I had heard so much about lymphatic drainage and to be honest, I’m not sure why I waited THIS long to dedicate consistent time to doing this easy regimen at home.

WHAT IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE?

Unlike the heart, the lymphatic system isn’t being pumped through the rest of the body. The lymph (a clear fluid that runs through arteries and tissues to clean them, before draining through the lymphatic system) is completely dependent on the body’s movement and muscle action- movement is needed to maintain lymphatic fluid movement out of the body.

Lymphatic drainage is a manual massage technique that works on the lymphatic system, stimulating it to work immediately by moving the lymph to the lymph nodes (the largest lymph nodes are neck, armpits and groin). Its main function is to eliminate bodily toxins. This is a process that should be included in our beauty routines.

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HOW IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE DONE?

There are professional massage therapists that will include lymphatic drainage in their menu of services, which are great, but if you want to do this at home and not break the bank it is super simple and effective.

STEP 1.

Using a dry brush (I bought one for under $15), I start at my ankles and brush upward in a circular motion. You want to really get in there and do this all over the body in upwards motions. I take extra time on my butt, thighs and tummy!

STEP 2.

Take cold showers, or end your shower with cold water! The lymphatic system relies on muscle contractions- so if you don’t exercise or massage regularly, the fluid stagnates, resulting in a weaker immune system. Cold water will force your lymphatic system to flush toxins out of your body by triggering white blood cells - being overall great for your health.

STEP 3.

To help the tools glide over your skin, I recommend using a body oil like jojoba. A non-toxic body oil should be applied all over. I use a wooden anti-cellulite massage tool. With this tool, you don’t need to be as aggressive as the dry brush. Following the same steps as the dry brush, start from the ankles and move upwards, up the legs/thigh area up to the buttox, to the abdomen and finally finishing on the arms. This process can be much slower as you can’t move that quickly with this tool.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE?

• Stimulates blood circulation and tissue regeneration
• Directs and increases lymphatic flow, promoting faster removal of excess interstitial fluid (toxins).
• Reduces swelling and water retention
• Promotes body and mental relaxation
• Improves immune system (because of important elimination of toxins)
• Energizes the body