Will lymphatic drainage help with weight loss?

Author: Providenci Koepp  |  Last update: Saturday, May 17, 2025

Lymphatic drainage maneuvers stimulate the movement of the lymph and achieve a correct elimination of all the waste deposited in the tissues. In our body, this process results in a reduction of the volume and perimeter of the abdomen and thighs, in the elimination of liquids and a loss of body weight.

Can 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 massage help flatten the stomach?

Massage or pummeling may temporarily reduce the appearance of belly fat by improving circulation and lymphatic drainage, but they are not effective methods for breaking down fat cells or promoting significant fat loss.

Can lack of lymphatic drainage cause weight gain?

Yes, in three ways: (1) uncontrolled lymphedema causes the accumulation of excess fluid, (2) advanced lymphedema (Stage II / II) causes abnormal fat to develop in the affected limb, and (3) weakened lymphatic drainage in otherwise healthy limbs encourages local adipose tissue to resist calls to breakdown fat.

How long does it take for lymphatic drainage to work?

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.

The role of the lymphatic system in fat metabolism

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.

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.

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)

How 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.

Can lymphatic drainage be bad for you?

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.

Do you poop 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.

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.

How do I drain my lymphatic myself?

Massage your chest to aid in lymph drainage from your neck and chest to your lymph nodes under your arms. Continue down toward your ankles. Stroke upward and down through the ankles and feet. Finish the massage by gently pushing the fluid in your toes upward with your fingers.

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.

How many times a week should I do lymphatic drainage?

In Summary: For Active Individuals: Monthly sessions might suffice to maintain a healthy lymphatic flow. For Those With a Less Clean Diet: Consider more frequent sessions to help detoxify the body. Post-Surgery or Injury Recovery: Weekly sessions can be beneficial in reducing swelling and aiding recovery.

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 are 3 things the lymphatic system removes from the body?

The lymphatic system also helps to remove toxins and other impurities from the body, such as carbon dioxide, sodium and other byproducts of cellular feeding on oxygen, minerals and nutrients.

How do I clean out my lymphatic system?

Exercise. Regular physical exercise is a great way to get your lymphatic system pumping and detoxing your system of waste. Jumping, walking, stretching, yoga, Pilates, and other moderate exercises done on a daily basis will really improve the state of your lymph.

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.

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.

Can a clogged lymphatic system cause weight gain?

Fat metabolism also slows when lymphatic drainage weakens

This means that not only does advanced lymphedema promote abnormal fat accumulation, but early sub-clinical lymphatic drainage deficiency can promote the storage of fat.

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.

Can you feel lymphatic drainage?

Many have reported that they feel a feeling of tingling or flow of fluid under the skin, much like a small stream. Others report the feeling of being able to breathe deeply for the first time in a while because of the lymphatic flow in the sinuses. Other people feel rejuvenated, and others feel a deep relaxation.

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