2026: The year that lymphatics became sexy (again)!

If you've reached this point in the year without hearing about the lymphatic system, I'd be very surprised. Lymphatic drainage seems to have exploded into the mainstream of health, beauty and wellbeing. But, as colleagues who've worked in this field far longer than I have, are quick to remind me, it's not the first time.

Articles in Marie Claire and Forbes and a segment on ITV’s This Morning (2 September 2026), titled ‘can you massage your way to weight loss’ talk about the positives and negatives of manual lymphatic drainage / lymphatic drainage massage (with terms being used interchangeably).

For many, it may seem like the lymphatic system or manual lymphatic drainage is something new however, the first known reference of the lymphatic system was in the 1600s and manual lymphatic drainage around since first developed by Dr Emil Vodder in the 1930s.

Manual lymphatic drainage is so much more than a beauty technique - and for those with lymphatic insufficiency - supporting the lymphatic system is necessary for day-to-day function and quality of life, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage can play a significant role in managing symptoms of conditions such as Lymphoedema and Lipoedema but also a range of other conditions.

But there remains a lack of knowledge of the lymphatic system in current medicine - as highlighted in 2026 podcast by TV doctors Chris and Xand Van Tullken ‘What’s Up Doc: Do our Lymphatic Systems need a detox’ - which is challenging especially for people living with lymphatic conditions. Therefore, the increased interest in the lymphatic system from a health, beauty and wellbeing perspective has helped get it on the agenda - however with this comes a risk of mis- information.

So what is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is - in essence - the body’s second circulatory system. Whilst, the circulatory system transports blood from the heart around to the organs and tissues of the body and the lymphatic system supports the removal of substances from the tissues of the body transporting it back to the circulatory system again. It is an intricate system of collectors and transporters with valves determining the direction of flow. Along the way, lymph node stations (of which there are approximately 600-700 in the human body) filter the lymph fluid removing bacteria and viruses etc. and initiating immune responses.

The lymphatic system therefore has three core functions - waste removal, fluid balance and stimulating an immune response.

For a system of the body which has largely been ignored for decades, if the lymphatic system doesn’t work we have a problem. I love the analogy of a fish tank (credit to Dr Perry Nickleson). If the water is being filtered the water is clean but if the filtration system isn’t working the water quickly becomes polluted.

Lymph is the waste product of all metabolic processes - breathing, eating, exercising etc. The body is always working to remove this metabolic waste. There are also times when the body may have to work harder - and there may be more lymph in the system. For example, when it is hot, if someone is poorly, post-operatively etc.

What happens when the lymphatic system is impaired?

Let’s use another analogy. That of a road network. The road network itself is the lymphatic infrastructure. The cars using the road are the lymph. The system can be impaired for a number of reasons: a) damage to the lymphatic system e.g. an A road has collapsed and is inaccessible and there are no alternative routes  b) temporary pressure on lymphatic system e.g. A road is closed and traffic has been re-routed via a B road or c) there are more cars on the road system than a road can cope with.

Damage can happen for various reasons - much of the lymphatic system is superficial and lies very close to the surface of the skin. Trauma such as that which occurs through surgery can damage lymphatic vessels. Similarly it is common for lymph nodes to be removed or damaged during treatment for cancer. Other conditions, such as pregnancy or Lipoedema (a connective tissue disorder which affects how adipose fat tissue collects in the body) can put pressure on lymphatic vessels.

Whilst the body is amazing and will always try to find new drainage pathways some damage can be more permanent which can lead to fluid build up and chronic swelling (a condition known as Lymphoedema). Whilst swelling can be visible, the heaviness and discomfort can be invisible. Additionally, lymphatic swelling is not just made up of water (which is why diuretics do not work in the case of lymphoedema) this fluid contains materials that the body is trying to get rid of and so there can be a greater risk of infection. And whilst swelling might be experienced in one part of the body - the lymphatic system is a system and congestion in one part of the body can affect the functioning of the whole system; the whole person.

