Can lymphatic drainage make you slimmer?

Author: Dr. Kaleigh Hayes  |  Last update: Sunday, June 22, 2025

Lymphatic drainage massage may improve the appearance of cellulite but will not get rid of it completely. The most likely cause of weight loss immediately following the massage is the loss of excess fluid and potential bowel movement that occurs afterwards.

Does lymphatic drainage help you lose weight?

Lymphatic massage can support weight loss by reducing water retention, improving circulation, and promoting detoxification. While it doesn't directly burn fat, it helps the body function more efficiently by flushing out excess fluids and toxins, making it a useful complement to a healthy diet and exercise.

Does lymphatic drainage make you look skinnier?

Lymphatic Drainage massage can certainly make you look and feel lighter. Fluid retention causes areas of the body to swell up, the most common areas are the legs and abdomen area. The lymphatic drainage can visibly reduce these areas.

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.

Does the lymphatic system remove fat?

The intestinal lymphatic system helps absorb fats from the intestines and deliver them as smaller particles into your body's circulation. The intestinal lymphatic fluid (or lymph) is also called chyle. Most of the lymphatic fluid eventually drains into main vessel of the lymphatic system, called the thoracic duct.

Do Vibration Plates Work for Lymphatic Drainage?

What happens when you detox your lymphatic system?

Lymphatic detoxification promotes and improves the function of the lymphatic system. Lymph circulation is significant for the balance and intercommunication of the overall organ systems through fluid balance in the body and toxin elimination.

Can a clogged lymphatic system cause weight gain?

This research suggests that even before overt swelling is present, diminished lymphatic drainage is causing changes in the interstitial fluid that bathes cells. These microenvironmental changes convince adipose cells to resist calls to break down fat deposits to release stored food energy.

Do you poop a lot after lymphatic drainage massage?

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.

How to tell if lymphatic drainage is working?

If it's working, you should start to get relief from your symptoms of lymphedema in time. Your swelling should go down. You'll feel less heavy or tight. It will be easier to move, too.

Where do toxins go after lymphatic drainage?

The whole purpose of a manual lymphatic drainage massage is to help balance fluid and remove waste/toxins from the body, and how does that happen, through your urine. The increased need to urinate is actually a really really good thing. We are getting rid of the water, crud, crap and debris in our system. Yipee!

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.

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.

Does lymphatic drainage get rid of cellulite?

Long-Term Benefits

Regular lymphatic massages may improve circulation and reduce cellulite appearance over time. Many people report feeling lighter and more energetic after treatments. Incorporating these practices into daily life encourages better lymphatic health.

What are the cons of lymphatic drainage massage?

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

How do I know if my lymphatic system is clogged?

Lymphedema signs and symptoms include:
  • Swelling of part or all of the arm or leg, including fingers or toes.
  • A feeling of heaviness or tightness.
  • Restricted range of motion.
  • Recurring infections.
  • Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis)

What is the FDA approved lymphatic drainage device?

Ballancer®Pro is an FDA-approved compression therapy* system designed to provide various therapeutic benefits to the body.

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.

What does poor lymphatic drainage feel like?

The main symptom of lymphoedema is swelling in all or part of a limb or another part of the body. It can be difficult to fit into clothes, and jewellery and watches can feel tight. At first, the swelling may be soft and easy to push in, leaving a dent, and may come and go.

Where does lymphatic fluid go when it drains?

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.

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.

Does your pee smell after lymphatic drainage?

You may see some changes.

It's not uncommon to see changes to your stool, urine, or sweat. This means color, consistency, frequency, and/or odor.

Why do I smell after a massage?

In conclusion, it is not uncommon to notice a smell on your skin after receiving a massage. Factors such as the type of oil used, sweating during the session, and poor hygiene practices can all contribute to any odors present.

Where does fat go after the lymphatic system?

The resulting mixture of lymphatic fluid and fats – a milky-white substance known as 'chyle' – is carried through the lymphatic network and into the largest of the lymphatic vessels – the thoracic duct and thenceforth directly into the heart. It is only at this point that the fats we have eaten enter the bloodstream.

What does lymphatic build up feel like?

The main signs and symptoms of lymphoedema are: swelling in your arm, leg or other affected area — clothes, shoes or jewellery may seem tighter than usual. a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the affected area. aching and discomfort in the affected area.

What does magnesium do for the lymphatic system?

It facilitates substance P binding to lymphoblasts, promotes T helper, B cell, and macrophage responses to lymphokines, and facilitates antibody-dependent cytolysis and immune cell adherence. Besides, Mg serves as a cofactor for C'3 convertase and immunoglobulin synthesis.

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