Everything You Need to Know About Lymphatic Drainage Massages with Josie Rushing

Education

With clients such as January Jones and Lili Reinhart, it’s safe to say that Josie Rushing is making a name for herself in the world of lymphatic massage. Born in São Paulo and based in Austin, the founder of Brazilicious Beauty Spa was inspired to pursue a career in massage therapy because she “always loved getting massages,” she says. But when she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, she learned the benefits of draining the lymphatic system firsthand. “It became my number one point of interest,” she says. “And once I started practicing on clients, I quickly understood even more that it was my gift and my passion.”

A session with Rushing not only achieves cosmetic results and deep relaxation, but is also tailored to a client’s health needs. “I would say this is the most comprehensive treatment that someone can experience in just 50 minutes,” she says. “There are no tools involved. It’s simply an inside-out detox.”

To start the new year off with self-care in mind, Rushing shares everything you need to know about lymphatic drainage massages below, from its benefits and how often you should do it to see results, to techniques you can try out yourself at home.

What is the lymphatic system?

Rushing describes the lymphatic system as our body’s “sewage system.” In other words, “it is a major component of the immune system that helps filter our blood, remove toxins, fight infection and absorb fats.” She also compares it to our circulatory system. “It is our body’s main defense system and is responsible for draining out excess fluids and proteins from tissues, and releasing them back into the bloodstream,” Rushing says. We all have about 600 to 700 lymph nodes in our body that are all part of our lymphatic system — “responsible for filtering out everything that is not good for us, including, but not limited to, bacteria and/or viruses,” she adds.

What is lymphatic drainage massage?

“A lymphatic drainage massage is the manipulation of the lymphatic vessels to encourage the natural flow of the lymphatic fluid,” says Rushing, whose exclusive method also helps on the outside by sculpting the body, face and even aiding in recovery after an aesthetic surgery. “The lymphatic drainage massage was created back in the beginning of the 1900s and has been famous in Brazil for decades,” Rushing explains of its origins. “Now, we are seeing Americans adding it to their essential beauty routines as well. We have a special way of performing it in Brazil that is finally being seen all over the world. People are discovering the internal benefits as well as the external benefits, such as body contouring and helping to eliminate the appearance of cellulite.”

Rushing also notes that lymphatic massages accelerate the body’s own natural detoxification process, rejuvenate cell function, help with excessive fluid retention, relieve stress, balance the nervous system and promote cellular oxygenation. She recommends getting a lymphatic drainage massage weekly. “Our bodies are machines that never stop working, so consistently working on ourselves in conjunction is extremely important.” The act of stimulating or massaging surface-level lymph nodes to get them unclogged is called “pumping,” Rushing says. “This helps with the flow of our lymphatic system.”

“Our bodies are machines that never stop working, so consistently working on ourselves in conjunction is extremely important.”

What are the benefits of draining the lymphatic system?

The internal benefits include strengthening our immune system by getting rid of bacteria, viruses and allergies. Draining the lymphatic system also balances the nervous system. “It helps with both relaxation and depression and anxiety,” says Rushing. “It also rejuvenates and hydrates the skin cells, and the most preferable benefit: helps with bloating and water retention.

Tips for at-home lymphatic massage

Rushing recommends pumping the lymph nodes three to five times per day. This lymphatic drainage technique involves placing two fingers together and very gently pressing into the nodes with a wave-like motion. With a preferred massage lotion, do 10 strokes on the nodes towards the heart. Start with doing this every morning before doing your makeup or self-care routine.

How to get the most out of your massage

Additionally, to see the most benefits of the lymphatic massage, Rushing says it’s important to drink a lot of water, exercise, keep your legs elevated for at least 20 minutes per day and avoid sugar, soy sauce and salty foods in general. She even says to clean your tongue with a tongue scraper.