Where does Manual Lymphatic Drainage fit in?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage was created to stimulate the lymphatic system. Gentle skin stretching techniques change pressure in the lymphatic vessels and increase flow rate. Thereby reducing fluid build up and increasing removal from the body. Effects are cumulative. In the same way that fluid accumulation doesn’t happen overnight, someone may require several treatments to experience the benefits of manual lymphatic drainage.

Reported effects include a reduction in oedema/swelling, pain relief, relaxation. People often see visible changes in skin texture and volume. There has also been research into improved immune function.

MLD vs lymphatic massage

Our lymphatic systems are always working and any form of manual therapy is going to influence the lymphatic system but manual lymphatic drainage is a very specific form of treatment designed to increase flow rate and drainage. As I understand, there are only 4 methods recognised by the medical profession in the UK and you are required to have undertaken at least 130 hours of tuition and study to be registered with the Association for MLD Practitioners in the UK.

It is really important to see a qualified therapist - especially, if you have damage to their lymphatic system (lymphatic insufficiency) as you can do more harm directing lymph to an area which is already compromised. You can find one using the MLDUK register: https://mlduk.org.uk/

Increasingly see more therapists offering lymphatic massage, or lymphatic drainage massage but there is a big difference between these and manual lymphatic drainage. It is important to know what you are receiving and paying for. It is ok to ask the therapist what course they have taken and what conditions they have treated.

You can also practise simple or self lymphatic drainage (SLD) at home. You may have already be familiar with the Big 6 (Dr Perry Nickelson) or the Fab 5 (Leah Levitan, Lymph Love Club). But you may also need something more tailored. Ask your therapist for advice.

Do results last?

There is a big question around whether results last. This is highly dependent on multiple factors including the technique/method applied, frequency of treatment, external conditions. Treatments that provide deeper techniques may see immediate results but arguably these are less likely to be maintained over time - there is also a risk  that deeper treatment will compress or damage lymphatic vessels. Manual Lymphatic Drainage tends to be very light, working predominately on the pressure change in the superficial lymphatic channels - results may be slower but more likely to be maintained.

Important to also recognise that MLD is only one pillar through which we can support lymphatic health, others include:

Movement - who hasn’t been targeted by viral videos of people doing ‘lymphatic drainage routines’ this year? The lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump in the same way as the heart. Vessel walls do contract according to pressure changes but they are also influenced by muscle contraction. The movement of the diaphragm (think diaphragmatic breathing) helps drive lymph flow through deeper abdominal channels whilst there is a reason that the calves are known as the second heart, as they play an important role in supporting lymphatic return from the lower limbs. But you don’t need a fancy routine, just making sure you are expanding your rib cage when you breathe and moving that diaphragm is enough to get started.

Skin care - particularly if you have lymphatic insufficiency, dry cracked skin can lead to greater opportunities for infection and if your lymphatic system is compromised then the body will have a harder time trying to fight the infection / heal the wound. Keeping skin hydrated and moisturised is important. Natural ingredients recommended.

Diet and hydration - obesity is a well-established risk factor for developing and/or worsening lymphoedema. Extra fat tissue puts pressure on lymphatic vessels and can impair diaphragmatic breathing. To improve lymphatic health it is recommended that people try to maintain a healthy weight by eating a healthy balanced diet and reducing food and drink that causes inflammation. Inflammation = more waste that the body has to get rid of.

Compression - this is particularly important where someone has lymphatic insufficiency. Compression garments  change pressure inside lymphatic vessels and help lymphatic flow. Key considerations are pressure levels, graduation, texture, and avoiding any tourniquets where lymph could pool. Fit is key. It is especially important during exercise when there is more lymph in the system.

Finally, there are also increasingly new tools/innovations being advertised including infa-red light, vibration plates, rebounding, oxygen therapy, supplements. Whilst theory is compelling for many of these and there is lots of anecdotal evidence supporting many of these, there is currently no specific peer-reviewed evidence. It is important to work out what works for you. Whilst I am really pleased lymphatics are on the map and I truly believe we are only scratching the surface of what is possible regarding supporting lymphatic health - ask questions and don’t believe all of the hype.