Living360’s Evelyn Richards tries this celebrity-approved trend to see if it’s worth the hype – and the high price point.
In recent years, lymphatic drainage has become a popular wellness trend, with attention increasingly focused on how this therapeutic treatment can boost overall health.
While it may sound complex, lymphatic drainage is a simple yet powerful technique to improve the body’s natural detox process.
It’s gaining momentum not only in holistic circles but also in beauty and health routines, with celebrities from Jennifer Anniston, Sofia Richie and Selena Gomez all fans of the treatment.
So I tested out the massage and spoke to a leading expert on the therapy.
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What is lymphatic drainage?
A specialised form of massage, lymphatic drainage encourages the movement of lymph fluid through the body. The lymphatic system, a key component of our immune system, comprises a network of vessels and nodes that clear waste, toxins, and excess fluid from tissues.
Unlike the circulatory system, which relies on the heart to pump blood, the lymphatic system depends on movement, breathing, and muscle contractions to function efficiently.
When sluggish, it can lead to fluid retention, toxin build-up, and weakened immunity.
Elayne Gullis, bodywork therapist practicing at Until Community, explains: “Lymphatic drainage helps stimulate the system, reducing swelling and removing excess fluid, thereby enhancing detoxification and circulation.”
What are the benefits of lymphatic drainage?
Much more than a beauty or wellness trend, lymphatic drainage is an essential way to support your body’s natural detox system.
Elayne says that one of the key benefits is a boosted immune function, explaining: “By facilitating the removal of toxins and supporting lymphatic health, lymphatic drainage can help strengthen the immune system, making the body more resilient against illness.”
She says other benefits include a reduction in swelling, promoting detoxification, improving circulation, relieving stress and supporting recovery after surgery or injury.
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Common lymphatic draining myths busted
Elyane says there’s a lot of misunderstanding around lymphatic draining and is keen to set the record straight.
Lymphatic massage is the same as regular massage
Elayne says: “Lymphatic massage employs specific techniques aimed at stimulating lymph flow, which differs from traditional massage that may focus on muscle tension and relaxation.”
One session is enough to see results
Elayne says: “While one session can provide benefits, regular treatments are often necessary for optimal results, especially for detoxification and long-term health improvements.”
I agree with this, seeing a notable decrease in swelling after one session, but I’d need to book in more to be able to enjoy long-term effects as the benefits did subside after a few weeks.
Lymphatic drainage is only for people with edema (fluid retention)
Elayne says this isn’t true, and that the therapy can benefit anyone looking to enhance their overall wellness or detoxification.
Lymphatic drainage is painful
I can vouch that I felt no pain or discomfort during her session. Quite the opposite, it was relaxing and soothing, and I joked to Elayne that I could have easily fallen asleep.
Increased urination after lymphatic drainage is a bad sign or indicates dehydration
In reality, increased urination is a normal response to lymphatic drainage.
Elayne explains: “The therapy encourages the movement of lymph fluid and helps the body eliminate toxins, leading to more frequent urination.
“It’s a sign that the lymphatic system is functioning effectively and processing fluids as intended.”
She added that you should stay hydrated before and after the session to help support this natural detoxification process.
I tried lymphatic drainage – here’s what happened
My session took place in a dimly lit room, the air scented with essential oils, soft music playing in the background. Elayne instructed me to take deep breaths before attaching a red light device to my wrist, purportedly to aid muscle pain and inflammation.
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She began by massaging my hands and arms in long, sweeping motions, distinctly different from a traditional massage. Instead of deep pressure, the technique focused on movement, manually stimulating lymphatic flow. The same method was applied to my legs, and after finishing one side, Elayne showed me a before-and-after image. To my astonishment, the treated leg appeared visibly slimmer and more toned.
Next, she worked on my stomach — an area often neglected in standard massage but central to lymphatic function. As she manipulated the fluid around my body, I could feel the sensation of drainage. Again, the transformation was subtle yet noticeable; my stomach appeared flatter, and my slightly too-tight trousers now fit more comfortably.
The final stage was a Buccal massage, a facial treatment incorporating intra-oral techniques. Elayne donned latex gloves and massaged the inside of my mouth, an unusual sensation that felt somewhere between a dental check-up and a therapy session. Designed to release jaw tension, the technique was particularly appealing as a chronic teeth-clencher. Post-massage, my jaw felt significantly more relaxed.
My family remarked that I looked slimmer, suggesting the sculpting effects were not just in my head. That evening, I fell into a deep sleep the moment my head hit the pillow — a rarity for me.
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However, the benefits, while impressive, were not permanent. Over the following days, I noticed my usual issues creeping back: teeth grinding, disrupted sleep, and a return of puffiness. This was expected; Elayne had noted that regular sessions were key to maintaining results, with many clients booking monthly appointments.
How to do lymphatic drainage at home
Want to DIY your drainage? Elyane shared some tips on how to incorporate this practice into your day-to-day.
She says that walking and jumping are excellent activities for promoting lymphatic flow.
Elayne explains: “Walking helps stimulate the lymphatic vessels, which rely on muscle contractions and body movement to circulate lymph fluid. It increases overall blood circulation, which can enhance lymphatic drainage.”
With jumping, for example on a trampoline, Elyane states that it creates a dynamic movement that can effectively stimulate lymphatic circulation.
She adds: “The act of jumping engages multiple muscle groups, promoting contractions that help push lymph fluid through the vessels.
“Plus, jumping elevates the heart rate, which can further enhance circulation and lymphatic flow.”
Other things you can do to promote lymphatic circulation are gentle Pilates and yoga poses, dry brushing of the skin before showering, deep breathing exercises and elevating the legs to reduce swelling.
