The Fluid Body: A Master Guide to Lymphatic Health & Dermal Vitality

By Olivia Crighton | Founder, Kinesiologist & Holistic Skin Specialist

In the study of holistic health and Kinesiology, we view the body as a series of interconnected systems where the skin serves as the final frontier of internal health. To truly support the skin's integrity, we must look at the interstitial environment—the fluid-filled space between our cells. This environment is governed by the lymphatic system: a sophisticated network fundamental to waste removal, nutrient transport, and immune health.

Below, I have answered the 12 most frequently asked questions to help you understand this vital system and how we support it at Glasshouse.

1. What exactly is lymphatic drainage?

Think of lymphatic drainage as the body’s internal filtration system. It is a manual technique designed to stimulate the movement of lymph fluid. This fluid carries away metabolic waste, toxins, and excess proteins from your tissues, returning them to the bloodstream to be filtered and eliminated. Because the lymph doesn't have its own pump (unlike the heart), it requires movement or manual stimulation to stay active.

2. What are the benefits of lymphatic drainage for the skin?

When lymph flow is optimal, your skin receives nutrients and oxygen more efficiently. The most immediate benefits include a significant reduction in puffiness (edema), a more "sculpted" appearance around the jawline and cheekbones, and a calmer, clearer complexion. By removing the "stagnant" waste from beneath the skin, we allow your natural radiance to show through.

3. Can lymphatic drainage help with acne and breakouts?

Yes, but indirectly. Acne is often an inflammatory response. If your lymphatic system is sluggish, metabolic waste can sit in the tissue for longer, potentially exacerbating inflammation. While it isn’t a "cure" for acne, supporting the lymph helps the skin's natural detoxification process, making it a powerful tool for managing congestion and cystic breakouts.

4. How do I know if my lymphatic system is congested?

Common signs of "sluggish" lymph include:

Persistent puffiness in the face, especially in the morning.
A "heavy" or tired feeling in the limbs.
Skin that feels "congested" or lacks its usual resilience.
Frequent sinus issues or a lingering feeling of fatigue.

5. Is lymphatic massage always light?

In the wellness industry, there are different approaches. Traditional "Vodder-style" drainage is famously feather-light, which is excellent for very sensitive systems or post-surgery. However, in my practice, I use a firmer, medium-to-deep pressure. Through Kinesiology, I work with neurolymphatic reflex points that act like "on/off switches" for specific organs. To effectively stimulate these points and "reset" the system, a more intentional, firm touch is required.

6. How do you use Kinesiology to support the lymph?

Through muscle testing, I identify which organs are underperforming and which specific lymphatic areas are blocked. This allows me to be highly specific—for example, focusing on points linked to the liver or digestive system to help resolve a specific skin flare-up. We aren't just moving fluid; we are addressing the systemic reason why the fluid was stagnant in the first place.

7. Can you drain your lymphatic system at home?

Daily rituals are key for maintenance. I recommend Dry Body Brushing before you shower or using a Gua Sha tool on the face. The secret is the direction: always move toward your heart or the major drainage "terminals" at the base of your neck.

8. Does exercise like rebounding actually help?

Yes—it is one of the best things you can do. Rebounding (jumping on a mini-trampoline) uses the change in gravitational pull to open and close the one-way valves in your lymphatic system simultaneously. Even five minutes a day acts as a "total flush" for the system.

9. Does drinking water help lymphatic drainage?

Water is the medium of the lymph (which is 95% water). If you are dehydrated, your lymphatic fluid becomes thicker, making it much harder to move. Drinking pure, filtered water is the simplest way to keep your "internal pipes" clear.

10. What vitamins support a healthy lymphatic system?

The system relies on specific biochemistry to stay fluid. Vitamin C is essential for strengthening the walls of your lymphatic vessels. We specifically designed our Glasshouse Hair, Skin & Body Supplement with these requirements in mind, providing the mineral balance needed for effective fluid exchange.

Glasshouse Hair Skin and Body Supplement for lymphatic support and skin health

11. Why is "lowering fats" sometimes recommended?

Since the lymphatic system is the primary carrier of dietary fats, a diet excessively high in heavy, saturated lipids can put the system under pressure. By occasionally lowering your fat intake, you "lighten the load," allowing the lymph to prioritize its other main job: hauling away cellular waste.

12. How often should I get a professional treatment?

To address a specific concern, I often recommend a session once a week for four weeks to create a "reset." For general maintenance, a professional Kinesiology session or Energy Medicine Facial every 4 to 6 weeks is ideal.