You’ve probably heard of gua sha, facial massage, or even therapy ball work for swelling and puffiness, but did you know those are all forms of lymphatic drainage?

The lymphatic system is responsible for waste removal (and a whole bunch of other processes) throughout your body.

And in this episode of The Body Nerd Show, I’m breaking down what the lymphatic system does, how lymphatic massage works, and why it’s way more than just a spa trend.

You'll learn how gentle, intentional touch can help move lymph, reduce swelling, and support your immune system, especially after injury, illness, or chronic inflammation.

So whether you’re dealing with swelling, stiffness right now, or just curious how to feel better faster, this episode will show you how to get things moving again.

You’ll learn:

• The science behind lymph and why movement matters
• Why it’s essential for healing, immunity, and recovery
• How to safely use lymphatic drainage massage for swollen joints, chronic conditions, and migraines

All the links:

• Happe, Svenja, et al. "The efficacy of lymphatic drainage and traditional massage in the prophylaxis of migraine: a randomized, controlled parallel group study." Neurological Sciences 37 (2016): 1627-1632.
• How to Do Lymphatic Drainage Massage [Video]
• Want to make movement a habit (without guessing what you should be doing)? Get your first 2 months inside the Movement Mavens® Video Vault for only $9 with code PODNERD
• www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more.
• Instagram @hollaformala
• TikTok @ aewellness
• Bodywork Starter Guide - learn the 6 places you need to roll right now for quick relief, plus the reason why what you’ve tried so far has only given you a temporary fix. Download the guide for free now at www.aewellness.com/bodywork
• 818-396-6501 is the Body Nerd Hotline - how do you build consistency and/or where are you getting stuck? Drop me a line and let me know your body nerd hacks - you might just hear your voice on a future episode!

Today's episode of The Body Nerd Show is brought to you by Movement Mavens™ Therapy Balls—the official mobility tool of the show and the best way to keep your body moving pain-free.

Tight hips? Stiff back? Movement Mavens Therapy Balls are designed to mimic the feel of a massage therapist’s hands, helping you release tension, improve flexibility, and move better—every single day.

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