Lymphatic drainage for a healthy body
Our lymph system is like the garbage disposal for the body, trapping and flushing toxins. Unlike our cardiovascular system, however, the lymph system does not have a pump to move the fluid. Instead, the movement of the body is responsible for preventing the stagnation of toxins in the lymph.
If our lymph fluid isn’t flowing as it should, a myriad of problems can arise. The body faces an increased toxic burden that affects all of our systems. The immune system takes a big hit if the lymph tissues are trapping but not flushing toxins.
To support the entire lymph system, a facial lymphatic drainage massage can be done numerous times a day. It only takes a few minutes.
Benefits of Facial Lymphatic Drainage
- Supports the flushing of toxins from the body
- Helps drain the sinuses, relieving sinus pressure from allergies and colds
- Reduces fluid retention in the face, which can define the jawline and slim the entire face
- Can help shorten the duration of a cold
I found this helpful video on Youtube and I do a this facial lymphatic drainage every morning (and before bed, if I remember). It reduces my “puffy morning face” and makes me feel refreshed and energized. Lymph massage is best done on dry skin (i.e. don’t use a massage oil).
To see the list of contraindications, please see Heather’s website, MassageByHeather.com.
More ways to encourage lymphatic drainage
- Rebounding – jumping on a trampoline helps loosen and pump the lymphatic fluid throughout the whole body. Learn how to correctly rebound here.
- Massage – Any massage boosts the lymphatic system by moving around the lymph fluid. An more affordable alternative to massages is a foam roller, which I use to massage my legs and lower back.
- Free the girls – the breasts house a large percentage of lymph tissue and underwire bras notoriously promote toxin build-up in the breasts.
- Dry brush – dry brushing (here’s a tutorial) stimulates the entire lymph system for gentle detox.
Do you practice any type of daily lymph support? Have you tried facial lymph drainage before?
This really does work, it helped to loosen my congestion, immediately! Thank you!
I had sinus surgery 7 days ago and my right ear is still blocked and ringing also my sinuses feel so full. Is it okay to do this to myself?
Hi! Just so you know-I rely on you for truthful, solid health info. Thanks for all you do! I tried this yesterday and while my face has had much relief from sinus pressure and puffiness, I woke up with a croupy cough. My guess is this is drainage from my sinuses. Did I do something wrong? I feel worse with this croup then I did with a puffy face! Is there a way to combat the drainage-I know it has to go somewhere but how do you properly usher it out of the body without hurting other areas?
First, I appreciate haring that my site has supported you! It sounds like this was a detox reaction, as you were mobilizing toxins and lymph congestion. I would suggest doing it a couple mornings in a row to see if symptoms improve within a couple days.
I have constant drainage so much my throat is hurting and ear is hurting now on antibiotics too long it doesn’t change will this help???? Constant problem
I have chronic pos post nasal drip and chronic sinus infections at least four a year but after the rounds of antibiotics and steroids I can still smell a bad smell in my nose the antibiotics seem to calm it down but it never goes completely away especially the post nasal drip.by the way I do have a rheumatoid arthritis I have been dealing with thus for at least 7 years any help would be so greatly appreciated.
Hello. My name is Susan. I suffer from chronic muscle tightness all over, but most pain is in neck and face! Horrible pain…to the point of muscles roping and binding up into hard knots that are injected with lidocaine by pain management doc. My neck and eyes (global face, really) is always tight and swollen. I felt need to massage under my lateral mandible..little knots there. Gross, thick, salty glue came up out of my throat! It gagged me, so much came out. I tried massaging my eyebrows because they hurt…gross glue came out of my mouth and nose! It just kept coming! No doctor has ever told me to do this…I just felt I needed it. Also, so much saliva came running out from underneath my tongue, that I felt almost drowning in saliva and mucus! I was horrified at what was in my neck and all under my chin, in my face etc! First, why don’t doctors recommend lymph massage? And second, does it sound like a combination of three things coming out…lymph and salivary and nasal fluids mixed? It felt like that. I just purchased a copper and tin wand and oil. I am so glad I did, as I see what a gross mess my glands are in, and I am very hopeful it will help. Any other suggestions will be most appreciated. Thank you!
Hi,
I never thought that facial lymphatic drainage could be so useful when it comes to having a healthy beauty. I just came across with your blog and I do hope you can share more products related to beauty arsenal. Thank you for sharing your ideas about facial lymphatic drainage.
Hi, I have swelling and redness in my eye lids….they itch, burn. The end result is that under my bottom lids swells (I look like a monster) I have red butterfly redness along side of my nose. Plus there is much swelling of my top eye lids. My massage therapist gave me a facial massage but there was no drainage of the lymph nodes. She is qualified to do this practice. I have been suffering with this situation for years and months and then it will go away. Been to allergist, dermatologists, Private practice MD. No one seems to put a finger on what it is. I have three series of blood drawings. Stumped. It has started again with the itching and now the corners of my outer skin around my are red. Any suggestions.
By the way the facial massage was painful. But I felt like it needed to be done. Thanks for any comments.
Mary – I am having the same issues! First time ever, started in August. My eyelids are swollen and my eyes feel prickly. I figured the lymph drainage might help, as medications are not. I was thinking that I’m allergic to the copier in my office, since I feel better at home on the weekend. It’s a few weeks after your comment – has the massage helped you?
Nettie Pots are great at cleaning and clearing out your Sinuses naturally. They’re less than $10 in the pharmacy but sold over-the-counter. It has been a life-saver, as my family and I suffer from Allergies. Without it, it leads to Sinus Infections. It uses Baking Soda and Salt to make a Saline Solution. You can add more to make the solution stronger if you are really congested. This, along with Facial Massage is the ultimate One-Two Punch needed to tackle this problem.
Hi,
Been doing lymphatic drainage before bedtime and it really does wonders. I never thought of this, and I am thankful to encounter your blog. I’m glad I found new interest with this.