How does lymphatic drainage work?

Victoria Tabak, LE, CEO of Nature Pure Clinical Skin Care: The lymphatic system is essentially the body’s immune system, with hundreds of channels and lymph nodes that support the flow of lymphocytes (white blood cells) that fight infection and eliminate cellular waste. The lymphatic system is facilitated by the circulatory system, so promoting blood flow simultaneously supports lymphatic drainage.

Lymphatic drainage is important for preventing the buildup of stagnant lymph, which can cause issues such as skin problems, fatigue or more serious health concerns. Lymphatic drainage can also help treat the appearance of cellulite.

Ildi Pekar, esthetician and celebrity facialist: Lymphatic drainage is an immune boost; it helps to release waste that your body may not be removing by itself. Lymphatic fluid naturally moves, but it can slow down or get backed up, and lymphatic drainage techniques allow us to stimulate and move the fluid toward the lymph nodes. These lymph nodes make sure “cleaned” fluid goes to the blood stream, while waste goes to the kidneys and liver, so the body can get rid of it.

Beata Aleksandrowicz, educator and founder of Aleksandrowicz System: The lymphatic system works very closely with the circulatory and immune systems. We have around 600 lymph nodes that play the role of the filter stations in our bodies. The fluids pass through those filters to keep our blood as clean as possible. This has the effect of reducing toxins and water retention.

How is lymphatic drainage beneficial?

Pekar: From an esthetic standpoint, it treats puffiness, fatigue, dark circles, dullness, skin irritations and fine lines. It also naturally resculpts the facial muscles, relaxes the body and calms the mind.

Aleksandrowicz: One of the main functions of the lymphatic system is to support the detoxification of the body. Often, signs of overload from poor diet, lack of sleep and stress can be seen and felt in the body. It usually corresponds with sluggishness, low energy levels and poor sleep quality. Long term, it can lead to inflammation and sickness.

Tabak: Lymphatic drainage is such an incredible holistic approach to encouraging overall wellness. It supports the immune system by helping the body purge itself of waste while promoting microcirculation. Lymphatic massage is also a great method for alleviating swelling.

How do lymphatic drainage techniques fit into the treatment room?

Aleksandrowicz: Any treatment can benefit from the use of lymphatic drainage techniques. Massages, bodywork and facials can all incorporate lymphatic drainage segments. I would very much recommend to start and finish any manual treatment with a lymphatic drainage sequence.

During any bodywork, for instance, a lot is released from the tissue, so additionally activating the lymph flow will help speed up the removal of waste products.

I love to incorporate lymphatic drainage techniques into my face massages. The results are immediate, and it’s a really fantastic way to rebalance the nervous system, as facial strokes are very gentle and repetitive. So, a lymphatic drainage face massage also delivers an instant sense of calm and relaxation to the guest.

Tabak: Gua sha massage and dry brushing are two of the most popular lymphatic drainage treatments that can be done on both the face and body. However, nothing can replace the power of the hands. My all time favorite lymphatic drainage technique is simply a traditional, manual massage, but other modalities like gua sha and jade rolling are a close second.

Pekar: I try to incorporate at least a couple of minutes of lymphatic drainage into every facial service, and it’s also wonderful in massage therapy. I’ve created a treatment focused on just that, called Lymp-Flow. I love it because it puts guests in a relaxed state of mind, and they receive a detoxifying, contouring and rejuvenating facial experience. Guests leave this treatment with glowing skin that is more hydrated and looks lifted.