, always consult a professional before you begin inculcating lymphatic drainage massages in your wellness routine.