Understanding the Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage
- Carolyn Khoo
- May 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 26
Most people only start thinking about lymphatic drainage when something feels off. Puffy eyes. Swollen ankles. A heavy, tired body that does not quite feel like itself.
MLD often gets marketed as a beauty treatment, but it supports one of the most important systems in your body. When your lymphatic system is not flowing well, everything slows down.
What Your Lymphatic System Does
Your lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes and organs that helps you:
remove excess fluid
clear waste and cellular debris
transport immune cells through the body
A review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences explains that the lymphatic system plays essential roles in immune surveillance and inflammation control.
When lymph flow becomes sluggish, waste and fluid start collecting in tissues. You may notice:
swelling
heaviness
tight or uncomfortable skin
more frequent infections in the affected area
In the UK, Cancer Research UK estimates that around one in five people, roughly twenty percent, will develop lymphoedema in the arm after certain breast cancer treatments that involve lymph node removal or radiotherapy.
Source: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org
This is not rare. It is not cosmetic. It is part of real clinical care.
What Manual Lymphatic Drainage Actually Is
Manual lymphatic drainage, often called MLD, uses soft, rhythmic movements on the skin. It follows the natural direction of lymph flow rather than pressing deep into the muscles.
It feels nothing like deep tissue work. Pressure is light. Movements are slow. The entire technique is designed to calm your system while helping the fluid move.
You can read more or book a treatment here:
What the Evidence Shows
There is a lot of hype around lymphatic drainage, especially online. Here is what the clinical research actually supports.
1. After breast cancer surgery and lymphoedema
A systematic review in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship found that MLD, when combined with compression and exercise, can help reduce limb volume and improve symptoms in some people with early stage lymphoedema.
A large randomised trial in the BMJ found that adding MLD to standard exercise and education did not reduce long term lymphoedema rates after axillary node dissection, but both groups improved over time.
This tells you:
MLD is supportive, not a stand alone cure
It can help with comfort, swelling and symptoms
It works best inside a bigger treatment plan
It matters most in early stage disease or alongside compression
2. Immune and inflammation support
The immunology review above shows how lymphatic vessels transport immune cells and help resolve inflammation.
This does not mean one massage boosts immunity.
It does mean that healthy lymph flow supports immune function.
3. Effects of movement on lymph flow
A study in the Journal of Physiology found that gentle leg muscle contractions increased lymph clearance by three to six times compared with resting.
This explains why movement, breathing and gentle exercise are essential for lymph health.
Did You Know Most Lymph Sits Just Under the Skin Did you knowAround seventy percent of your lymph vessels are located just under the skin This is why lymphatic drainage uses very light pressure. Heavy pressure actually pushes past the superficial lymph vessels and stops them from working properly.Light touch is not a comfort option, it is an anatomical requirement. (Source: Journal of Physiology, DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7793.1997.233bf.x)
How I Use MLD In My Studio
I use manual lymphatic drainage in several situations:
after surgery (once medically cleared)
for swelling and fluid retention
when you feel heavy, puffy or congested
when your nervous system needs a softer treatment
when deep pressure is not appropriate
Sometimes we combine MLD with Deep Tissue Massage if you have both tension and fluid congestion.
Other times we keep things slow and quiet so your system can settle.
Everything is adapted to your body on the day.
How To Support Your Lymphatic System At Home
These are safe habits that help between treatments. They are not a replacement for medical care if you have confirmed lymphoedema, heart problems, infection or active cancer. Always check with your doctor if unsure.
1. Move more often
Your lymphatic system relies on muscle movement.
The study above showed a three to six fold increase in lymph clearance during repeated contractions.
Easy options:
short walks
calf raises
ankle circles
gentle stretching
light yoga
2. Simple self massage
Light is the key word. Never press deeply.
Try this routine:
Breathing
Slow abdominal breathing for one minute.
Collarbone area
Gentle downward strokes above the collarbones.
Sides of the neck
Slow strokes from below the ears to the collarbones.
Abdominal support
Clockwise circles on the tummy with very light pressure.
Stop if anything feels sore, hot, red or unusual.
3. Dry brushing
If your skin is healthy:
use a soft brush
brush towards the centre of the body
avoid vigorous pressure
avoid swollen or sensitive areas
4. Hydration
Lymph is mostly water.
When you are dehydrated, lymph thickens and slows down.
Sip water throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts all at once.
When You Should See A Professional
See a therapist or speak to your GP if you notice:
swelling that does not go down overnight
a feeling of heaviness in a limb
repeated infections in the same area
new skin changes such as thickening or redness
swelling after surgery that concerns you
You can book MLD with me here:
References
Johnson LA. In sickness and in health: the immunological roles of the lymphatic system. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021;22(9):4458.
Thompson B et al. Manual lymphatic drainage treatment for lymphedema: a systematic review of the literature. Journal of Cancer Survivorship. 2021;15:244 to 258.
Devoogdt N et al. Effect of manual lymph drainage in addition to exercise therapy on arm lymphoedema related to breast cancer: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2011;343:d5326.
Havas E et al. Lymph flow dynamics in exercising human skeletal muscle as detected by scintigraphy. Journal of Physiology. 1997;504(1):233 to 239.
Cancer Research UK. Lymphoedema after breast cancer treatment.
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