11/18/2025
🩵 What You Might Notice: Pit vs. Puff
After lymphatic drainage, you may notice:
• “Pit” (indentation or hollow): This usually means swelling has gone down and fluid has moved out — a good sign.
• “Puff” (fullness or puffiness): This can indicate fluid still present in the tissues. Gentle drainage techniques can help encourage flow toward central lymph nodes.
🚿 How to Do Armpit Lymphatic Drainage at Home (Shower Method)
Before you start:
• Make sure your body is relaxed and warm (the shower helps).
• Always use very light pressure — lymph vessels are just under the skin.
Step-by-Step:
• Open your main lymph areas first
• Gently massage above your collarbone on both sides with light, slow strokes toward the neck (5–10 times).
• This “clears” the pathway for lymph fluid to drain.
• Stimulate your armpit nodes
• Raise your arm slightly (not straight up) to expose the armpit area.
• Using your fingertips or palm, make 10–20 light circular motions in the armpit.
• Pressure should feel like petting a cat — gentle, not deep.
• Encourage flow from the arm
• With your opposite hand, stroke gently from your elbow up toward your armpit, following the natural lymphatic pathway.
• Repeat 5–10 times, always moving upward toward the armpit.
• Finish by “clearing” again
• Massage above your collarbone one more time to help the fluid continue to drain centrally.
🩷 Tips
• Stay hydrated after lymphatic massage.
• Avoid pressing hard — lymph flow stops under deep pressure.
• You can repeat this 1–2 times daily if you’re managing puffiness or post-treatment care.
• If you have a history of infection, active cancer, blood clots, or lymph node removal, consult your healthcare provider or a certified lymphatic therapist before self-massage.
