9 Surprising Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage

You may have frequently heard about lymphatic drainage massage – especially because it is linked to health benefits. This type of gentle massage targets the lymphatic system, and it has been linked to reducing swelling and draining lymphatic fluids from different parts of your body to help with whole body detox. But what are its actual, science-backed benefits, and why should you have a lymphatic drainage massage?

In this blog, you will discover key information about lymphatic drainage massage, 9 key benefits, and additional facts you should know about.

Lymphatic drainage massage targets the lymphatic system, looking to help “drain” fluid from the body. This can lead to a reduction in swelling, better circulation, and other benefits. To understand what it does, we need to first look at how the lymphatic system works and why such a massage may be needed.

The lymphatic system is a key part of the body: it helps move lymph (or lymphatic fluid) into the bloodstream. Lymph is basically extra fluids that remain as your body repairs damage or is trying to move nutrients around. The liquid part of the blood (plasma) flows out of the tiny capillaries and into the tissues, delivering oxygen and nutrients. But there is some waste in this process, which is picked up and returned into the bloodstream. However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, of the 20 liters of plasma that is delivered through the body each day, only about 17 liters return to the heart, leaving behind around three liters in the tissues. The lymphatic system picks this up (the lymph), processes it through the body, and returns it to the regular bloodstream.

This is why, when we encounter swelling or accumulation of lymph, lymphatic drainage massage is used to reduce swelling and process lymphatic fluids (by removing waste products and returning water to your circulation). Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle form of massage that aims to stimulate lymph flow. Therapists stretch and move the skin in different patterns, all with the aim of collecting lymph fluid and directing it back into the larger lymphatic system.

Thanks to helping the lymph absorb back into the circulatory system, the key benefits of this type of massage include reduced swelling and better overall wellbeing, with some added positives.

An accumulation of fluid in the tissues makes the limbs swell up, and lymphatic drainage massage can counter the swelling. This is particularly uncomfortable in cases like lymphedema, which primarily affects the arms and legs. A systematic review of 17 studies examining cancer patients suffering from lymphedema concluded that manual massage treatments reduced swelling and improved quality of life.

Additionally, at-risk patients (those having gone through cancer treatment, which increases the risk of lymphedema) benefited from a lowered likelihood of developing lymphedema thanks to manual lymphatic drainage massage.

Wear compression socks to help decrease swelling

The lymphatic system plays a key role in our immune system. The lymphatic system helps transport waste fluids so they can be removed from the body, and this helps maintain healthy circulation. Ensuring that our lymphatic system stays healthy can help our immune system work effectively. Theoretically, any blockage in the lymphatic system can have a negative effect on our immunity. Moreover, lymph fluid is full of white blood cells, which fight diseases and keep us healthy. Fluids that are not drained may become part of a bigger systemic health issue.

As we’ve seen, lymph moves through our bodies picking up waste product, processing it, and returning it into the bloodstream. A healthy lymphatic system without blockages contributes to good overall circulation and blood flow. A 2017 comparative study found that manual lymphatic drainage improved blood flow. So, this can move the trapped fluid to release tension and liquid accumulation in the tissues. It also contributes to overall good circulation, which is known to help prevent swelling and inflammation.

Better circulation is linked to healthier looking skin, particularly when lymphatic drainage helps remove toxins from the body. A 2025 scoping review reports that a healthy lymphatic system is essential for good skin health. That report looked at the link between lymphatic drainage problems and skin inflammation. It found that a well-functioning skin lymphatic system reduces inflammation and lowers the risk of lymphedema.

Additional small studies investigated the impact of lymphatic drainage on “sculpting” and toning the skin. A 2010 paper looked at 60 people to conclude that this type of massage was able to reduce thigh circumference and reduce thigh and abdominal fat in people with cellulite. This is a small sample size, but it does point to some potential added benefits of massaging for lymphatic drainage.

Light massage can help relax us and reduce stress. For most people who have a healthy lymphatic system, potentially suffering from occasional fluid build-up, this will be the main benefit of a lymphatic drainage massage in addition to preventing swelling. The light strokes used by massage therapists are soothing to begin with. Additionally, the technique for manual lymphatic drainage is associated with stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, helping slow down the heart rate and reduce stress and anxiety. 

Through stress relief and better circulation, manual lymphatic drainage contributes to better relaxation and reduced anxiety. Over the long term, this contributes to improved feelings of well-being. In patients who are recovering from cancer surgery, manual lymphatic drainage has been found not just to support the functioning of lymph nodes, but also to reduce stress and pain, contributing to a better quality of life.

A systematic review of how well manual lymphatic drainage therapy works found case and pilot studies showing that this massage can reduce pain, bring down swelling, improve wound healing, and help restore anatomical structure and physiological functions, particularly when used in conjunction with other interventions. 

Also, lymphatic drainage massage is routinely used for people who suffer from lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. This is because that surgery often involves removing nearby lymph nodes, which disrupts healthy flow of lymph. Similarly, during breast cancer radiotherapy, some or all lymph nodes under the arm are treated with radiation, which can damage them. Going through this treatment increases your risk of lymphedema for the rest of your life.

Discover stylish compression to fight swelling and discomfort.

Lymph fluid removes toxins (waste products) from the circulatory system. When your lymphatic system is impaired for whatever reason, this process does not happen or happens less efficiently than it should. Lymphatic drainage massage helps by pushing lymph back into the circulatory system to help detoxification and overall well-being.

Accumulations of fluid in the tissues lead not just to swelling, but also to pain and discomfort. Additionally, people with poor lymphatic drainage can suffer from inflammation, which also causes pain. Through manual lymphatic drainage, any excess fluid is moved through the body and directed to be processed, reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation.

