Health Update: Why lymphatic drainage is the wellness trend of the moment – What Experts Say

As we tentatively peel away a layer or two (sun, is that you?) and waistbands re-emerge from beneath thick jumpers, signs of bloating and sluggishness are suddenly harder to ignore. Enter lymphatic drainage – the massage technique beloved by celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber and Dua Lipa, especially before a big event.

 Once the preserve of rehabilitation clinics or enjoyed beachside in Thailand alongside a prescription for a coconut and a nap, lymphatic drainage has undergone a glossy rebrand. 

 Social media, ever the master of the makeover montage, has seemingly plucked it from obscurity (despite its ancient roots), buffed it to a high sheen and presented it as the wellness essential. 

From Soho Farmhouse hosting lymphatic drainage specialist Dimple Amani in residence, to Australia’s cult lymphatic drainage studio Shape House launching a London offshoot following a pop-up at London’s Takroni Clinic, the treatment’s profile has never been more illustrious. 

And perhaps it’s no wonder. Most of us sit for an average of 9-10 hours a day according to a study by the University of Leicester. We’re feeling more bloated and sluggish than ever before – especially after the summer – which might explain our newfound obsession. 

And with more information available than ever before, lymphatic drainage is attracting new fans. Olivia Johnson, a Brazilian lymphatic drainage expert, says: “The internet can be a blessing or a curse when it comes to sharing information, but it has definitely helped to spark widespread interest, and as a completely non-invasive treatment, people are willing to try it without hesitation.” 

It’s a sentiment shared by Georgie Wright, co-founder of Shape House: “We’re seeing a big shift in wellness and it’s so exciting. People aren’t just looking for quick fixes anymore. They want deeper connection and care that feels personal, thoughtful and actually teaches them something about their own bodies.”

The good news is, with more venues incorporating it into their treatment menus and a wealth of at-home techniques, it’s easier than ever to go from puffy to polished.

Drain to gain

“The benefits of lymphatic drainage are endless and there are a lot more than people may realise,” says Olivia. “While it’s commonly known for reducing bloating and aiding digestion, reducing swelling, puffiness and water retention and removing toxins from the body, there are many lesser-known advantages. These include hormone balancing, boosting immunity, calming the nervous system, speeding up recovery and encouraging emotional release.”

According to Georgie, the best way to understand your lymph system is to imagine that your lymph nodes are the drains and your lymph vessels are the pipes so the goal is to flush out any built-up waste in the system by unblocking the drains and flushing out the pipes.

Home help

The internet can be incredibly useful when it comes to education, especially for treatments like lymphatic drainage that aren’t always accessible to all on a regular basis. Olivia (@olivia_lymphatics) and Shape House (@shapehouseco) are just some of the many tutorials devised to get things moving and prove that it doesn’t have to be complex to work.

“For at-home lymphatic drainage, I recommend keeping things simple and memorable,” says Olivia, who notes that staying hydrated alongside stretching and breathing exercises is brilliant for stimulating the lymphatic system because lymph fluid relies on movement. 

“It’s important to note that our lymph system doesn’t have a natural pump like the heart, so the system requires healthy blood flow to move it along,” adds Georgie. “By elevating our legs, we allow gravity to do the work for us, helping to move lymph fluid and encourage blood flow toward the upper body and heart to reduce swelling and stagnation.” According to Georgie, before commencing any lymph practices it’s vital to engage all our lymph clusters such as the collar bone (clavicular nodes) and armpits (axillary nodes) first, which she suggests doing using a pump-like motion.

Universal appeal

So is this body treatment for everybody? “There are certain medical issues which mean you may need to avoid treatments during this time and your therapist should always clear your medical history first, but otherwise lymphatic drainage offers incredible benefits for almost everyone,” says Olivia. 

“Whether you’re experiencing issues like bloating or swelling, seeking a more sculpted and defined appearance, or navigating hormonal changes such as menopause or pregnancy, this healing treatment can support you. It’s also perfect if you simply want to feel relaxed and detoxified, and enhance your overall health and wellness. 

In fact, in some cultures like in Brazil, it’s so valued that mothers often perform lymphatic drainage massage on their children to promote lasting health benefits.”

Clear the way for these at-home lymph lovers

Dimple Amani Lymph Body Tool, £85 

 This sustainably sourced beechwood paddle has curves that get to work enhancing the drainage of fluids and boosting circulation.

Naydaya Leg Sculpting Cup, £12 

Using warm vacuum suction to boost lymphatic drainage, encourage the release of toxins and improve skin texture, this silicone cup is built to last.

Hayo’u Body Sculptor, £89 

Crafted from high-grade Bian stone, this body blitzer from the (chic) tool emporium Hayo’u is a bestseller for good reason. Combine with oil to hone those contours.

Foreo Bear 2 Body, £279, 

If self-massage feels like too much effort, let this microcurrent and T-sonic massage device do the job for you. It is designed to shift fluid and firm the skin.