Lymphatic drainage is a therapeutic massage treatment. The massage uses very light pressure and long, gentle, rhythmic strokes to increase the flow of lymph and reduce toxins in your body.
The lymph system is part of your body’s immune system and helps fight infection. Lymph itself is a clear, slightly yellow fluid. It transports nutrients and oxygen to cells, collecting toxins on the way and flushing them out through the lymph nodes. We have around twice as many lymph vessels as blood vessels in our bodies. However, unlike blood, which is pumped around by the heart, the lymph system has no pump. The pressure from blood vessels and movement from muscles push the lymphatic fluid forward towards the nodes.
Lymphatic drainage massage moves the lymph fluid by orienting the massage strokes toward your lymph nodes. Your therapist will probably work her way up from your feet using very light pressure, as well as long, gentle, rhythmic strokes and soft pumping movements in the direction of the lymph nodes. The main lymph nodes are in the neck, armpits, and groin.
Lymphatic drainage can:

• reduce the chance of you suffering from minor colds and viruses; it helps your body fight off infection, and speeds up healing and recovery from illness
• help reduce water retention; for instance, because the lymph system has no pump, if you sit for a long time without moving, the lymph can’t flow easily — this is why you may experience swollen feet or fingers
• boost weight loss, as improving the lymphatic system will improve your metabolic rate, which helps you burn calories more efficiently.
• Manual lymphatic drainage is also used in the treatment of lymphoedema.
• Lymphatic drainage massage can improve your skin texture by reducing swelling, puffiness and blotches giving you clean, healthy pores

Lymphatic drainage can leave you feeling exhausted. You may want to have a lie down, or at the very least, a very undemanding schedule for the rest of the day. Give your body time to ease back into activity.