How to give yourself a £400 celeb-loved ‘weight loss massage' at home for FREE

The Sun

a day ago

Alice Fuller, Health Features Editor
Published: Invalid Date,
IT'S said to beat bloating, brain fog and fatigue, and even boost the immune system.
Lizzo also swears it played a pivotal role in her 'body reinvention' and dramatic weight loss. But is lymphatic drainage really the key to better health or is it just another overhyped wellness trend?
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Dimple Amani, salon owner and 'wellness visionary', tells Sun Health: 'Lymphatic drainage is a specialised massage technique that stimulates the body's lymphatic system - a vital part of our immune and detoxification process.
'We use a signature method combining gentle pressure and rhythmic movements to encourage the flow of lymphatic fluid, helping to eliminate toxins, reduce water retention and bring the body back into balance.'
It was initially designed to relieve inflammation related to lymphoedema - a condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues, sometimes as a result of cancer treatment, infection, injury or long periods of immobility.
But in 2025, lymphatic drainage is now touted as a way to reduce stress, appear slimmer and get glowing skin.
It's probably why it's such a hit with celebs like Lizzo, as well as Dua Lipa Hailey Bieber and Selena Gomez.
'The benefits go far beyond the surface,' Dimple says. 'Clients leave feeling lighter, more sculpted, and deeply relaxed.
'It helps reduce bloating, improve circulation, boost the immune system, and enhance overall wellbeing.
'It's a powerful internal reset with external results.
'Celebrities like it because it works, and fast. People like Kylie Jenner are known to book lymphatic drainage before major events for its immediate sculpting and de-puffing effects.
'It offers a red-carpet-ready glow, all without needles or downtime.'
I tried the viral lymphatic drainage massage and the results were unbelievable.
While popular with showbiz elite, lymphatic drainage is suitable for almost everyone.
'Most people can benefit, but it's especially helpful for those experiencing bloating, fluid retention, fatigue, or hormonal imbalance,' Dimple says.
'It's also ideal before or after travel, or simply when the body feels sluggish and in need of a natural boost.'
Experts say it's great for those recovering from cancer, vascular surgery, lipectomy, trauma, deep vein thrombosis and burn scar excision.
Studies by Camilo José Cela University and the University of Sao Paulo also found manual lymphatic drainage could improve the quality of life for people with fibromyalgia by reducing pain and anxiety symptoms.
And research by Cairo University found it helped to reduce cellulite in people who had thigh liposuction.
What is the lymphatic system?
THE lymphatic system collects and filters fluid from the body and returns it to the bloodstream.
It's made up of lymph nodes that are connected by lymph vessels, and it plays an important role in immune function.
Large groups or chains of lymph nodes can be found in the neck, under the arms and in the groin.
A lymphatic drainage massage can help to move built-up fluid away from these areas, which often swell.
Many conditions can affect the various parts of the lymphatic system.
Some of the most common include swollen lymph nodes, lymphedema (swelling or the accumulation of fluid) and cancer (including lymphoma).
To keep your lymphatic system healthy, you can:
Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals like those in pesticides or cleaning products. These can build up in your system and make it harder for your body to filter waste.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated so lymph can easily move throughout your body.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
However, don't book an appointment thinking it will serve as a powerful weight loss tool.
'Lymphatic drainage can visibly flatten the stomach by reducing water retention and bloating, but it isn't a weight loss solution,' Dimple says.
'It supports the body's natural detox process, so with regular sessions and a balanced lifestyle, it can enhance long-term wellness and body goals.'
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Clinics across the UK offer lymphatic drainage massages from £40 for a 60-minute session, though some charge as much as £400.
If you're reluctant to splash out and want to give it a go yourself, there are some at-home techniques you can try.
'While professional treatments deliver deeper results, there are effective ways to support your lymphatic system at home,' Dimple says.
'Gentle self-massage, gua sha, and staying well-hydrated can all help.'
AT-HOME LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
FIND a quiet, comfortable space. Some people prefer to be standing while others like to sit or lie down; find what works for you.
