What Can—and Can’t—Lymphatic Drainage Massages Do?

Our lymphatic vessels are designed to regularly move fluid that’s filled with various substances like proteins, minerals, and white blood cells throughout the body. When we contract our muscles as we move, it creates pressure that allows the fluid to flow. But if the lymphatic system is impaired—due to lymphedema (a chronic disease that leads to accumulation of fluids in the body), surgeries, chronic inflammation, or lack of movement for long periods of time—excess fluids can accumulate in the body, which in turn impairs the immune and circulatory systems.

Lymphatic drainage massages are designed to increase the flow of fluids in the body so that there’s less buildup. They can help increase blood circulation and immune function, too.

Tina Tsan, DAOM, CLT, a certified lymphatic drainage massage therapist, has performed this type of massage for 18 years, primarily for clients with lymphedema. But within the last five years, her clientele has expanded to include postoperative patients: Doctors now refer individuals who’ve had orthopedic surgery—and, at increasing rates, cosmetic surgery, including liposuction, breast implants, tummy tucks, Brazilian butt lifts, and facelifts. “All of these surgical procedures result in postsurgical swelling,” Tsan says. That’s because most surgeries inevitably disrupt the lymphatic vessels, which allow fluid to circulate throughout the body.

Most recently, Tsan has seen more people request drainage massages for nonsurgical reasons, like to reduce inflammation caused by lupus, Lyme disease, rheumatoid arthritis, digestive issues, and other inflammatory conditions. And she sees clients who want the massages for preventive care—to help their bodies detox, to improve circulation, and to support immunity.

But when it comes to using lymphatic drainage massages for weight management—an application for which Tsan has also seen an uptick in requests—she says there’s no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. It can help with bloating, she says, because it can move fluid buildup in the abdomen area and decrease inflammation. “But specifically emulsifying fats to give you a flat stomach—I don’t think it does that,” she says.

You might wonder where the fluid drains to after the massage. “You’re going to eliminate it from your body via urination,” Tsan says. Most people usually urinate soon, sometimes immediately, after the lymphatic massage.

Credentials are key when looking for a lymphatic massage therapist: A CLT (certified lymphedema therapist) or an MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) therapist is the most reputable. A massage therapist without a lymphatic drainage massage certification, Tsan says, is not qualified to do a lymphatic massage—there’s an additional 135 hours of training required to learn the proper technique.

You can find a qualified professional in your area through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies or Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. Tsan’s tip: Ask your therapist whether they’re trained in the Vodder Method—it’s the original manual lymphatic drainage massage technique, named after the person credited with developing it. She says that if they are, it’s a good sign that they’re properly trained.

California

TINA TSAN, DAOM, CLT

Location: Los Angeles
Find her at: Harmony Lymphatics
Tina Tsan, DAOM, CLT, offers manual lymphatic drainage massages in the comfort of your home. She brings everything that’s needed: a treatment table, relaxing music, organic arnica oil (or lotion), and any other supplies that may be helpful in creating a peaceful environment and optimizing your recovery.

New York

LAURE SEGUIN

Location: Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Hamptons
Find her at: Laure Seguin
Laure Seguin brings her manual lymphatic drainage massage treatment to your home. She trained at the Dr. Vodder School, and she’s known for her gentle approach.

You can also get a mechanical lymphatic drainage massage with Icoone technology. It’s a unique device that gently suctions and massages the skin, providing thousands of microstimulations per minute. The research on this device is limited, but anecdotally our editors who have tried it have found it helpful.

RICARI STUDIOS

Location: Cayman Islands, London, Los Angeles, New York, St. Moritz
Find at: Ricari Studios
In its various locations throughout the world, Ricari Studios offers innovative treatments to support your health and wellbeing, like the Icoone machine for lymphatic drainage. Their services are tailored-made and designed to leave you feeling relaxed, revitalized and transformed.

WELL STUDIO

Location: Pasadena, California
Find at: Well Studio
Well Studio offers three mechanical lymphatic drainage massage services using Icoone technology—for the body, face, or both. For the best results, they recommend 8 to 10 sessions.

This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of goop.