I Tried the Lymphatic Drainage Tool that's All Over TikTok

TikTok has introduced me to so many things, from some of the best blushes I've ever tried to very specific makeup trends like "cloud skin" that have me rethinking everything I know about foundation formulas. One of the more recent discoveries I've made (if I can even call it that) is a specific lymphatic drainage tool that I've seen on almost every health & wellness account.

To be honest, the first time I saw it, I didn't know what it was. Because of the odd shape, I had to ask my sister (who's a Gen Z social media savant who knows every new wellness trend before it begins). I joked that my first instinct was to use it as a charcuterie board, but I soon learned its true purpose—to help move and drain lymph in the body. Ahead, read why it's my latest obsession, learn how to use it, and see the before-and-after pictures to prove its efficacy.

Let's back up and talk about what lymph is and how it functions in the lymphatic system. According to Giordana (Gigi) Vogel, a Colombian-born wellness expert and founder of De La Heart, "The lymphatic system is the most undervalued system in our body. It is connected to every other bodily system and has strong effects on your overall health."

The lymphatic system's job is to filter out cell and tissue debris. As lymph (a clear fluid that circulates the body and contains white blood cells) flows through lymph nodes (small glands that monitor and filter the lymph), it removes waste, protects the body against foreign invaders, and maintains the body's fluid levels. As such, it's important to overall health and plays a large role in the body's immune response. Yet it's not just the health benefits that people love—there are aesthetic benefits too. Proponents claim it can smooth the skin, reduce the appearance of cellulite, and generally create a slimmer, more contoured appearance.

"When you cultivate a consistent self-lymphatic drainage massage practice you improve your well-being and truly take control of how you look and feel," Vogel says. "You will reap benefits like increased circulation, reduced cellulite, boosted cell renewal, optimal detoxification process, more energy, and overall vibrancy."

While lymphatic drainage massages are all the rage these days, many people aren't aware that they work by supporting the lymphatic system and encouraging the movement of fluid through the body. "Traditional lymphatic drainage massage is a way to manually stimulate the superficial lymphatic layer that is located in the dermis—where the majority of your lymphatic vessels exist, right above the muscle bed. The strokes of lymphatic massage are designed to mimic your innate physiological pulse and propel lymph toward the lymph nodes for excretion," Vogel says.

So, where does this oddly-shaped lymphatic drainage tool come in? It's based on traditional wood therapy, in which a practitioner uses wooden tools of varying shapes and sizes to stimulate the body. Vogel says this practice is extremely popular in Colombia and Latin America, which is why she was inspired to create her own take on a wood therapy tool.

"I designed the Body Tool ($32) inspired by the traditional practices of lymphatic drainage & wood therapy," she says. "While traditional lymphatic drainage massage is done exclusively using your hands, I thought adding a wood-therapy-inspired tool would simplify the practice and make it more accessible to everyone." Even though it can be effective, Vogel says she finds traditional wood therapy to be too tough on the body, which is why she wanted to create a tool that would "merge the best of both worlds"—that is, work gently and effectively. She also wanted to create a tool that could mimic the benefits of a professional lymphatic drainage massage at home. (Yes, please.)

This is the difference in my legs after using the tool for less than five minutes. To be clear, I only used it on my right leg. I simply applied body lotion for slip and moved the tool in an upward motion in short, quick strokes (detailed instructions on how to use it will come in a minute). To me, my right leg looks smoother, slimmer, and even brighter than my left one. The dimpled appearance of the cellulite that hangs out around my outer thigh was visibly reduced. In comparison, my left leg looks swollen and—I hate that I'm using this word, but—lumpy.

Before you even reach for the tool, Vogel says it's important to "open" your lymph nodes. Doing so will encourage lymph to drain more efficiently. "Start by lightly pumping the lymph nodes located behind your ears, on your neck, in your armpits, in your groin area, and behind your knees to activate them since we’re going to be moving fluid towards them," she says. In my practice, I use my fingers to slightly press them about 10-15 times.

Then, it's time to reach for your favorite body lotion or body oil for slip.

Step 1: "Massage your arms by holding the tool in a vertical position, practicing smooth and gentle strokes as you glide the tool from your elbow to the armpit, and again from the wrist all the way up back to the armpit. Repeat this motion on the outer parts of your arm as well. Repeat three to seven times on each arm."

Step 2: Now, hold the tool in a horizontal position, and starting at the knee, "gently stroke your inner, center, and outer thigh all in upward motions toward your groin area. Repeat three-to-seven times per area in each leg."

Step 3: "Holding the tool in a vertical position, start at your ankle and gently stroke in an upward motion toward your knee. Repeat three to seven times per area in each leg."

Step 4: "Massage the back of your legs by holding the tool in a vertical position. We recommend using a step stool or a chair to help you easily reach the back of your knees, as you stroke upward motion until you reach the gluteal fold."

Step 5: "Holding the tool in a vertical position, massage the waistline going downward towards the lymph nodes that live in the sacrum and groin area. Repeat 3-7 times on each side."

I've gotten into the habit of using this tool about 3 times a week. In the morning, I'll use a dry brush before hopping in the shower. When I get out, I'll apply body oil and use the tool for about 10 minutes before getting dressed.

Vogel says she recommends using the tool three to five times per week. However, "if you want to use it more often...Go for it!" She also says you'll reap different benefits depending on which time of day you use it. "In the morning, you’ll feel lighter, more energized, and vibrant," she says. "You will also eliminate at a more optimal rate. At night, you will enjoy improved blood circulation and lymph flow after a long day, better sleep, prompt overnight cleanup, and early destruction of toxic buildup."

I use this lymphatic drainage tool in tandem with a dry body brush. The benefits of dry brushing are real, and I can totally see and feel a difference in the state of my skin. "I love, love dry brushing daily," Vogel says. "I find that my skin is brighter and smoother from it."

Vogel says you can repeat the same steps as the lymphatic drainage tool when you're dry brushing, "with the exception of your abdomen, which you dry brush in clockwise circles—this is the direction your colon runs and will help stimulate your digestion."