During the Obon holidays, I wasn’t feeling my best.
It’s interesting how the character Elphaba isn’t really evil. Even madame morrible has her complexities. Anyway, overindulging in sweets and Chinese food after Christmas left me a bit off-key.
Fortunately, I had an appointment for a treatment that Golden Globe nominee Cynthia Erivo swears by. It’s something she insists on getting before significant events like the New York City premiere of *Wicked: For Good*. This treatment is designed to destress, boost blood circulation for a radiant complexion, and diminish inflammation—sort of a top-to-bottom refresh.
Erivo even mentioned that it’s her “first stop” when arriving in the city. According to the Upper East Side’s Sage + Sound, the treatment she opts for is priced at $295 and includes Signature Lymphatic breathing exercises, a 45-minute lymphatic massage, a scalp massage, and a 30-minute infrared sauna session.
She expressed, “It’s a big deal, but I love it because it always helps the end result,” which is crucial for her performance. It also reportedly helps with water retention.
Lymphatic drainage is touted for several benefits: improved circulation, enhanced immune functionality, decreased inflammation, glowing skin, increased energy, and stress reduction.
It’s no surprise this has caught the attention of celebrities! Other notable fans include Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Aniston, Hailey Bieber, and Naomi Campbell.
As Lauren Zucker, co-founder and co-CEO of Sage + Sound puts it, “I think of lymphatic massage as strategic body preparation.” She points out that it’s pretty effective for reducing puffiness around the face and body, which can sharpen facial features and enhance overall appearance—perfect for those red carpet moments.
In addition, she mentioned that intensive abdominal exercises also help with water retention and bloating. Many find they notice a difference immediately, even in how their clothes fit.
This treatment can be especially beneficial for frequent travelers, as it can alleviate swelling in various body parts and revitalize blood flow, which is a bonus when juggling different time zones.
What exactly is lymphatic drainage?
The technique has grown in popularity recently but has roots dating back nearly a century in Denmark.
The lymphatic system collects lymph fluid (which contains water, proteins, fats, white blood cells, and waste) and filters it through lymph nodes, which are key in trapping harmful bacteria and viruses.
When healthy, most people won’t feel the need for lymphatic massage. However, it does have a soothing effect and can reduce puffiness temporarily, giving a slimmer appearance.
For those with specific health conditions like lymphedema or fibromyalgia, lymphatic drainage can be essential for managing trapped fluids that worsen their conditions.
There’s ongoing research into its effectiveness for various diseases, including PCOS, endometriosis, and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Interestingly, both Selena Gomez and Kim Kardashian are known to struggle with the latter symptoms, which might explain their interest in these treatments.
What’s a lymphatic drainage massage like?
I may not be hitting the red carpet myself, but after the holidays, I figured a little help wouldn’t hurt.
This being my first experience, I anticipated something similar to a deep tissue massage—but it differed significantly. It felt lighter, focused on the skin’s surface rather than digging into underlying muscles.
The gentle strokes repeated in one area reminded me of using a jade roller or gua sha, tools known for aiding lymphatic drainage. This treatment encompassed the entire body, including areas like the armpits, which I realized made sense given the presence of lymph nodes there. However, I wondered if it might be uncomfortable for those who are ticklish.
My therapist, Jessica, informed me that she could gauge health issues based on how the stomach felt during treatment, looking for signs of problems like PCOS.
The sound bowl added a relaxing vibe, and after a 30-minute sauna session, I felt a wave of calm wash over me (I genuinely enjoy saunas, which come with various health perks).
In terms of results, the boost to immune function and circulation isn’t something you might notice right away. Nonetheless, I definitely felt less stressed and enjoyed a peaceful night’s sleep afterwards.
All in all, this treatment felt a bit like the opposite of Elphaba—perhaps not transformative, but definitely a step in a more positive direction, if only for a short while.
