The lymphatic system is one of the most quietly powerful systems in the body. It moves waste, calms inflammation and supports our natural detox processes - and when it flows well, our skin often reflects that clarity and softness too.
Lymphatic drainage through massage or face yoga is a gentle way to help the body release what it no longer needs. Below you’ll find a guide to what lymphatic drainage is, why it matters, and how you can support your body and skin through small daily rituals. You’ll also find a face yoga sequence you can follow along with via the Reel linked in this blog.
What the Lymphatic System Does
Your lymphatic system acts as the body’s detox pathway. It runs just beneath the skin, carrying excess fluid, waste, toxins and inflammation toward the lymph nodes, where they are filtered.
Because it has no internal pump, lymph flow relies on movement, breath, warmth, touch and nervous system relaxation.
When lymph flow becomes stagnant, you may begin to notice:
- morning puffiness
- dull or congested skin
- swelling or water retention
- heaviness in limbs
- jaw or neck tension
- lack of energy
When movement returns - through massage, sauna visits, sport, (face) yoga or even breathwork - the shift in your body can be felt immediately through lighter, clearer, softer skin.
Thai Oil Massage and Detoxification
A Thai oil massage is one of the most effective ways to stimulate full-body lymph flow. Its long, sweeping movements guide stagnant fluid toward the lymph nodes, while rhythmic pressure helps tissues release stored waste. Many people feel noticeably lighter, clearer and more balanced after a lymph-stimulating massage.
This type of massage can also increase circulation, ease muscular tension and lower cortisol - which is especially helpful if inflammation, sensitive skin or stress-related flare-ups are part of your daily life.
It's however very important to hydrate well after a massage. Once toxins move into the bloodstream, your body needs water to flush them out. The more you drink, the more your organs get supported.
Face Yoga for Lymphatic Drainage
The face contains many small lymph vessels that respond quickly to lifestyle and stress. This is why puffiness, dullness and tension around the eyes or jaw appear so easily.
Face yoga encourages lymph to move through soft, controlled motions. It helps reduce puffiness, brighten the complexion and support the skin in doing what it naturally does: repair and renew. These movements also support the skin barrier by improving circulation, reducing inflammation and easing muscular tension.
If you'd like to follow along, you’ll find the full lymphatic drainage sequence in the Reel at the bottom of this blog.
The Steps
You’ll find the full step-by-step sequence in my Reel, but here is a short explanation of the flow:
1. Always start by applying a balm
The Holy Balm adds a soft, nourishing glide to these movements while supporting the skin barrier with plant oils and antioxidants.
2. Prep the lymph nodes (opening the drains)
Start above the clavicle and right under the ears → this “opens the drains” so the lymph can move more easily.
3. Neck drainage
Use light gliding motions from the jawline down to the collarbone → this relaxes neck muscles and helps stimulate lymph flow.
4. Jaw release
Use your fingers or knuckles to gently sweep along the jawline → this helps relieve jaw tension and reduces puffiness in the lower face.
5. Cheek drainage
Hug underneath the cheekbone and glide downward toward the neck → this reduces swelling and gives a subtle lifted look.
6. Under-eye drainage
Using a light touch, glide from the inner under-eye area all the way down toward the neck → this helps reduce eye bags and fluid retention.
7. Forehead + temples
Use short, gentle upward strokes across the forehead, then smooth out toward the temples → this releases frontal muscle tension and supports circulation.
8. Final sweep down (essential step)
Always finish by gliding everything back down the neck toward the collarbone → this allows the lymph to drain effectively and prevents fluid from stagnating in the face.
The Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage is gentle but deeply effective. It helps the body let go of what has been stored and allows tissues to receive fresh nutrients and circulation.
Benefits of lymphatic drainage include:
- reduced puffiness and fluid retention
- calmer inflammation and redness
- more even, brighter skin tone
- improved circulation and natural glow
- relaxed facial and jaw tension
- healthier, more resilient skin barrier
- clearer complexion over time
- a naturally lifted and energised look
- deeper nervous system relaxation
When lymph flows, the whole system softens.
Daily Rituals to Support Lymph Flow
You don’t need monthly massage appointments to support your lymphatic system. Gentle, consistent habits are far more impactful.
Simple ways to support lymph flow:
- slow morning stretching
- 1–2 minutes of face drainage with the Holy Balm
- deep breathing (especially belly or box breathing)
- warm water throughout the day (with a bit of lemon)
- regular walks
- your favorite workout
- self-massage with Almond Oil
- dry brushing before showering
- that well-deserved Thai oil massage if available (tip: if regular massages feel out of reach, ask for that gift card during Christmas or for your birthday! The best gift you could give yourself)
Conclusion
Your lymphatic system is always working for you. Lymphatic drainage simply makes its work a little easier - allowing your body to release, restore and return to its natural rhythm.
With gentle massage, daily movement and soft rituals, your body feels lighter, your skin looks brighter, and your energy becomes clearer.
You can follow the full face yoga drainage sequence in the Reel below:
