You can do lymphatic drainage daily for general wellness, especially short facial routines (5-10 mins) for puffiness, but post-surgery or for lymphedema, a therapist might recommend sessions multiple times a week (2-3 times initially) or even daily during intensive phases, gradually decreasing frequency as swelling subsides; consistency is key, so listen to your body and doctor's advice.
Yes, it's possible to overdo lymphatic massage. While lymphatic drainage massage offers numerous benefits, more is not always better. Overdoing it can lead to bruising and swelling, especially if the massage is too aggressive or the pressure too high.
Usually, some results will be noticeable immediately after your facial lymphatic drainage massage however the fluid will begin to properly drain around 24 to 48 hours post massage.
If it's working, you should start to get relief from your symptoms of lymphedema in time. Your swelling should go down. You'll feel less heavy or tight. It will be easier to move, too.
After lymphatic drainage massage, your body needs time to balance fluid movement, so avoid excessive exposure to heat after treatment. ➤ Instead – Take a lukewarm shower or use warm (not hot!) compresses if you want comfort and relaxation.
Possible side effects of lymphatic drainage massage can include: Increased urination/bowel movements: after the massage, the lymph waste will need to be removed from the body. This leads to an increase in urination and bowel movements, as these are the methods the body uses to eliminate lymph waste from the body.
The Lymph System
By sleeping on your left side, you help facilitate the draining process by allowing gravity to do part of the work. On the other hand, sleeping on your right side actually makes the lymph system work harder to properly drain away all the fluid.
3: Water helps support the lymphatic drainage system
After the lymphatic system has sorted through the waste, it is returned to the blood circulation where it is taken to the kidneys. The kidneys filter the waste and then flush it out in your urine.
For example, by stimulating lymphatic flow, massage may help move excess fluid and cellular waste through the lymphatic system, which eventually drains into the bloodstream and is filtered by the liver and kidneys.
Changes in temperature can improve your blood circulation and aid in lymphatic drainage, while pressure can help relieve aches and pains. In modern day, some examples of hydrotherapy include hot tubs and whirlpool baths along with mineral baths, such as Swiss showers.
By targeting six critical areas: the collarbone, upper neck, armpits, abdomen, groin, and behind the knees, you can manually assist your lymphatic system in draining toxins, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall health.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Also known as deep belly breathing, diaphragmatic breathing is vital for assisting the movement of lymphatic fluid. This breathing technique involves inhaling deeply through the nose, allowing the diaphragm to contract and the abdomen to expand, followed by exhaling slowly.
Don't do Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) if you have an infection or a fever, a deep vein thrombosis, kidney failure, or if you have congestive heart failure. Even though this technique is gentle, it's applied very specifically which makes it powerful and there are a few conditions that are off limits.
The glymphatic system is a pathway that clears waste from your brain while you sleep. Like your lymphatic system, it uses fluid to wash away anything your brain doesn't need. Some types of waste are harmful if they stay in your brain for too long. The glymphatic system is a relatively recent discovery.
Physical activity encourages fluid to drain into the lymphatic system in the abdomen. Walking, swimming, yoga, pilates and Tai chi all might help to encourage the lymph to move. Pelvic floor exercises may also help. These target and strengthen the muscles in your pelvis.
Massage therapists must also be aware of endangerment sites where deep pressure should be avoided:
Lymphatic congestion symptoms include swelling (puffy face, hands, limbs), a feeling of heaviness or tightness, stiffness, chronic fatigue, frequent illnesses, skin issues (acne, rashes, thickening), brain fog, headaches, bloating, and digestive problems, all stemming from fluid buildup and toxin stagnation in the lymphatic system.
Lymphatic drainage helps reduce water retention and bloating, which can make you look slimmer. However, it's not a direct fat-loss treatment—it works best alongside a healthy lifestyle.
Foods to Avoid or Limit:
Lymphatic massage can be quite helpful if you have lymphedema. But it shouldn't be your only treatment. If you wear compression garments (like socks or sleeves) to reduce fluid retention, you should keep wearing them. Lymphatic massage may not work for everyone.
It's advisable not to drink alcohol or caffeine after lymphatic drainage for the rest of that day as that would be reloading your newly-cleansed body with toxins, and it could make you feel a bit queasy.