Can lymphatic drainage be bad for you?

Author: Mae Bernhard  |  Last update: Friday, October 17, 2025

Healthcare providers won't do lymph drainage massage directly over cancerous tissue or skin that's damaged from radiation therapy. Few people have negative reactions to lymphatic massage. But some people develop side effects like fatigue, headaches or nausea. If this happens, let your healthcare provider know.

Can lymphatic drainage massage go wrong?

Lymphatic drainage massage is typically considered safe and low-risk. 13 However, this technique may not be safe for people with conditions that can move lymphatic fluid back to the heart or kidneys. These conditions include: Blood clots.

Who should avoid lymphatic drainage?

Who should avoid lymphatic drainage? Lymphatic drainage should be avoided if a person has a fever or active infection. Manual stress to the tissue should be avoided in an area undergoing radiation treatment or over a known cancer site.

Can you overdo lymphatic drainage?

Yes, it's possible to overdo lymphatic massage. While lymphatic drainage massage offers numerous benefits, more is not always better. Overdoing it can lead to bruising and swelling, especially if the massage is too aggressive or the pressure too high.

Is it bad to drain your lymphatic system?

“Lymphatic drainage massage is an incredibly beneficial treatment, which works to flush out excess liquids and toxins from our system and subsequently helps to combat water retention and inflammation,” explains Tetyana Probyy-Holova (also known as the “cellulite slayer”), who knows a thing or two about shifting ...

Lymphatic Drainage Benefits | The Importance Of Lymphatic System Health

Where do toxins go after lymphatic drainage?

Lymphatic vessel

However, through the function of cell components, toxins can be excreted. Mitochondria from oxygen and lysosomes help remove waste from cells into the bloodstream and they are further excreted from the body by the liver and kidneys.

Do you poop a lot after lymphatic drainage?

Possible side effects of lymphatic drainage massage can include: Increased urination/bowel movements: after the massage, the lymph waste will need to be removed from the body. This leads to an increase in urination and bowel movements, as these are the methods the body uses to eliminate lymph waste from the body.

What are the negative side effects of lymphatic drainage?

What are the risks or complications of lymphatic drainage massage?
  • Blood clots.
  • Cellulitis.
  • Deep vein thrombosis.
  • Fever.
  • Heart disease.
  • Infection.
  • Kidney failure.
  • Stroke.

What is the best drink for lymphatic drainage?

Here are our top picks for the best teas to keep your lymphatic system flowing beautifully:
  • Yaupon Tea. Yaupon tea, a unique herbal tea made from Ilex vomitoria, is a fantastic option for lymphatic drainage. ...
  • Ginger Tea. ...
  • Chamomile Tea. ...
  • Peppermint Tea.

Why do I feel sick after lymphatic drainage massage?

If things aren't able to leave our body as quickly as they are accumulating, we may experience something known as a "Detox Flu" after our MLD session. This is due to the temporary strain that detoxification puts on our body, and can include a low-grade fever, chills, and body aches. It's rare, but it can happen.

Is coffee bad for your lymphatic system?

Alcohol and caffeine could also function like diuretics. They both could dilate the lymph tissue and cause more swelling, and as a result, exacerbate the lymphedema. Don't adopt a low-protein diet. Consumed protein has no connection with the protein in the lymph fluid.

When not to get lymphatic drainage massage?

“It's also important to note that lymphatic drainage techniques are not recommended for people who have a heart condition, kidney problems or cellulitis.”

How do I know if my lymphatic system is draining?

With severe swelling, the lymph fluid can drain through small breaks in the skin or cause blistering. Skin changes. In some people with very severe lymphedema, the skin of the affected limb can thicken and harden so it resembles the skin of an elephant.

How much weight can you lose with lymphatic drainage?

Myth #2: Lymphatic Drainage Can Lead to Extreme Weight Loss

There's a common belief that lymphatic drainage massage can result in significant weight loss, but that's not its main aim. While the massage can help reduce temporary bloating and water retention, it does not promote fat loss.

Why am I more swollen after lymphatic massage?

Causes of Pain After Lymphatic Massage:

This increased flow may result in temporary swelling or soreness. Release of Toxins: As the lymphatic system is stimulated, it facilitates the elimination of toxins from the body. This detoxification process can occasionally cause discomfort or pain as the body adjusts.

Can you do too much lymphatic drainage?

Thus, supporting it through lymphatic drainage massage can help enhance your overall wellness. However, it is crucial to avoid overdoing it, as excessive massage can lead to bruising and swelling, particularly for individuals with certain medical conditions.

What is the best lymphatic drainage tool?

The best products for lymphatic drainage, at a glance:

Best Dry Brush With Handle: Goop Beauty Dry Brush, $25. Best Gua Sha for Body: Skin Gym Sculptural Body Gua Sha, $52. Best Handheld Dry Brush: OSEA Body Brush, $28. Best Jade Gua Sha: Mount Lai The Jade Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool, 29.

How quickly do you see results of a lymphatic drainage?

Usually, some results will be noticeable immediately after your facial lymphatic drainage massage however the fluid will begin to properly drain around 24 to 48 hours post massage. For each individual client, the rate of lymphatic drainage can differ and therefore each individual will notice different results.

Who Cannot do lymphatic drainage?

Lymphatic drainage is usually safe and can help with lymphedema. It might not be a good idea for you if you have other conditions, including: Heart problems. Kidney failure.

Why is my lymphatic drainage so bad?

Some common diseases and disorders of the lymphatic system include: Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy). Infection, inflammation and cancer cause swollen (enlarged) lymph nodes. Common infections that can cause enlarged lymph nodes include strep throat, mononucleosis, HIV and infected skin wounds.

What is the fastest way to cleanse your lymphatic system?

Dry brushing involves gently rubbing the skin with a body brush. The lymphatic system runs close to the skin, so stimulation from the brush keeps it flowing well. Since it only takes a few minutes to dry brush just before you shower or bathe, this is one of the fastest ways to cleanse your lymphatic system.

Can you get sick from lymphatic drainage?

One of the main purposes of lymphatic massage is to increase circulation of lymph fluid throughout the body. However, this also poses a risk if someone has a localized infection. The increased flow of lymph could potentially spread infectious pathogens to other areas of the body.

Where does lymphatic waste go?

Functioning almost like a sponge, the lymphatic system absorbs excess lymph fluid from the body's organs and returns it to the blood stream. In a healthy body, the lymphatic channels from the liver and mesentery drain toward the thoracic duct, which is the main lymphatic vessel responsible for lymph drainage.

What comes out of your body during lymphatic drainage massage?

Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the drainage of lymph nodes and the movement of lymph fluids around the body. It can help relieve symptoms of lymphedema. The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from body tissues.

Previous article
How to do squats for weight loss?
Next article
Why take collagen before bed?