Health Watch: How lymphatic drainage can help your body detox and heal

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - When it comes to your health, your body has a built-in detox system, but sometimes, it needs a little help.

That’s where lymphatic drainage therapy comes in. What may look like a gentle, relaxing massage is a specialized technique meant to help the body flush out toxins, reduce swelling, and improve circulation.

Jamie Newsom Eaton is a licensed massage therapist and a certified lymphedema therapist. At her practice in Anchorage, Lymphatics by Jamie, she helps clients relieve swelling and discomfort using this highly specialized method.

“The lymphatic system is an important part of our circulatory system,” Newsom Eaton explained. “It pulls fluid from the tissues, filters it through the body, and drains it back into the venous system.”

Unlike the heart, which pumps blood through the circulatory system, the lymphatic system has no natural pump.

Instead, it relies on movement and external stimulation like lymphatic drainage to keep things flowing.

“It’s very light work because we are focused on that fluid that runs just under your skin,” Newsom Eaton said.

Lymphatic drainage isn’t just for relaxation — it can be a game-changer for those experiencing fluid buildup, also known as edema. Many of Newsom Eaton’s clients are post-surgery patients recovering from plastic or orthopedic procedures who often experience swelling as part of the healing process.

“It’s very normal to have some swelling after surgery, but when it gets a little out of control or takes too long to clear up, that’s when we can intervene with some lymphatic drainage therapy,” she said.

Breast cancer survivors who have undergone lymph node removal may develop lymphedema, a condition that causes chronic swelling. Pregnant women also find relief, as fluid retention and swelling are common symptoms during pregnancy.

Expectant mothers like Lindsay Garrod have also found the treatment beneficial.

“It’s such a gentle technique,” Garrod said. “I wasn’t really sure going into it what exactly it would entail, and it just sort of feels like the most gentle massage you’ve ever had, but the results are absolutely incredible.”

However, lymphatic drainage isn’t for everyone. Newsom Eaton warned that individuals with serious heart, cardiovascular, or kidney conditions should avoid the treatment. As always, consult with a healthcare provider before trying lymphatic drainage therapy to determine if it’s the right fit for you.

For those who are good candidates, though, this gentle technique could be exactly what their body needs.

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