ESSENCE Senior Beauty & Style Editor Akili King believes ‘glow’ is more than skin deep. In The Ritual Report, she shares personal healing practices—from acupuncture for skin and grounding benefits to ‘dopamine dressing’—designed to inspire readers to find creative ways to soothe their nervous systems and reclaim their magic from the inside out.

Although I will always go to one, I don’t need a professional to tell me that my circulation has been poor lately. For one, I’ve always been such an active person—think everything from pole and yoga to running, rock climbing, and salsa classes— and in the last year, I’ve struggled with staying consistent a little bit more than usual. I’m sure my blood flow isn’t what it used to be, and my eczema flare ups are surely somewhat related to that as well. 

And maybe that explains why my FYP has been feeding me lymphatic drainage and vibration plate content in recent months. You’ve probably seen it, too, and also wondered, ‘what is it exactly?’ and ‘is it really worth it?’ And, if you’re anything like me, you dare to find out and try things for yourself. 

For the past few months I’ve been testing everything from lymphatic drainage massages to daily vibration plate use, and even facial depuffing techniques using the ORA Method LED Gua Sha. Although I do feel like I could be even more consistent, I’ve felt the benefits from the moments I have been able to work it into my schedule. 

I’ve also been taking the advice of Lisa Mitchell, a Licensed Esthetician, Massage Therapist, Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Specialist, and founder of Nyah Simone Spa in Garden City, New York. “I help my clients improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support overall wellness,” she says. And, naturally, I had to make my way to her studio to try it all out for myself. 

In hopes of helping you figure out if this is right for you, below, I share my thoughts on lymphatic drainage, and Mitchell’s expert backing of the wellness practice.

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A post shared by Lisa l Massage • Skincare • Lymphatic Drainage l Garden City, LI (@nyahsimonespa)

What is manual lymphatic drainage?

“Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle, rhythmic technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays an important role in immune function and the removal of metabolic waste from the body,” says Mitchell. “Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like the heart, so it relies on movement, breathing, and manual stimulation to keep fluid moving properly.”

That said, when your lymphatic flow slows down, which is something I fear I have recently related to due to chronic inflammation and eczema that I’ve faced, “it may contribute to fluid retention, swelling, and inflammation,” she says. “Lymphatic drainage can help reduce puffiness, support circulation, and assist the body in clearing excess fluid and waste.”

What even is the lymphatic system?

As Mitchell puts it, “The lymphatic system is essentially the body’s internal cleansing system. When lymph flow is supported, the body is better able to regulate inflammation, move excess fluid, and maintain overall balance.”

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A post shared by Lisa l Massage • Skincare • Lymphatic Drainage l Garden City, LI (@nyahsimonespa)

What is a typical lymphatic massage like?

At Nyah Simone Spa, which is where I went, “a typical session begins with a consultation to understand the client’s goals, whether they’re dealing with swelling, post-surgical recovery, or simply looking to support their overall wellness,” she says. 

“The treatment uses very light, rhythmic movements that follow the natural pathways of the lymphatic system. I was trained using the Vodder technique, which is considered the original method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage,” Mitchell adds. “Because lymph vessels sit just beneath the skin, the pressure is very gentle.”

Overall, the treatment was extremely relaxing, and I felt very light in my body afterwards. ‘

Additionally, for those recovering from cosmetic procedures, in her practice, “lymphatic drainage is also commonly used to support clients recovering by helping manage swelling and encourage healthy circulation.”

@akiliking

Nervous system reset 🌱

♬ Only When I’m Dreaming – Minnie Riperton

Vibration Plates 

Is it just me, or are vibration plates all over the FYP? Either way, I think they’re something worth looking into. This is especially the case if you’re super busy, working remotely often, or oversleeping and missing your time slot to go to the gym, and need easy ways to get in some daily movement.

I’ve found myself, in recent times, to be somewhere in the mix of all the above, causing poor circulation and even other inflammation issues, due to being stressed and not properly releasing or moving my body in the way that I used to. Being consistent with my vibration plate, amongst other things (like acupuncture, lowering my stress levels, spending more time with friends, etc.), has really helped out. 

“Whole-body vibration plates have become a popular wellness trend,” Mitchell says. “Because the lymphatic system relies on movement and muscle contractions to help move fluid through the body, gentle vibration can help stimulate circulation and support lymphatic flow,” she adds. 

That said, during our lymphatic drainage massage session, she also allowed me to use her vibration plate, which made me want to buy one even more, especially knowing that an expert really backed it. “In my practice at Nyah Simone Spa, I use whole-body vibration therapy as a complementary tool alongside treatments like manual lymphatic drainage to help encourage circulation and overall lymph movement.”

But, she does warn, “it’s not appropriate for everyone. People with certain conditions, such as vertigo or balance-related disorders, should be cautious and consult with a healthcare professional before using vibration therapy,” she says. 

“While vibration plates can be helpful as part of a wellness routine,” and helpful if you can’t afford a regular manual massage, “manual lymphatic drainage is still considered the gold standard because it allows a trained practitioner to guide lymph fluid through the body’s natural drainage pathways,” she says.

At-Home Lymphatic Drainage Tools I love

Obviously, the hands are great! But if you’re looking for something a little bit extra, the below will help. Esker offers exfoliation while in the shower. ORA is great for the face and also calms inflammation with light therapy and vibration (think: a vibration plate for your face). Skin Gym tool is great for getting a deeper massage as you get your lymph flowing. Find a good lymphatic drainage video to follow, and you’ve got yourself an at-home appointment.

Read the original article on Essence.