I’ve been wanting to try a lymphatic massage for a while – mostly because I kept reading how fluid buildup can make your face and body look puffier. So I was curious to know if getting one would have a noticeable difference.
I’d also heard about other possible benefits —like more energy, less brain fog, improved skin texture, and even helping with cellulite appearance. Umm… YES PLEASE!
Plus as I get older, I’m trying to be more proactive about finding naturalish ways to look and feel better in my body. So between curiosity and a lil vanity *shoulder shrug*, here we are.
Before We Started
I booked a 60-minute session. Since it was my first time – I had a some questions for my therapist:
Is there anything I should be conscious of after the lymphatic massage? Could you let me know if there are areas in my face or body holding more fluid?
The therapist was very patient and knowledgeable. Here was her quick rundown:
- Drink lots of water. Your body is flushing out toxins and you need to stay hydrated.
- You might feel congested or like you’re getting a little sick – right after, but you’re not. That’s just your body releasing the built up toxins.
- You might notice a stronger body odor – the fluids are releasing in areas where you sweat (armpits, elbow creases, behind the knees).
- Avoid strenuous activity for the day.
- It’s hard to cover your face and full body in 60 minutes without rushing. The abdomen takes the longest, so trying to include everything means some areas won’t get enough attention. Booking 90 minutes or rotating areas works better.
- Technique and training matter with lymphatic massage, so always make sure you see someone who’s qualified.
What It Felt Like
I read online that lymphatic massages don’t feel like a therapeutic massage and aren’t always “relaxing”. But honestly, it still was.
The pressure was lighter than a normal massage, but not as light as I expected. My therapist did mention she tends to have a heavier hand, so experiences probably vary.
The biggest difference was the movement. Instead of working out knots or strokes moving in different directions, the strokes moved in one direction. This is to guide fluid through the lymph system. The cool part came at the end where she pointed out the areas that held more fluid *near my ears and above my knees – so random*. She even showed me how I could release the fluid on my own at home. We love at-home instructions.
How I Felt After
Right after, I felt super relaxed. About an hour later though… not the best. I got a headache, felt nauseous, and needed to use the bathroom more frequently. Thankfully she warned me, so I wasn’t worried. Also. I’m notoriously bad at drinking enough water, so that probably didn’t help. Maybe one day I’ll learn lol.
A few hours later, my energy picked up quite a bit. Over the next couple nights I slept deeply and woke up feeling refreshed, which carried through the day. Day two I still had some mild nausea, and my urine smelled stronger than usual – probably TMI, but that was real life.
Did I Notice Any Changes?
So far, I haven’t noticed a huge difference in my face. But I did notice the cellulite on the back of my legs looked less noticeable, and the energy shift and deeper sleep were definite wins.
What I’d Change Next Time
Next time I’d either book a 90-minute session or skip an area so I could include the abdomen. I’d love to see if I notice a difference in stomach bloat. And honestly, if that ends up being the case, this might become a go-to before a photo shoot or beach trip.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, I had a fantastic experience and I would do it again. I don’t think it’s some magic fix, but I like experimenting with things that might help me feel a little better in my body.
It’s also important to mention – I’m sharing this as your curious friend, not giving medical advice. So definitely talk to your doctor before you decide if it’s right for you.
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