CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Lymphatic drainage massages are becoming one of the fastest-growing wellness trends, with people turning to the treatment to help reduce swelling, ease bloating and support recovery.
Experts say the technique is different from traditional deep tissue massage. Instead of applying heavy pressure, lymphatic drainage uses gentle movements designed to encourage the body’s natural lymphatic system.
“We are just incentivizing your body to do something that it naturally does 24/7,” said Camila Perez, owner of Mova Lymphatic Drainage.
Perez says the treatment helps move excess fluid produced through normal cellular metabolism back into the circulatory system, where it can be filtered by the liver and kidneys.
“It helps remove excessive fluid and bring it back to the circulatory system,” Perez said.
She says clients often seek lymphatic drainage massages to help with bloating and digestion.
“The lymph nodes that inside of the intestines are in charge of some fat removal, so in terms of digestion, important and specific working on the stomach helps digestion and reduces bloating,” Perez added.
Perez also says the treatment may help support people recovering after surgery by helping redirect fluid while the body heals.
“After an incision, you cut the pathways (and) capillaries that drain the areas,” she said. “(It’s the) right amount of pressure to redirect the fluid until it gets heeled.”
She says improving circulation can also help support a less congested system.
“In circulation in general and a less congested system is not distracted,” Perez said.
Perez says many clients schedule appointments before major events, including weddings, while others seek treatments during or after pregnancy.
“It’s a time where hormones are taking over. It’s safe. I recommend starting after the first trimester and coming back post-pregnancy,” she added.
The treatment is also popular among men, Perez said.
But Perez says one of the biggest misconceptions is that a stronger massage leads to better results.
“I think the biggest misconception is that a deeper, stronger massage will give you more results,” she said.
Instead, she says the technique relies on gentle pressure and slow movements.
“Lymphatic is not releasing fat. It’s not making you skinny, but you can look better and more slim because you’re not carrying too much water,” Perez said.
She says lymphatic drainage can be used for a wide range of clients, but each treatment is adjusted based on individual needs.
“One day I can have a cancer patient, a model, a post-surgery client. Each one, we have a different approach,” she added.
One client, Rudineia Villegas, says she receives regular lymphatic drainage massages while managing lipedema, a condition that can cause swelling, inflammation and fluid retention.
“It’s a condition it can affect your arms, your thighs, (and the) bottom part of your legs. You retain a lot of water, inflammation (and it) makes it look like a lot of cellulite,” Villegas said.
Villegas says she has received lymphatic drainage massages monthly for the past five years.
“It makes my skin feel smoother and I feel a lot lighter also,” she said.
She says the treatments have also helped while she goes through menopause.
”I feel like it helps with the mood swings. It helps regulate my digestion,” Villegas said.
While lymphatic drainage massages are considered safe for many people, Perez says some should avoid the treatment or speak with a doctor first.
“Lymphatic drainage has a few absolute contraindications: kidney failure, heart failure, deep vein thrombosis and other circulatory conditions. If you have an infection, it’s good to avoid (it),” Perez said.
For those looking to reduce swelling or improve how they feel, experts say lymphatic drainage may be an option — but it is important to understand what the treatment can and cannot do.
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