Olivia Ferrary, co-founder of Shape House, which offers treatments in London and Melbourne, says: 'When we commence any lymph practices, it's vital that we start by engaging all of our lymph node clusters.
'You can do this in a few ways, however we like to use a pump-like motion to encourage stimulation to begin drainage.
'The best way to imagine your lymph system is that your lymph nodes are the drains and your lymph vessels are the pipes.
'Our goal is to flush out any built up waste in the system. So unblock the drains and flush out the pipes!'
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Lift your one arm into the air and use the opposite hand to squeeze from your armpit to your shoulder.
'Gently pump the area for 30 seconds then move to the other side,' Olivia says.
Next, place both hands on your chest, resting your fingertips just above your collarbone.
Again, pump the area for 30 seconds.
By elevating our legs we allow gravity to do the work for us, to help move lymph fluid and encourage blood flow, reducing swelling, stagnation and tension
Georgie WrightShape House
You can then do the same along the line of your underwear on your pelvis before moving up to your ribcage, underneath your bra line.
Dry brushing - a skincare technique that involves brushing the body with a dry, natural-bristle brush - can also be done at home.
'This helps to push out any built up, stagnant fluid sitting in the lymph vessels, as well as exfoliate dead skin and improve circulation,' co-founder Georgie Wright says.
'Lightly brush towards the lymph node clusters that you initially pumped.
'Work from your legs, torso and arms to brush the fluid up towards your heart.'
You can pick up a dry brush for as little as £6 in Boots and Superdrug, or splash out for a pricier one from Space NK, Selfridges or Cult Beauty.
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Finally, one of the easiest ways to see the benefits of lymphatic drainage at home is to elevate your legs.
'It's important to note that our lymph system doesn't have a natural pump like the heart, so it requires healthy blood flow to move it along,' Georgie says.
'By elevating our legs we allow gravity to do the work for us, to help move lymph fluid and encourage blood flow toward the upper body and heart, reducing swelling, stagnation and tension.'
This can be as simple as lying on the floor with your legs up against a wall.
Whether you're at home or in a clinic, lymphatic drainage is generally considered safe.
Dimple says: 'When performed by trained professionals, it's a safe, non-invasive treatment.
'However, people with certain medical conditions — such as active infections, cancer, or heart problems — should consult with their healthcare provider before booking a session.'
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I tried 2 lymphatic drainage massages
By Alice Fuller, Health Features Editor
Shape House, London
THIS was my first experience of lymphatic drainage, and it was great!
Shape House utilises something it calls the 'pump effect method', which combines different massage techniques, wood tools and cupping.
My 60-minute treatment focused on the legs, stomach, arms and chest, and, though I didn't have anything to compare it to at the time, it definitely felt very sculpting.
My main takeaway from the experience was just how relaxing it was.
The bed was heated and covered in super soft blankets, and headphones were gently placed over my ears and a mask over my eyes so I could blank out any outside noise - and stress!
I felt completely zen - plus, it took away any awkwardness as this massage was carried out with me lying on my back, so I didn't have to make weird eye contact throughout!
It started with dry brushing, which I thought might hurt but was actually very soft.
The treatment then moved on to the signature 'pumping' - rhythmic, wave-like hand movements.
I honestly can't tell you much more than that, as I was blindfolded and couldn't hear anything!
But I remember finding the stomach massage a little strange at first as it's an area usually avoided in other approaches.
Overall, I walked away lighter - in mind and body. I would definitely try it again!
Dimple Amani, London
WHILE using a similar philosophy, the Dimple Amani technique was quite different.
For one thing, it started with hot oil being poured into my belly button, which I can't say I've ever had done before!
Upward strokes were then used to get things moving, starting at my ankles then up my body.
This was done in part by hand, but other tools were used, including a wooden paddle.
At first, this felt quite vigorous, but I soon got used to the motion. And after a while, I started to enjoy it! It was oddly refreshing.
Again, the stomach portion of the treatment felt a bit weird, but I soon relaxed.
Once my 45 minutes were up, I felt far less bloated than I had when I walked in.
My legs also seemed less puffy, and I almost floated to the Tube!