If you suffer from lymphedema or regular water retention or fluid build-up in the body, lymphatic drainage massage can be greatly beneficial. Multiple studies point to its efficacy particularly in reducing swelling and limb volume, thereby lowering the pressure on the body overall. Such massage can also benefit those looking for better circulation, however, it will have less of an impact on healthy individuals than on those suffering from specific health conditions.

Lymphedema is caused by the build-up of lymph in the tissues. In turn, this can be caused by cancer treatments, but it can also be brought on by parasite infections or by cancer before surgery or treatment. For these patients, stimulating the lymphatic system and facilitating drainage is essential.

Many studies recommend massage and compression garments to reduce swelling and pain. They will benefit from lymphatic drainage massage with a qualified therapist and can also see improvements in leg swelling by wearing knee-high graduated compression socks.

If you sit at a desk for long hours or do not move around a lot throughout the day, you risk having your lower legs and ankles swell. Generally, this is caused by fluid build-up – usually blood pooling around the ankles. If you also have a pre-existing condition causing poor lymphatic drainage, lymph can be building up in the lower limbs as you sit at work or at home.

Wearing compression socks to prevent swelling is a good first step to prevent discomfort throughout the day. Then, lymphatic drainage massage will help soothe the limbs and move fluid along into the circulatory system.

Athletes recovering from injuries can reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling thanks to lymphatic drainage massage, according to a scientific review that saw positive results when this massage is associated with other post-injury recovery work. Adding rest, ice, compression and elevation will also support muscle and tendon recovery, reduce inflammation, and help speed up the healing process.

Moreover, since lymphatic drainage massage contributes to healthy circulation, some researchers claim that it can help improve performance. Recreational and professional athletes alike rely on healthy blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, helping the rebuild after workouts. By massaging the limbs and stimulating healthy circulation, this process is optimized, leading to shorter recovery times and better performance.

Wear compression tights to improve circulation and athletic performance.

Patients recovering from cancer surgery or radiation treatments will greatly benefit from lymphatic drainage massage. Many cancer surgeries cause certain lymph nodes to be damaged or removed, which leads to difficulties in lymphatic drainage.

Those who travel on long-distance flights or long car journeys can also find this massage soothing and effective at stimulating circulation and reducing swelling. When you don’t move for long periods of time, whether you’re bed-ridden post-surgery or taking a long flight, fluid can pool in your lower limbs, leading to edema and pain. Massage will stimulate the circulatory system, directing lymph build-up from the tissues back into the vessels.

Since lymphatic drainage massage supports a healthy circulatory system and moves lymph fluid from being built up in the tissues, it can benefit anyone who suffers from edema, water retention, or swelling and discomfort. However, it is most effective for those whose problems start with poor lymphatic drainage. Unless you have identified this as the cause of your discomfort, you may only enjoy the massage for its soothing, calming effect, but without seeing dramatic results.

Although manual lymphatic drainage is considered safe, there are specific situations in which it is not recommended:

• If you have an active infection, there is a risk of spreading pathogens throughout the body, so it’s best to wait a few days.
• Recent surgery - this is a tricky one as we’ve established the efficacy of lymphatic drainage massage in avoiding lymphedema after cancer surgery. The key here is knowing where the massage will be applied and any counter-indications from your doctor, so check with a medical professional first.
• People with severe heart conditions should check with a doctor before this massage.
• People with severe liver or kidney problems should also check with a doctor, as the lymphatic drainage massage can increase pressure on these organs.
• If you suffer from blood clots, although the massage can be beneficial for circulation, you could also end up dislodging a clot. Check with your doctor if there is any doubt.

Pregnant women should also ensure they refer to a specialized prenatal massage therapist. Always be sure to consult your doctor if you are unsure if you have conditions that contraindicate this massage.

Finally, if you have a history of cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment, your massage therapist should be aware in advance you should consult with your doctor to ensure you are doing the right thing. It’s preferable to work with a therapist trained in oncology massage if possible.

The ultimate benefit of massage therapy is to improve the functioning of your lymphatic system, facilitating lymph movement and a better circulation overall. To maximize your chances of achieving this, there are a few extra things you can do.

Just like hydration supports good blood flow, it is also essential for lymph flow. Lymph is made up primarily of water, with only about 4% being protein, cell debris, toxins, and bacteria that the body eliminates. Dehydration causes lymphatic flow to slow down and leads to lymph not moving through the body, leading in turn to inflammation or swelling. Therefore, staying hydrated will be essential for keeping your lymphatic system in good shape.

The same goes for staying active. Not moving for extended periods of time, particularly in sedentary jobs in front of a computer, can cause fluid to build up in the lower legs, swelling and becoming uncomfortable. If you are also dehydrated, then you can expect lymph flow to be severely impacted. You can counter this with regular movement, such as taking short walking breaks every hour or so. And, of course, walk and exercise regularly to stay healthy.

A study looked into lymph evacuation at the ankle when using cold water bags applied to the skin, and when wearing 25 mmHg compression. This showed that not only did the skin temperature lower, but that lymph flow was better when compression was combined with cold water. The same was found for adding water of 32 degrees C (89 degrees F) and compression.

Wearing graduated compression socks supports the lower limbs, provides a soothing massage, and stimulates the peripheral circulation. This has a positive impact on lymph circulation and blood flow and can improve your well-being if you suffer from lymphedema, or prevent edema in the first place.

Browse our stylish compression garments for everyday comfort and good looks.

It is essential that you work with certified massage therapists for your lymphatic drainage treatment, particularly if you have a medical condition. Therapists can be specialized in prenatal care, for example, or in oncology massage for people suffering from cancer or undergoing treatment. Referring to a certified therapist ensures your safety and the effectiveness of the techniques used.

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Cleveland Clinic Staff. (2023). Lymphatic System: Function, Condition & Disorders. Read it here.

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