What's really going on in lymphatic drainage beauty videos?

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. What's really going on in lymphatic drainage beauty videos? Image source, Abbey AlexandraImage caption, Abbey Alexandra performs lymphatic drainage massages a couple of times a weekByEmily HoltPublished19 minutes agoIf she's ever feeling bloated, Abbey Alexandra has a go-to routine, using body oil and a wooden roller to perform stomach massages. She shares before-and-after videos on TikTok, saying she feels the process leaves her depuffed and defined: "You definitely feel a lot better after, they are relaxing.

"The technique is a form of lymphatic drainage massage, adapted from a medical treatment and shared as a beauty trend. Celebrity fans include Maya Jama, who shares her clinic sessions, and actress Hailey Bieber, who told Time magazine: "I swear by them. "Whether there is a physical change - or any need for one - is debatable, but fans of the massages claim they help "flatten" and "debloat" and give a "snatched waist" and "sculpted abs".

The Details

But what's actually happening to their bodies? What do the videos show? Image source, Abbey AlexandraImage caption, Before-and-after video grabs of a form of lymphatic drainage massage Many videos on social media promoting lymphatic massage show a woman either standing sideways, facing the front or perhaps lying down with her stomach showing a slight - and very normal - curve outwards.

Then begins the methodical massage in circular motions seemingly draining fluid away. By the end, her stomach appears flatter - if a little red. But social media body trends should always be viewed with scepticism, says Dr Ella Guest, senior research fellow and health psychologist at the Centre for Appearance Research based at the University of the West of England.

"These images might be altered using photo-editing tools or filters, people standing in particular poses, use of lighting, lots could even be AI-generated," she says. "I think stopping to reflect on what you see and questioning whether it looks realistic, or if it's very aligned with beauty standards, can be useful. Remember, if something looks too good to be true, it probably is.

What Experts Say

"What is the lymphatic system? The lymphatic system is a network of channels and glands throughout the body that helps fight infection and remove excess fluid, according to the NHS. Dr Xand van Tulleken tells Morning Live that the lymphatic system helps remove excess fluid from tissues and supports the immune system.

"When it is not working properly, it can contribute to swelling, which can be a condition called lymphoedema. "This commonly affects people who have cancers that involve the lymph system or who've had treatment involving the lymph nodes. It causes swelling in any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs.

"In simple terms, the lymphatic system helps keep your body's fluid levels balanced, cleans up waste, and supports your defences against illness," says van Tulleken. Draining your lymphatic systemDr Xand explains how to drain your lymphatic system.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.