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The lymphatic system is a powerful part of your immune system—think of it as your body’s built-in drainage and defense network. It helps regulate fluid balance, supports your immune response, and even plays a role in absorbing fats and fat-soluble vitamins from your digestive system.
Like many systems in the body, the lymphatic system thrives on movement. But unlike the circulatory system, it doesn’t have a central pump like the heart. Instead, it relies on muscle contractions, deep breathing, and physical activity to keep lymph fluid moving.
Without regular movement, lymph can become stagnant. When this happens, it can lead to a variety of health issues, including swelling or lymphedema, fatigue, brain fog, a weakened immune system, puffiness around the face and eyes, cellulite, skin breakouts, headaches, and even a decrease in sexual performance.
In this episode of the podcast, I interview lymphatic health expert Leah Levitan. Leah is a certified lymphatic drainage specialist and the founder of Lymph Love Club, where she teaches people how to care for and support their lymphatic systems. During the episode, we discuss the effects of stagnant lymph, swollen lymph nodes, and how to stimulate lymphatic flow at home. Leah also walks us through the first part of her five-phase plan for draining fluid from the head and neck.
Easy DIY Lymphatic Drainage Massage For Your Head and Neck
One of Leah’s popular offerings at Lymph Love Club is her course called Lymph Love for the Head and Neck. This course teaches a five-phase framework designed to help with a variety of concerns, including headaches, migraines, sinus issues, TMJ, concussions, skin problems, puffiness, and brain fog.
In the podcast, Leah shares the first phase of this program, which focuses on opening up pathways and allowing lymph to flow freely through the head and neck. This gentle massage technique is safe, easy, and effective. As Leah states, “It’s all about using your hands and understanding your body’s natural anatomy and physiology to support fluid movement.”
Five-Phase Framework: Part One – Unblocking Roadblocks in the Head and Neck
This technique should never hurt, and there’s no “wrong” way to do it. Just follow the steps with intention and breathe deeply throughout. Watch the video or follow the steps to get started.
Point One: The Base of Your Neck
Place your fingers just above your collarbones, in the small triangular space at the base of your neck. Using a light, circular pumping motion, press gently downward into this space.
Pump 10–20 times to help shift pressure and get lymph moving.
Point Two: Hug Your Neck
Bring your wrists together and wrap your hands gently around the front of your neck—palms on the front, fingers toward the sides and back. Press lightly back and down in a slow circular motion. This clears the lymph channels, making room for more drainage. Pump 10–20 times before moving to point three.
Point Three: The Jaw Line
Using the pads of your thumbs, press into the underside of your chin at the center. Gently push down and back along your jawline toward the base of your ears. You might feel a buildup of saliva—that’s a good sign that things are flowing! Repeat 10-20 times.
Point Four: The Ears
Make a peace sign with your fingers and place your ear right between them. Press in a circular motion backward and down toward your collarbones. This supports deeper lymphatic drainage, releasing buildup on your scalp and through your face. Pump 10-20 times before moving to the final point.
Point Five: Sinus Point
Place your pointer fingers on the small hollows just outside each nostril. Using the pads of your fingers, apply a circular motion while taking several slow, deep breaths. This is especially helpful for sinus pressure or headaches, and encourages continued drainage even after you’re done.
Try This Lymphatic Drainage Massage On Yourself!
By taking just a few minutes to practice this gentle self-massage, you can begin to unlock congestion and support your body’s natural detox system. Leah’s approach is simple, science-based, and incredibly empowering—because you can make a big impact on your health with just your own two hands.
Try it out for yourself and see how you feel! Follow up with the remaining steps in the process by using Leah’s framework within her course, Lymphatic Drainage for the Head and Neck.
Other Lymphatic Drainage Resources You Might Like:
I rounded up a few other lymphatic drainage resources I thought you might like! Take things to the next level with these:
- Three Easy Self-Care Activities To Support Your Lymph Health
- Organ Flushing: Why You Should Try It
- Dry Brushing: A 3-Minute Beauty Routine Worth Adding to Your Day
- A 5-Minute Trick To Relax And Recharge
