I Used to Run an Expensive Lymphatic Drainage Salon, But This Is the Free Routine I Swear By at Home
A few years ago, I owned not one but two salons focused on lymphatic drainage. We worked with professional machines, the kind that cost more than a new car, and each session came with a pretty hefty price tag.
At the time, I genuinely thought this was THE secret to feeling good in your body. And for a while, it really was. You could see the difference immediately. Less puffiness, more energy, that light feeling people love.
Eventually, the business side caught up with me. The costs, the logistics, the constant upkeep, all while working full time at H&M as an Art Director. I had to close the salons, but I never stopped believing in lymphatic work.
What the lymphatic system does, in real life terms
Your lymphatic system is basically your body’s clean-up crew. It helps move excess fluid, supports immune function, and clears out waste. The catch is that it doesn’t have its own pump. It relies on movement, breathing, and gentle stimulation to keep things flowing.
When things slow down, which happens easily with stress, travel, sitting too much, or salty food, you might feel puffy, heavy, or low on energy. The goal isn’t aggressive “detoxing.” It’s keeping things moving gently and consistently.
This is something that’s also been talked about more recently on podcasts like Huberman Lab, where breath, movement, and nervous system regulation are highlighted as key drivers for lymphatic flow. No machines required.
What I do now, at home
My routine today is simple, free, and easy to repeat. No salon visits, no equipment you need to finance.
Dry brushing
Most mornings before I shower, I dry brush lightly toward the heart. It wakes up the skin, boosts circulation, and helps get lymph moving. Nothing aggressive, just quick, gentle strokes.
Deep belly breathing
This one surprised me the most. The diaphragm acts like a natural pump for the lymphatic system. A few slow, deep belly breaths can make a noticeable difference, especially when I feel tense or bloated. It’s one of the simplest habits I come back to.
Facial massage or gua sha
After cleansing, I’ll use my hands or a gua sha stone along the jawline, cheeks, and down the neck. It’s subtle, but especially after travel or a salty meal, I can see puffiness soften quite quickly.
Daily movement
Nothing extreme. Walking, gentle yoga, twisting, or even light bouncing. Consistency matters more than intensity here. A little every day goes a long way.
What I’ve noticed
Since making these small habits part of my routine, my body feels lighter and less swollen, my skin looks less puffy, and my energy feels more even. It’s not dramatic, but it’s noticeable. The kind of change you feel more than you see at first.
The takeaway
Looking back, I don’t regret my salon days. They taught me how responsive the body really is. But they also taught me that you don’t need machines to support flow.
Most of the time, your body just needs movement, breath, and a bit of daily attention. Simple things, done consistently, tend to work best.
And yes, a dry brush doesn’t hurt either.
