My Personal Lymphatic Drainage Massage Journey - Days 1 to 7

My Personal Lymphatic Drainage Massage Journey: Days 1–7 

 

Over the next few weeks, I wanted to share my personal lymphatic drainage journey in the hope that it may help and inspire others who are considering treatment themselves. 

 

Everyone's experience will be different, but I thought it would be useful to document what I did before and after my treatment, how I felt throughout the week, and the lifestyle choices I made to help support the benefits of the treatment. 

 

Why I Decided to Have Lymphatic Drainage Massage 

 

I booked my treatment because I was feeling quite bloated and uncomfortable digestively. My skin had also become dry and itchy, which I felt was linked to some poor food choices and inflammation within my body. 

 

I saw the treatment as an opportunity to reset, slow down, and give my body some extra support. 

 

Preparing for My Treatment 

 

Before my appointment, I made sure I was well hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. 

 

I also ate very lightly, choosing fruit and Greek yogurt for breakfast and a salad for lunch. 

 

During my research, I found that an anti-inflammatory style of eating may complement lymphatic drainage treatments. This approach is very similar to a Mediterranean diet, which is also often recommended for supporting women through menopause. 

 

For me, this meant focusing on: 

 

Plenty of vegetables, salad and fruit 

Fish for omega-3 fats 

Nuts, seeds, pulses and lentils 

Lean proteins such as chicken 

Minimal processed foods 

Limiting sugar, alcohol and caffeine 

Reducing red meat and dairy where possible 

 

I also stopped eating around two hours before my appointment. As the treatment includes abdominal massage, I wanted to make sure my food had been fully digested. 

 

Although I use natural, plant-based skincare products, I removed creams, lotions and deodorant before the treatment. I also chose loose, comfortable clothing that wouldn't restrict movement and would be easy to put back on afterwards. 

 

Finally, I made sure to use the bathroom before the appointment and took a bottle of water with me for afterwards. 

 

My Treatment Experience 

 

The treatment itself was beautifully relaxing. 

 

In fact, I drifted off to sleep for part of it. The abdominal massage felt particularly beneficial, and I could feel some of the bloating and congestion beginning to ease. 

 

Afterwards, I stood up slowly, as some people can feel a little light-headed. I felt incredibly relaxed, lighter, and very calm. 

 

I floated back to my car and headed home feeling refreshed. 

 

That evening, I continued drinking plenty of water and ate a light meal of fish and salad. I spent most of the evening resting, drifting in and out of sleep, and enjoyed a really good night's rest. 

 

The First Week 

 

The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and noticeably less bloated. 

 

I decided that for the following week I would continue with my anti-inflammatory eating approach and make a conscious effort to reduce stress wherever possible. 

 

Rather than trying to change everything at once, I wanted to focus on one habit at a time. For me, that meant prioritising nutrition and hydration first. 

 

The week went really well. 

 

By Friday, I had a spa day planned with a friend. I enjoyed a relaxation treatment, spent time by the pool, and focused on staying hydrated throughout the day. 

 

Although my food choices weren't quite as strict as they had been earlier in the week, I still made balanced choices. I enjoyed a salad and lamb koftas for dinner, shared some chips, and had a light dessert. 

 

Importantly, I didn't feel guilty about it. 

 

I strongly believe that health should support our lives, not restrict them. We are here to enjoy ourselves too, and one meal doesn't undo a week of healthy choices. 

 

Over the weekend, I had a few treats here and there but mostly continued making nourishing food choices and drinking plenty of water. 

 

Movement and Supporting Lymphatic Flow 

 

Movement is another important way to support the lymphatic system. 

 

As we get older, our bodies often respond best to exercise that doesn't place excessive stress on the system. 

 

This week I focused on gentle walking, which felt exactly right for where my body was. 

 

Next week, I plan to add my dance classes back into my routine — something I absolutely love and always makes me feel good both physically and mentally. 

 

How I Feel After 7 Days 

 

Today is Monday, exactly one week after my treatment, and I can honestly say I feel really good. 

 

I feel lighter. 

 

My clothes fit more comfortably. 

 

I feel less bloated and less inflamed. 

 

My sleep has improved. 

 

I feel calmer overall. 

 

One thing that surprised me was that this week also coincided with the lead-up to my menstrual cycle. 

 

Normally, I experience fatigue, sugar cravings, and increased irritability. This time felt very different. 

 

I had far fewer cravings, felt more emotionally balanced, and generally much calmer throughout the week. 

 

Of course, I can't say that lymphatic drainage was solely responsible, but I do feel that the combination of the treatment, improved nutrition, hydration, movement, and rest made a positive difference. 

 

My Focus for Week 2 

 

For week two, my plan is simple: 

 

Continue following an anti-inflammatory style of eating 

Maintain good hydration 

Add my dance classes back into my routine 

Continue daily movement 

Introduce more self-lymphatic drainage massage techniques 

 

I already use a gentle facial lymphatic drainage routine every morning with my gua sha, so I'm looking forward to expanding this practice to support the rest of my body as well. 

 

I'll continue to share my progress over the coming weeks and hope that by documenting my journey, it helps others understand how small, consistent changes can support your wellbeing, especially through your menopause journey.