Lymphatic drainage has become something of an obsession in the wellness world. From sculpting facial massages to body brushes and compression boots, there are apparently endless ways to try to banish puffiness and encourage a more contoured appearance. But the benefits of a healthy lymphatic system extend well beyond what we can see in the mirror.

The lymphatic system is sometimes described as the “Cinderella of medicine” – “underestimated, yet performing a large part of the essential work”, as cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Gerald M Lemole writes in his book Lymph & Longevity: The Untapped Secret to Health. While its potential aesthetic benefits have helped bring lymphatic drainage into the mainstream, the system’s intricate network of vessels, nodes, and fluid is fundamental to everything from immune function to maintaining the body’s fluid balance.

And, as it turns out, keeping it functioning properly doesn’t necessarily require a standing appointment with your facialist.

Why is the lymphatic system so important?

Think of the lymphatic system as the body’s behind-the-scenes maintenance crew. Working alongside the circulatory and immune systems, it helps collect excess fluid from tissues, transports immune cells, and carries certain waste products away from cells.

“Lymph transports various substances – large proteins such as antibodies and enzymes, as well as immune system cells that nourish, protect, and coordinate the body – while removing cellular waste through its collecting ducts,” explains Lemole. He likens the system to a “secret river of health”, a network of vessels through which fluid is continuously transported and returned to the bloodstream. Healthy lymphatic function is essential for maintaining fluid balance and supporting the body’s defenses.

But unlike the cardiovascular system, which relies on the heart to pump blood, the lymphatic system has no central pump of its own. Instead, lymph moves through a combination of muscle contractions, breathing and the action of valves within lymphatic vessels. “ are the pump,” says Ada Ooi, a Traditional Chinese Medicine specialist, integrative medicine practitioner, and the founder of London’s 001 London Longevity Clinic.

The takeaway? Everyday movement, breathing, and other simple lifestyle habits can help support the body’s natural lymphatic circulation. Here are four ways to work them into your routine.

Make time for deep breathing

One of the simplest ways to support lymphatic circulation requires just a few minutes of your time. Deep diaphragmatic breathing – the kind that expands your abdomen rather than lifting your shoulders – creates changes in pressure within the chest and abdomen that help to move lymphatic fluid through the body. “The largest lymphatic vessels and the body’s main lymphatic ducts are located in the chest cavity,” explains Lemole. “Every deep breath helps circulate the lymph.”

Whether it’s a few minutes of breathwork upon waking, a gentle yoga session, or simply taking a moment to slow your breathing between meetings, the idea is to make deeper, more deliberate breaths a regular part of your day. Lemole suggests spending a few minutes each morning and evening practicing slow, diaphragmatic breathing. As a bonus, it can also help counter the shallow, hurried breathing that often accompanies stress.

Move more – and consider rebounding

There’s another reason to get up from your desk. Movement is one of the body’s natural mechanisms for transporting lymph, with each muscle contraction helping to propel fluid through the lymphatic vessels. And it doesn’t have to involve a strenuous workout. A brisk walk, a few flights of stairs, calf raises, squats – even ankle rotations can all get your muscles working, according to Cecily Braden, aesthetician and creator of the Lymphatic Brush.

For those looking to make their routine a little more playful, there’s rebounding: the mini-trampoline workout that’s found fans in Eva Longoria and Miranda Kerr. The repeated bouncing combines muscle contractions with changes in gravitational force. Lemole advocates for rebounding as a way to encourage fluid movement, and early NASA research explored the physiological effects of trampoline exercise, although evidence that it offers superior lymphatic benefits to other forms of movement remains limited. Still, bouncing for a few minutes in the morning feels like, if anything, an easy bit of movement a quick mood-booster. And if trampolines aren’t your thing? Walking, dancing or stretching are all equally sensible places to start.

Try a few minutes of qigong

If you prefer a gentler start to your morning, consider qigong. The centuries-old Chinese practice combines slow, flowing movements with controlled breathing and focused attention, making it an appealing alternative to more vigorous exercise.

For Ooi, qigong naturally brings together several mechanisms involved in lymphatic circulation. “Slow, rhythmic movements of the limbs, deep and coordinated breathing, gentle rotations of the spine and torso that compress and then release the abdomen, and repeated movements of the arms above the heart,” she lists.

The combination of gentle muscle activation, diaphragmatic breathing and torso movements may help to encourage lymphatic flow, while the meditative pace offers an opportunity to unwind. Specific evidence for qigong’s effects on lymphatic circulation is still limited, but its broader benefits as a form of mindful movement make it a worthwhile addition to a daily routine. And there’s no need to master a complicated sequence, either. “Two or three movements performed slowly for 10 minutes will be far more beneficial to you than a 20 minute sequence done at full speed,” says Ooi.

What you eat and drink matters, too. Staying adequately hydrated supports the body’s normal fluid balance, including the production and circulation of lymphatic fluid. Beyond drinking enough water, there’s growing interest in the potential role of polyphenols – plant compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties – in supporting lymphatic health. Found naturally in berries, beans, vegetables, tea and a variety of other plant foods, certain polyphenols are being investigated for their effects on lymphatic function. Some have been described as lymphagogues, or substances that may encourage lymph flow, although research in humans remains in the preliminary stages.

Rather than reaching for another supplement, the simplest approach is to eat a varied, plant-rich diet and stay well-hydrated. Ultimately, looking after your lymphatic system needn’t become another complicated wellness undertaking. A few deeper breaths, a little more movement, and a balanced diet are all practical ways to support a system that’s already working hard on your behalf.