The current obsession with lymphatic drainage techniques, especially lymphatic drainage massage, is evident in the increase in Google searches by 60 percent in the last month and over 79 million views on TikTok. This type of massage, along with other practices like dry body brushing, is believed to help reduce water retention, puffiness, and inflammation by eliminating toxins and excess fluids from the body. While celebrities swear by it, the accessibility of lymphatic drainage techniques to the general public remains a question.
Rebecca Faria, also known as @DetoxbyRebecca on Instagram, is a specialist in Brazilian lymphatic drainage based in Beverly Hills. Her clientele includes A-list celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Hailey Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Anne Hathaway. While treatments with Faria or her team can start from $350, she has shared some easy exercises that can be done at home to stimulate the lymphatic system. These exercises are simple and free, offering an opportunity for everyone to experience the benefits of lymphatic drainage without the luxury price tag.
Some of the at-home exercises recommended by Faria to stimulate the lymphatic system include knee hugs, butterfly stretch, flutter kicks, leg circles, table-top bicycle legs, side leg circles, and heel raises. These exercises are designed to improve circulation and help reduce water retention and inflammation. While they may not provide the same level of benefit as a professional lymphatic drainage massage, incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can still have positive effects on the lymphatic system and overall well-being.
Knee hugs involve hugging one knee into your chest for 20 seconds, then switching to the other side. Butterfly stretch requires lying on your back with the soles of your feet together and letting your knees fall outwards. Flutter kicks are done by lifting one leg while lowering the other in a fluttering motion, repeating 20 times. Leg circles and table-top bicycle legs focus on the legs, while side leg circles target the hip area. Heel raises involve standing with your feet flat on the floor and lifting your heels off the ground 20 times.
While these at-home exercises may not replace the effects of professional lymphatic drainage massage, they can still offer some benefits in terms of reducing water retention, puffiness, and inflammation. By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, you can help stimulate your lymphatic system and improve circulation throughout your body. Whether you’re looking to achieve the same results as celebrities who swear by lymphatic drainage techniques or simply want to feel better physically and mentally, these exercises offer a simple and accessible way to support your overall well-being.
