Arabic version: خبراء: صيحة التصريف اللمفاوي تقدم تأثيرات مؤقتة

According to BBC News, lymphatic drainage massage videos are spreading as a beauty trend, with users claiming the routines can reduce bloating and create a more defined stomach. TikTok creator Abbey Alexandra says she uses body oil and a wooden roller for stomach massages a couple of times a week.

The practice is adapted from a medical treatment. The lymphatic system is a network of channels and glands that helps fight infection and remove excess fluid, according to the NHS. Dr Xand van Tulleken says it also helps keep fluid levels balanced, clear waste and support the body’s defences against illness.

Manual lymphatic drainage can be used by medical professionals when the system is not functioning properly, including for symptoms of lymphoedema. Dr Xand says practitioners use light pressure and strategic massage to move excess lymph fluid from swollen tissues towards lymph nodes. He says it may be a safe way to relieve symptoms in some cases, but it is unsuitable for some people with pre-existing medical conditions.

For healthy people, Dr Xand says there is little high-quality evidence that home treatments provide meaningful or lasting benefits, and they do not promote fat loss. Some people may experience relaxation or a temporary reduction in swelling, he says, while regular movement, exercise and hydration are generally enough to support normal lymphatic function.

Dr Ella Guest, a health psychologist at the University of the West of England’s Centre for Appearance Research, urges scepticism about before-and-after social media images. She says pictures may use editing, filters, poses, lighting or AI, and warns that pursuing a sculpted stomach can fuel insecurities. Abbey says she knows any visual difference is temporary, but enjoys feeling less puffy and more comfortable afterwards.