Your Guide To Lymphatic Drainage

If you're wondering what the next big wellness takeover is, it's lymphatic drainage. Over the years, it has gradually captured the admiration of self-care seekers everywhere. To understand this newly-popularized practice, we must first understand the bodily mechanism it targets: the lymphatic system. It's a crucial, oft-overlooked part of the anatomy, which transports lymph — a white blood-filled fluid — while nodes (found in areas like the neck, armpits, and groin) filter out unwelcome substances that would otherwise be hoarded in the body.

To help break down the importance of lymphatic drainage, Women exclusively spoke with celebrity lymphatic drainage and skincare specialist, Joslyn Lozoya. It doesn't sound very glamorous, but she likens the system to a garbage disposal: "helping your body filter out waste and bacteria." The system works tirelessly to maintain balance in the body, but unlike its neighbor the circulatory system, it lacks a pump like the heart to keep things moving. Lozoya adds: "Lymph fluid relies on movement and the contraction of your muscles to make it flow." Without it, the body would experience swelling, fatigue, and a range of other issues. Understanding how lymphatic drainage supports this vital system offers insight into why it's gaining so much traction, and how it could make a difference for you.

The list of things lymphatic drainage has going for it is extensive and impressive. According to Joslyn Lozoya, this includes reduced swelling and puffiness, improved circulation, and immune system support. There's also facial lymphatic drainage, a cosmetic extension of the treatment that "can work to enhance the skin's natural radiance and contours of the face"," acting as a so-called natural facelift. It works by breaking up the fascia, which is the tissue that can cause tightness and wrinkles.

Besides its tangible benefits, Lozoya praises the way lymphatic drainage leaves the body feeling revivified. She laughed, "It's funny because I've had clients tell me they feel like they're floating." This sensation is part of what makes the practice so uniquely restorative. If it sounds too good to be true, we promise it's not. From both a physical and mental perspective, lymphatic massages can truly promote a sense of lightness.

While there are many holistic advantages to lymphatic drainage, it isn't a one-size-fits-all practice. Joslyn Lozoya recommends starting with a monthly session for general health and wellness, but this can vary from person to person. "Some people may need more sessions a few times a month, for things like post-surgery recovery, postpartum, and even major events like a wedding or getting red carpet ready," she explains. This Hollywood tip might be why A-listers like Camila Mendes and Hannah Waddingham have been paying visits to Lozoya before big paparazzi days to enhance their general wellness routines. Scarlett Johannson told Vogue that lymphatic drainage was actually her favorite beauty treatment. She revealed to the famed fashion bible that her make-up artist, Frankie Boyd, will treat her "to one before a photoshoot or premiere night. She added: "It always makes such a difference in reducing puffiness."

Though there are professional practitioners like Joslyn Lozoya you can turn to for lymphatic drainage massages, she assures us you can achieve results from the comfort of your own home — with the right preparation and technique, of course. On her Instagram, she shares step-by-step tutorials to guide beginners with facial lymphatic drainage.

After drinking lots of water, start by opening up the lymph nodes with circular motions: firstly at the armpits, then above the collarbone, behind the ears, next to the nostrils, and between the inner corners of the eyebrows. Once the nodes are activated, apply facial oil to the face, neck, and chest for a smooth glide. Using a gua sha, Lozoya recommends stroking the tool across the chest. Then at the shoulders, move it upward, before moving along the neck with upward motions toward the jawline. On the face, carefully work upward from the inner corners of the brows, glide around and up the sides of the nose, and finish with upward strokes across the forehead. Repeat each motion three to five times to promote lymphatic drainage, boost circulation, relieve facial muscle tension, and smooth fine lines.

To get the best out of the results, she suggests hydrating well post-massage to help the released toxins move along. Be mindful of scraping too hard, which can irritate the skin, or using oils that might trigger a reaction. Amazingly, you'll usually see immediate results, but full drainage can take between 24 and 48 hours.