3 health perks of lymph massage

It reduces bloat! Your lymphatic system contains twice the fluid as your bloodstream, but doesn’t have a pump (like your heart) to keep those fluids in motion, resulting in puffiness when fluids stagnate. Thankfully, a study in the journal Lymphology reveals that gentle lymph massage promotes this circulation, cutting bloat by 40%.

It slashes stress! Just one lymph massage can reduce levels of cortisol by 44% and cut fatigue up to 80%, report scientists in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science. The result: A single session can calm frazzled nerves for up to 48 hours.

It tames pain! Scientists say regular lymph massages using a dry brush ($7) calm overactive pain nerves and move pain-triggering inflammatory wastes out of muscles, joints and other tissues—a process that Penn State University researchers say eases pain and stiffness for up to 80% of women.