Read This Before Your Lymphatic Drainage Session:
If you’re anything like me, your first lymphatic drainage session probably came with curiosity, hope, and wonder.
I remember my first session because about 10 minutes before walking in, I had a turkey hoagie and iced coffee. I felt sluggish and energized, and I now know that being in between states is not ideal for healing. What I didn’t realize back then?
Heavy meals, caffeine, and sugar can block some of the benefits your body is trying to soak in during your session. To break it down: caffeine can dehydrate your system, and processed foods or sugar tend to fuel inflammation. In other words, I was unintentionally making my body work against the very recovery I wanted.
There is a right way to prep your body for lymphatic drainage; just as importantly, there are things best left out. Here are some tips on what helps, what hurts, and how to get the most out of your appointment.
Heavy Meals
Digesting a big meal diverts blood flow to your gut, not your lymph system. Plus, lying down on a full stomach can feel uncomfortable. I recommend eating something light 1.5–2 hours before your session. A smoothie, fruit, or a small protein snack works well.
Caffeine
Yep, I said it. Caffeine can stimulate the nervous system and mildly dehydrate. That jittery, buzzy state isn’t ideal for lymph flow, which thrives in calm, rhythmic environments. If you need some caffeine, have a small amount early in the day, and avoid it in the 2–3 hours leading up to your session.
Hydration
This is non-negotiable. Lymph fluid is mostly water. If you’re even mildly dehydrated, lymph can become sluggish. Drinking plenty of water before and after your session helps flush out the waste your body is working to eliminate. For me, the best thing is to sip on water throughout the day before my appointment, rather than chugging a bunch at once.
Alcohol
I know it seems obvious, but it’s worth saying. Alcohol dehydrates the body and taxes the liver – two things you want to avoid when you’re supporting detoxification. Avoid drinking the night before and definitely on the day of your session.
Lotions or Oils on the Skin
Skip slathering on heavy body lotions or oils before your appointment. Most lymphatic drainage techniques involve gentle, skin-stretching motions. Greasy or overly moisturized skin can make it harder for your therapist to create traction. Your best bet? Come with clean, dry skin, and let your practitioner apply anything needed.
Arrive Calm, Not Rushed
Your nervous system plays a major role in lymphatic drainage. If you walk into your appointment tense, stressed, or coming down from a triple-shot latte, your body is more in “fight or flight” mode than “rest and digest.” You want your body in a parasympathetic (relaxed) state for optimal lymph movement.
Bottom line: How you prep your body matters as much as the session itself. Small choices like staying hydrated, skipping the caffeine, and showing up relaxed can make a big difference in how your body responds.
Give your lymphatic system the support it needs, and it’ll return that energy to you.
Until Next Time!
– Dana
