Lymphatic drainage: instructions for use

Atelier Nubio - 17/12/2025

What is lymph?

A colorless liquid that circulates in our body, this fluid, called white blood by the Greeks, moves through the lymphatic vessels thanks to the action of the muscles and the blood system.

A veritable waste disposal system for toxins circulating in our body, the lymphatic system drains all kinds of cellular waste and is therefore essential for the proper functioning of the body. Natural filtering stations scattered throughout the body, the lymph nodes located under the ears in the neck, under the armpits, or in the groin filter and eliminate debris carried by the lymphatic fluid as it travels.

What is lymphatic drainage?

When the lymphatic system malfunctions, several significant symptoms quickly appear: swollen legs, congested tissues, and cellulite are all common consequences of a lymphatic system struggling to perform its cleansing function. Often affected by sluggish lymphatic drainage, which sometimes occurs in conjunction with hormonal imbalances, women have always been keen to find solutions to restore its proper function.

Among these is lymphatic drainage, a manual stimulation that comes to the aid of our depleted natural detoxification systems. By activating the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, the body is detoxified while reactivating its often-dormant reflexes.

Although the term is not subject to any real regulation, the techniques and "schools" of drainage differ: in addition to the two major protocols, the Vodder techniques (which consist of a choreography of circular movements) and the Albert Leduc technique (which combines manual massage with pressotherapy sessions), other variants have appeared in recent years.

Among them, and at the forefront of the most popular options, is the Renata Franca method. A technique made in Brazil that is revolutionizing the field, it is omnipresent on social media where striking before-and-after photos abound. This invigorating treatment uses a series of pumping maneuvers to reshape the waist, reduce bloating, and tone swollen, heavy legs with each session, thanks to powerful stimulation of the lymphatic and venous systems.

While the results may seem spectacular, it's important to put them into perspective: an excellent slimming aid as part of a healthy lifestyle, manual lymphatic drainage absolutely must be accompanied by a healthy and regular lifestyle. Without physical exercise and frequent dietary indiscretions, don't expect miracles!

What foods can boost lymphatic circulation?

Lemon, apple, and grape juice are consumed liberally, as they purify the liver and kidneys thanks to their diuretic properties, which promote better waste elimination. Turmeric and ginger, excellent allies for healthy lymphatic circulation, also have protective properties and help eliminate toxins by decongesting the intestines, stomach, and liver. We also focus on green foods rich in chlorophyll, known to contribute to blood and lymphatic system purification: broccoli, cabbage, seaweed, spinach and zucchini, parsley, celery, or leeks —it doesn't matter as long as you add some green to your plate! And don't forget to drink enough water, an essential condition for good kidney health and optimal toxin elimination.

We move (our legs, but not only that!)

Far more than sugar and junk food, the worst enemy of the lymphatic system is undoubtedly a sedentary lifestyle. Directly influenced by our muscle movements and breathing rate, the lymphatic system logically slows down when we spend our days going from our bed to our desk, and from the desk to the sofa. So, we should be as active as possible, focusing on activities that will stimulate the lymph nodes and lymphatic circulation: walking in the city or in nature (at a brisk pace, not a slow one!) and cycling are the best options for energizing our lymphatic circulation, whether we live in the city or the countryside. Another excellent ally is water pressure, known for boosting the lymphatic system. Swimming, water aerobics, or walking in mid-thigh water are therefore ideal and kill two birds with one stone by strengthening the lymphatic system and venous return in a single action.

Dry brushing, a gesture that changes everything!

A cornerstone of Ayurveda, dry brushing is starting to gain popularity in Europe, and that's a good thing. Sometimes even called lymphatic brushing, this daily routine acts directly on the lymphatic system and blood circulation . At the crossroads of health and beauty, dry brushing leads to a real sense of overall well-being while reducing the appearance of dimples and stubborn cellulite. By removing dead skin cells accumulated on the surface, it allows the epidermis to breathe better.

Thanks to its repeated friction movements, it creates a rush of blood that oxygenates the tissues and drains toxins, stimulating the lymphatic system, which can sometimes be sluggish. The movements should be from the bottom up, in the direction of drainage, towards the lymph nodes. Both a deep internal cleansing and a skincare beauty treatment, it leaves the skin feeling incredibly soft, free of the dead cells that accumulate on its surface.

The Top 3 Allies of the Lymph

The Atelier Nubio x Andrée Jardin massage brush : an anti-cellulite and water retention accessory with miraculous effects provided you use it regularly, this easy-to-handle brush refines the skin texture while boosting our lymphatic circulation.

We want a flat, mermaid-like stomach Purifying ampoules packed with detoxifying plant extracts (artichoke, fennel, birch sap), SOS weapons that come to the rescue of bloated stomachs and swollen legs.