How can i naturally drain my lymph nodes in my neck

With beauty treatments limited to what’s possible at home, and self-care more important than ever, we’re looking for new ways to create moments of respite. Lymphatic drainage massage—a technique beloved by celebrities for its sculpting effect—is a beauty skill worth mastering, and luckily we have an expert to explain a DIY approach, step by step.

"Lymphatic drainage is a kind of massage that supposedly stimulates the natural drainage of the lymph, which helps to eliminate waste from the body," says Brazilian-born lymphatic massage expert, Flavia Lanini, who recently opened her brick and mortar space in West Hollywood. "The goal is to move the fluid out of [the] tissues and into the lymph nodes, where bacteria, viruses and other harmful microorganisms are destroyed." The pro has been practicing the art of drainage for decades. When asked about its benefits, Lanini starts listing: According to the expert, a proper weekly lymphatic drainage session can strengthen the immune system, help reduce cellulite, and improve your mood.

With spas closed and in-person appointments on hold until further notice, I tried the technique for myself. While Lanini uses firm pressure to deliver her transformative treatments, I quickly learned my hands were not as strong, so I tested out a set of body tools, like de la Heart's wooden version, and Esker's jade roller, to mimic the same results. Here, the pro walks through her recommendation for DIY’ing lymphatic drainage at home.

Esker All Over Roller

$65 at ESKER

De La Heart Lymphatic Drainage Kit

$45 at DE LA HEART

Assemble the Materials

For treatments in her Los Angeles space, Lanini uses a custom blended cream that's formulated with caffeine and antioxidants. But at home, "any oil or cream you have can be used to self-drain," she says. The pro recommends massaging the arms, legs, and stomach up to 3 to 4 times a week at home. "However, when done by a professional," she explains, "1 or 2 times a week is enough, but each body is different."

The Honest Company Organic Body Oil

$10 at THE HONEST CO.

Tata Harper Revitalizing Anti-Aging Body Oil

$115 at TATA HARPER

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

$45 at SOL DE JANEIRO

Caudalie Vinosculpt Firming Body Cream

$45 at CAUDALIE

The Massage

To begin, Lanini suggests standing in front of the mirror and pressing on the area just below your collarbones to get the drainage started. "Then press the armpit three times with your right hand and vice versa."  Lanini urges clients to move their strokes in the direction of the lymph node, or upward, always. Next, continue moving over the arms with light pressure from the elbow to the shoulder and repeat on the other side. To massage the stomach, press your palms flat down onto the area in between your hip bones "With hands overlapping, make circular movements around the navel button 5 times" she says. "Then pinch the entire stomach area," for about a minute until the skin is slightly pink.

To drain the lower half of the body, start at the groin, where the inguinal nodes are. Press three times. Then, using a closed fist, "slide your hands from the knee up 8 times." Next, "squeeze the back of the knee 3 times and slide your hands from the foot back to the knee ten times."

Ensure Proper After Care

The entire process should take about 15 to 20 minutes, but after care is perhaps the most important part of the equation. Lanini recommends prioritizing hydration for 48 hours post treatment to promote drainage. She also suggests "avoiding sugar, alcohol, gluten and sodium" as much as possible, but to remember that we are all only human. "No need to obsess."

Larq Self Cleaning Bottle

$95 at LARQ

After a few days of following Lanini’s approach, I found my legs had benefited most with a slightly trimmer silhouette. When I woke up the next morning after a massage, my stomach felt a little flatter. While the results aren’t as striking as they would be after an in-salon treatment, I’ve grown to appreciate the 20-minute ritual as a meditative way to wind down—and look after my body—a few times a week.

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