If Abby Alexandra feels bloated, she has a routine she always resorts to: she uses body oil and a wooden massage tool to give her an abdominal massage.
She shares videos of herself before and after on TikTok, saying that she feels that this process helps her get rid of bloating and highlight her body features: “I definitely feel much better afterward, and it is also relaxing.”
This technique is a form of lymphatic drainage massage, a technique adapted from a medical treatment that has spread as a trend in the world of beauty. Celebrities who endorse it include Maya Jama, who shares her clinic sessions with her followers, and actress Hailey Bieber, who told Time magazine: “I swear by its effectiveness.”
There is debate over whether there is an actual physical change, or even a need to do so, but proponents of this type of massage claim that it helps “flatten” the abdomen, “get rid of bloating,” and provide a “slim waist” and “sculpted abs.” But what actually happens to their bodies?
What do these videos show?
Many videos on social media promoting lymphatic massage show a woman standing sideways, facing the camera from the front, or perhaps lying down with her stomach appearing to have a slight outward curve, which is a very natural curve.
Then the regular massage process begins with circular movements that seem to drain the fluids away. In the end, her belly appears flatter, albeit a little redder.
But body image trends on social media should always be approached with caution, according to Dr Ella Guest, senior research fellow and health psychologist at the Center for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England.
“These images may be edited using photo editing tools or filters, or people may be posing, or using lighting, and many of them may be created by artificial intelligence,” she says.
“I think stopping to reflect on what you see and asking if it looks realistic, or if it's too in line with mainstream beauty standards, can be helpful,” she adds. “And remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably isn't.”
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is a network of channels and glands spread throughout the body that helps fight infection and get rid of excess fluid, according to the British National Health Service.
Dr. Zand van Tulleken explains on Morning Life that the lymphatic system helps remove excess fluid from tissues and supports the immune system.
“When it's not working properly, it can contribute to swelling, a condition that may be known as lymphoedema,” he says.
This usually affects people with types of cancer involving the lymphatic system or who have had treatments involving the lymph nodes.
This condition causes swelling in any part of the body, but it often develops in the arms or legs.
"In simple terms, the lymphatic system helps keep fluid levels in the body balanced, eliminates waste, and supports the body's defenses against disease," van Tulleken adds.
What does massage do?
Manual lymphatic drainage is one of a group of treatments that health care professionals use "if your lymphatic system isn't working as well as it should," Dr. Zand says.
He describes it as using "light pressure" and "thoughtful massage techniques" to "stimulate" the lymphatic system.
“The therapist helps push excess lymph fluid from the swollen tissue toward the lymph nodes, where it can be reabsorbed,” he says, adding that lymph nodes are found in the armpits, neck, and groin area.
He adds that these sessions can be a "safe way" to relieve symptoms of conditions such as lymphedema, but they are not suitable for some people with pre-existing medical conditions.
“No one should take their health advice from Instagram,” he stresses. “It is safer to rely on the NHS website or consult their GP.”
Abby, who suffers from endometriosis and says it causes her to feel bloated, started her twice-weekly massage routine after seeing posts on social media about lymphatic drainage.
“I started using my hands, and then I also bought some wooden tools,” she says.
“After completing my routine, I personally feel that the bloating and swelling has decreased, especially in the abdominal area.
“Physically, I notice that my stomach looks a little more defined, and I feel lighter and more comfortable.”
Does it actually work?
Dr. Zand says there is "no need" for most people to perform lymphatic drainage sessions at home.
“There is very little high-quality scientific evidence to show that it provides tangible or long-term benefits for healthy people, nor does it help with fat loss,” he says.
But he notes that lymphatic drainage sessions can be “relaxing,” and that some people “may notice a temporary reduction in swelling.”
“We know that when we compare ourselves to others online and try to keep up with trends, we tend to scrutinize our appearance more and feel less satisfied with how we look,” she says.
