Is a Lymphatic Drainage Massage Worth the Hype?
Jenn, what do you think of lymphatic drainage massage? I’ve seen people talking about it, and I’m curious to try it for my body and face, but is it worth the money? And for body benefits, could I just do, like, dry body brushing instead? Thanks, Angela
There’s manual lymph drainage, the medical massage practiced by trained therapists, and then there’s a range of techniques, tricks, and products that are more what you might call “lymph-adjacent.” And that’s where things get confusing. Some nonmedical treatments can give your facial features a momentary visual lift or improve the appearance of cellulite temporarily, but there are others (like wrapping your ears with hair ties to de-puff your face) that do nothing at all. Here’s how to know what works and is worth the money, according to experts in western and eastern medicine.
What is a lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage and manual lymph drainage (MLD) help promote the flow of lymph — a clear fluid that eliminates toxins and waste from tissues, according to Julie E. Russak, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Russak Dermatology Clinic. Practitioners can perform MLD on your body, face, or both. “For those with medical disorders like lymphedema or postsurgical swelling, its benefits are well documented,” Russak says.
However, not all massages move lymph in a healthy way. “MLD follows a specific sequence, starting with the body’s main drains, such as the lymph nodes in the armpits, neck, and groin,” says Gudrun Wu Snyder, a doctor of acupuncture and the founder of Moon Rabbit, a wellness and acupuncture clinic with two locations in Chicago. If you do it incorrectly (or go to a practitioner who does it wrong), you could cause more fluid buildup, she says.
What are the benefits of a lymphatic drainage massage?
You’ve probably seen before and after videos documenting the visual effects of lymphatic drainage massage. Russak says the treatment can make you look and feel less bloated, improve your skin’s radiance, and even reduce water retention and swelling to make cellulite less noticeable — but it only does this temporarily, for a few hours or a day at most. That doesn’t mean it’s pointless! “Regular sessions can help to maintain ideal lymphatic flow, increase circulation, and lower persistent inflammation,” says Russak. On top of that, it feels good and can reduce stress.
Can a lymphatic massage reduce cellulite?
“Lymphatic massage doesn’t address the underlying structural causes of cellulite, which are fibrous bands tethering the skin to deeper tissues,” says Russak. However, by reducing water retention and swelling, it can temporarily make cellulite slightly less noticeable for some people. It all depends on your body and your skin: Just because you saw an amazing before and after photo doesn’t mean you will get the same results.
How does a lymphatic drainage massage improve your face?
All facials can boost circulation so your skin looks immediately glowier, but those incorporating lymph-specific massage techniques may also reduce puffiness. “After a session, patients often notice a more defined jawline and cheekbones, as well as reduced under-eye puffiness,” says Russak. Those changes to your appearance don’t last long, though. Massage can’t reshape the structural contours of your face or move fat deposits. Still, there are other reasons you might want to try it. Snyder says her favorite facial treatment that incorporates lymphatic massage is kobido. “It uses kneading, pressing, and stroking techniques on the face, neck, and scalp,” she says. “It feels divine and gives you an overall zhuzh without any downtime.”
Does dry body brushing rival lymphatic drainage massage?
Sort of. “Dry body brushing is like a mini lymphatic drainage massage without the manual hand portion,” says Snyder. It can reduce water retention and puffiness. It also offers something massage can’t: exfoliation. “I notice an extra glow to the skin after dry brushing,” Snyder says.
If you want to try it, do your brushing on dry skin before you shower and use sweeping motions toward your heart. Unlike MLD, the technique requires little training or practice (this video has a helpful demo). IMO, the handheld brushes (mine is from Osea) are better than the ones with handles because they’re easier to manipulate and allow you to adjust pressure depending on what feels good.
So, is a lymphatic massage worth the money?
It all depends on what you expect to get out of the treatment. If you have an important event and want to feel more confident, getting a lymphatic drainage massage or treatment immediately beforehand might be worth it. If you can afford regular treatments and like how massage makes you feel (physically and/or mentally), that could be worth it as well. But I think MLD has gotten a reputation for being a more natural alternative to cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery, and that’s absolutely not the way to think about it: Lymphatic drainage can’t change the contours of your face or body or smooth your skin for the long term. That said, it may help you unwind and relax — and that’s something cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery definitely can’t do.
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