A lymphatic drainage massage involves applying gentle massage techniques to improve the lymphatic system, which is responsible for moving fluid throughout the body.You may have seen this type of massage (sometimes called manual lymphatic drainage) mentioned on social media as a way to detox and depuff the face, but it’s not just a trend: Lymphatic drainage massage has been used in clinical practice since the 1930s and is currently a common treatment for lymphedema. Lymphedema is a chronic condition that occurs when a malfunctioning lymph system leads to fluid buildup that causes edema (swelling) and pain. Cancer and cancer treatments can cause lymphedema.

The primary goal of the massage is to move fluid away from areas where the lymphatic system is overwhelmed, says Steven Minson, a licensed massage therapist and certified lymphedema therapist in private practice in McLean, Virginia.

Possible benefits include aiding recovery after cosmetic procedures, promoting relaxation, decreasing stress, and improving the skin.

How Lymphatic Drainage Massage Works

The lymphatic system includes tissues, vessels, and certain organs (bone marrow, the thymus, and lymph nodes) that move fluid (called lymph) into the bloodstream, absorbing fats and vitamins and filtering out waste and abnormal cells along the way. When this system isn’t functioning properly or there is damage (from radiation therapy or surgery, for instance), the fluid can stop moving normally, and lymphedema can occur. You might not experience any symptoms at first, or you might notice a swollen area that retains a dent when you press it.Lymphatic drainage massage is one way to reduce swelling and encourage the lymphatic system to function correctly again. It works by moving fluid toward your lymph nodes through very light, gentle pressure applied in circular motions primarily on the chest, top of the neck, the forehead, and the under-eye area.“For those people who have lymphedema, lymphatic massage is a very important part of their management,” says David W. Chang, MD, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and lymphedema expert with the University of Chicago Medicine. There’s been talk of healthy people using lymphatic massage for detox, but so far, there’s not much evidence that it can have an effect if your lymphatic system is working properly.

What Are the Potential Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

There is limited research on the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage outside of that in people with lymphedema. Here is what the current research suggests as some possible benefits.

Reduction in Inflammation

Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system isn’t moving fluid properly, resulting in swelling and putting the body in a state of chronic inflammation. Research suggests that lymphatic drainage massage can help reduce swelling for those with lymphedema by unblocking and physically moving the stagnant fluid, which contains inflammatory factors.

Among medical experts, this is a known benefit of lymphatic drainage massage for people with lymphedema, says Karen Bock, a certified lymphedema therapist and assistant professor in the doctorate of physical therapy program at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri.

Relaxation

Spending a few minutes to engage in lymphatic drainage massage could help you relax. A small study showed that undergoing the massage technique for 20 minutes resulted in a significant increase in relaxation among people under psychological distress. Another one-month study involving 24 healthy young adults showed that lymphatic drainage massage on the neck slowed the heart rate and reduced blood pressure, which are signs of decreased activity in the sympathetic nervous system, which governs the fight-or-flight response.The massage has this effect because it alters brain activity in a way that promotes relaxation, by increasing alpha brain activity and reducing gamma activity. It also quiets the fight-or-flight sympathetic nervous activity overall.

Bock adds that the gentle touch can be relaxing and make you feel better, though more research needs to be done to further understand the mechanism of action.

Healthier-Looking Skin

Searching for lymphatic drainage massage on social media reveals posts suggesting that the technique can improve the skin by reducing puffiness and conferring antiaging benefits, and there may be some possible truth to this.

One review notes that this massage can improve microcirculation, reduce swelling, and boost skin elasticity and collagen production, which can improve facial firmness and smooth the appearance of wrinkles. The idea is that massaging the facial area stimulates lymph and blood flow, helping get rid of inflammation and toxins, supporting muscle regeneration, and enhancing elasticity to reduce signs of aging.While social media is buzzing about this benefit, there aren’t any high-quality randomized, controlled trials supporting it. Many studies have been small and short term, with varying study protocols.

“The proposed mechanisms of action are very solid, and the antiaging benefits could very well exist,” Minson says. “But with the current state of research, one could not definitively state that manual lymphatic drainage will delay or prevent aging effects on the skin.”

Improved Cosmetic Surgery Recovery

Research suggests that lymphatic massage after surgery may speed up recovery for cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, breast reductions, facelifts, fillers, and botulinum neurotoxin (Botox, Dysport) treatments. Researchers aren’t entirely sure why it has this effect.Minson notes that the lymphatic system can be damaged during surgery, particularly cancer surgery, and lymphatic drainage massage can help it repair. However, more study is needed to explore this benefit because quality research is scarce.

Potential Risks and Complications

Dr. Chang says that lymphatic massage for lymphedema is considered safe for most people. Side effects, which are uncommon, can include fatigue, nausea, and headaches.While you can perform it on yourself, it’s advisable to first visit a trained professional to learn the technique. Look for a certified lymphedema therapist, physical therapist, or massage therapist trained in manual lymphatic drainage to show you how to correctly perform a self-massage.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Consider Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage is considered most useful for people with lymphedema, and it is an important part of treatment, Chang says. People with lymphedema can also wear compression garments, use a pump, and engage in exercise to relieve swelling.Lymphatic massage has been shown to relieve pregnancy swelling. Be sure to tell your provider if you’re pregnant, as they may modify your treatment, Minson says. It can also be helpful for those who experience general swelling of the hands or ankles, who feel their limbs are heavier than usual, or who have recently undergone surgery, Minson says.Lymphatic drainage massage is unlikely to hurt you if you have a healthy lymph system. You shouldn’t try it if you have an active illness such as a sinus infection or fever, however, since it may worsen your illness, Minson says. Also, be sure to avoid lymphatic drainage massage if you have a history of blood clots, cellulitis, deep vein thrombosis, heart disease, kidney failure, or stroke. A cardiologist or nephrologist should clear these individuals before beginning treatment, Minson says.Lymphatic drainage massage is also not recommended for people with skin damage resulting from radiation, cancerous tissue, or tuberculosis. And while this type of massage is recommended for people with lymphedema, you should still consult your doctor first if you have the condition.

The Takeaway

• Lymphatic drainage massage is primarily used to treat people with lymphedema by moving built-up fluid and reducing inflammation and swelling.

• Lymphatic drainage massage is considered safe for most people, but it may include side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and headaches.

• While lymphatic drainage massage is typically meant for people with lymphedema, some research shows it may benefit others by increasing relaxation, improving skin health, and aiding in cosmetic surgery recovery, though comprehensive, conclusive studies are lacking.

• Speak with your doctor before trying lymphatic drainage massage, especially if you have an infection, skin damage from radiation, cancerous tissue, tuberculosis, or a history of blood clots, cellulitis, deep vein thrombosis, heart disease, kidney failure, or stroke.