How This Simple Routine Could Improve Immune Function Over Time - Newsweek

[Jasmine Laws]

Lymphatic drainage is a simple but precise process that can have positive effects on the immune system. It usually requires specialized knowledge and training, but the treatment itself only involves a very gentle form of massage.

While some share self-drainage techniques online, experts recommend seeing a specialist first.

What Is the Lymphatic System?​

The lymphatic system, found within the body's connective tissue (fascia), acts as a drainage network for waste the veins can't handle—like bacteria, lactic acid, and toxins, according to Sorrel Pindar, a former osteopath based in the U.K., who spoke to Newsweek.

"The lymph vessel system is effectively the 'garbage collector' system of the body," lymphatic drainage expert Kathy Fleming told Newsweek.

Dr. Joshua Lenchus, an osteopathic physician specializing in internal medicine and American Osteopathic Association board member, told Newsweek that the body moves about 2.5 to 3 liters of lymph fluid daily, aided by muscle movement and tissue compression.

While the system functions automatically in a healthy body, various factors—including stress, illness, or overexertion—can slow it down.

In this file photo, a woman performs lymphatic drainage on herself. In this file photo, a woman performs lymphatic drainage on herself. Iryna Boiko/Getty Images

How Lymphatic Drainage May Help the Immune System​

When the lymphatic system becomes sluggish, it may impair immune function. Pindar said the fascia can stiffen under stress or illness, reducing circulation and making waste removal more difficult.

"Inflammatory diseases, musculoskeletal problems, trauma, over exercise and prolonged stress will also cause the fascia to harden," she said.

Lymphatic drainage, by gently stimulating these pathways, may help restore flow and reduce inflammation. Encouraging this movement can aid recovery by helping eliminate toxins and infection-causing agents, according to Lenchus.

Fleming, a certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) senior instructor for the Dr. Vodder School International, described it as "one of the most effective methods for removing inflammatory substances from tissues."

For some patients, the results can be significant. Pindar noted that in her experience those with chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID often experienced notable improvements.

However, lymphatic drainage is not a cure for any condition and works best as part of a broader, individualized health plan, including nutrition, sleep, stress management, and medical oversight.

If immune system function is affected by underlying conditions, such as thyroid issues, infections, and autoimmunity, then drainage alone may not address the root cause.

Evidence lymphatic drainage is beneficial for immune system function is also mostly anecdotal or from small studies, so more rigorous scientific trials are needed to determine the scale of the treatment's benefit.

Despite promising preliminary results, experts agree that lymphatic drainage is not a cure and should be part of a broader, personalized health plan. Diet, sleep, stress management, and medical treatment remain essential components of immune support.

Moreover, scientific evidence for its effectiveness remains limited. Most findings are anecdotal or based on small-scale studies, and more rigorous research is needed to fully understand the scope of its benefits.

Dr. Robert Goldberg, a clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explained to Newsweek that lymphatic drainage isn't suitable for all conditions. "It should not be used in the presence of cancers," he cautioned, as the technique could theoretically encourage the spread of malignant cells.

"It is also not advised to be used for active sources of acute infection or venous thrombosis (blood clots)," he added.

In this file photo, a masseur treats a patient. In this file photo, a masseur treats a patient. Patrick Pleul/dpa via AP

Risks and Side Effects​

While typically gentle, lymphatic drainage can carry risks if done improperly. Moving waste too rapidly through the system can overwhelm the body and worsen symptoms before improvement is felt.

"If you do the massage too fast or too hard, the patient can become very ill," Pindar warns. She compares it to emptying a trash bin that hasn't been cleared in months—sudden movement can release a flood of toxins into the system.

Side effects may include headaches, nausea, fatigue, or increased urination and bowel movements—signs that the body is flushing out waste. These usually subside within 24 hours, according to Lenchus.

Post-treatment care matters too. Staying well hydrated, keeping limbs elevated, and engaging in light movement can all help the body adjust. Still, Lenchus and Goldberg recommend speaking with a physician before starting treatment, especially for those with chronic or complex health conditions.

How Does Lymphatic Drainage Work?​

While there are a number of ways of performing lymphatic drainage, Lenchus said "the process generally involves gently massaging or tapping several areas: above the collarbones, just below the earlobes, the armpits, around the belly button, along the crease of the groin, and behind the knees."

He added that not all need to be done each time, and sessions can occur from a few times weekly to every few months.

Lymphatic drainage as a whole "can go a long way to improving the quality of life," for specific patients, Goldberg said.

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